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Frostbite is common welfare issue for backyard chickens living in areas which experience below-freezing temperatures. It is a misconception among poultry owners that "cold-hardy" breeds are invulnerable to frostbite. All chickens are susceptible to frostbite, no matter the breed. The parts of the chicken's body that are most vulnerable to frostbite are their extremities---the comb, wattles, toes, feet and legs. Roosters with single combs and large wattles have an increased risk of developing frostbite in those parts of their bodies.
Chickens and other bird species experience something called a hunting reflex, which consists of intermittent vasodilation to help preserve tissue viability in their extremities. However, as the temperature continues to drop, this vasodilation stops. As the tissue freezes and blood flow stops, extracellular ice crystals develop. This results in cell death and increased blood viscosity, which can lead to thrombosis. Vascular inflammation and thrombosis may not be limited to the damaged extremity. Birds have an increased risk of secondary damage to their heart.
Stages of frostbite
Frostbite severity can range from complete resolution without significant secondary complications, to gangrene, sloughing, and amputation of extremities following frostbite. The severity depends on factors such as absolute temperature, wind chill, duration of exposure, wet/dry cold, immersion, age, and overall health of the bird.
- First degree – Often referred to as frostnip, it involves the freezing of the surface level of skin. The bird's comb or wattles will turn an off-white, pale color. If their feet and legs are affected, they will appear slightly reddened.
- Second degree – If freezing continues, the skin may completely freeze and harden, but the deep tissues are not affected and remain normal.
- Third and fourth degrees - In severe frostbite, this stage affects all layers of skin and the tissues beneath. As the affected tissue dries, it will turn black (as a result of gangrene), and slowly mummify and fall away from the surrounding healthy tissue---at what is known as the line of demarcation. The line of demarcation in birds may take 3 to 6 weeks to develop.
When birds develop frostbite, the long-term effects seen in the surviving tissue includes increases susceptibility to cold re-injury, sensory loss, decreased circulation, and osteoarthritis.
Initial Treatment
If the tissue is still frozen, slowly warm the affected area(s) of the body. Keep the bird inside in a comfortable recovery area which will not run the risk of re-exposing them to the cold. Keep the affected body part clean and dry. Apply ointment and provide supportive care until you can bring the bird in to see a veterinarian.
It will usually take 10 days to 6 weeks for the tissue to present itself as necrotic and the line of demarcation to form. The line of demarcation is the separation between healthy tissue and dying (necrotic) tissue. This process is extremely painful for the bird. They should be taken to see a veterinarian.
What NOT to Do
- Do not use direct heat (such as a heat lamp, hair dryer, heating pads, etc,) to rewarm the affected area.
- Do not rub, massage, shake, or otherwise apply any physical force to frostbitten tissues, as it can cause more damage to the affected area.
- Do not let chickens walk on frostbitten feet or toes, as walking will increase the damage. Restrict movement through the use of a sling-type restraint.
- Do not try to remove the blackened areas. These areas actually protect the remaining, living tissue. Removing the blackened areas can expose the living tissue underneath and increase the risk of secondary infection.
- Do not put the chicken back outside.
- If there is potential for refreezing of an area, do not attempt to thaw, as thawing followed by refreezing can cause even more damage to the area.
Clinical Signs
Pale discoloration to blackening of tips and edges of comb and/or wattles
Blistering of comb
Edema in feet and/or legs
Blackening of feet and/or legs
Proprioceptive deficits (clutched feet, unable to straighten)
Mummified tissue
Diagnosis
Reported Cases
- Case 1: Frostbite in a Parrot An approximately 5-year-old female grey-headed parrot was evaluated after exposure to outdoor temperatures below —20°C (—4°F) for approximately 22 hours. Severe frostbite affecting multiple digits, as well as dehydration and a depressed attitude, were diagnosed. Treatment included oral antibiotics, antifungals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), pentoxifylline, and topical aloe vera. Surgical amputation of the affected toes was not performed. Mild to moderate pododermatitis over the intertarsal joints developed because of a shift in weight bearing after the loss of most digits. Within 5 months after initial presentation, all frost-damaged toes had self-amputated, and the bird was able to function independently with no limitations in mobility. Ref
Treatment
Name | Summary | |
---|---|---|
Supportive care | Bring the chicken inside and call your vet. Treatment should begin as soon as possible, before necrosis occurs. | |
Pentoxifylline | 15 mg/kg PO q8–12h for 2 to 6 weeks; has been shown to significantly improve tissue survival in frostbitten animals, both alone and in combination with aloe vera cream and aspirin. | J Wellehan 2003 |
Surgery | Your veterinarian may need to remove the necrotic tissue or perform amputation surgery during the late stages after the line of demarcation has formed. | |
Antibiotics | To help prevent secondary infections. | |
Pain medication | Frostbite is extremely painful for birds and analgesia is essential. Tramadol, carprofen, meloxicam or gabapentin is indicated. Not acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen. | |
Apply aloe vera or SSD cream to affected area. | ||
Keep the area(s) as clean as possible | May require bandaging in cases involving legs and feet and daily soaks in Epsom salt. |
Support
Prevention
- Provide your chickens protection from cold temperatures by winterizing coop (insulate and prevent cold drafts), keeping bedding dry, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture build up, and providing a heat source (other than a heat lamp).
- Perform a physical exam on each chicken, especially ones with large combs and wattles, after cold nights for signs of frostbite.
Scientific References
- Tu, Huiyin, et al. Dexamethasone Improves Wound Healing by Decreased Inflammation and Increased Vasculogenesis in Mouse Skin Frostbite Model Wilderness & Environmental Medicine (2020)
- Laskowski-Jones, Linda & Jones, Lawrence J.. Frostbite: Don't be left out in the cold Nursing2018 (2018)
- . Rooster with Frostbite Littleton Animal Hospital (2015)
- S Ehrlich. Frostbite University of Maryland Medical Center (2014)
- C Handford et al. Frostbite: a practical approach to hospital management Extrem Physiol Medicine (2014)
- D Swayne, J Glisson, L McDougald, L Nolan, D Suarez, V Nair Disease of Poultry . Wiley-Blackwell (2013)
- B Coles Essentials of Avian Medicine and Surgery: Third Edition. Blackwell Publishing (2007)
- J Wellehan, DVM, MS Frostbite in Birds: Pathophysiology and Treatment. Compendium October 2003 (2003)
- von Heimburg D, Noah EM, Sieckmann UP, Pallua N.. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in deep frostbite of both hands in a boy. Burns (2001)
- Calle PP, Montali RJ, Janssen DL, Stoskopf MK, Strandberg JD.. Distal extremity necrosis in captive birds J Wildl Dis. (1982)
- Wallach JD, Flieg GM. Frostbite and its sequelae in captive exotic birds. J Am Vet Med Assoc. (1969)
- . High Altitude Frostbite JAMA (1944)
Good Overviews
- J Jacob Frostbite in Chickens. Extension (2015)