Plain Talk Fight the Freeze

By Mara Watts

As winter begins to set in, frostbite becomes a concern for backyard flocks when temperatures consistently drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially when accompanied by high winds.

“ If conditions are damp, susceptible breeds can experience frostbite at slightly higher temperatures,” says Dr. Bethany Hsia, doctor of veterinary medicine( DVM) and co-founder of CodaPet.

Dr. Hsia is a DVM, has worked at two veterinary clinics, is an active mobile veterinarian and is the cofounder of CodaPet, a startup supporting a network of veterinarians that offer at-home petcare. She’ s also a mom of two young children, two dogs and two cats. Just a year ago, Dr. Hsia’ s family lived on and owned a hobby farm in Fresno, CA, where they had dozens of chickens throughout the six years on the farm. With her experience, Dr. Hsia offers expert advice on what frostbite is and how to prevent it from occurring in a backyard flock.

Frostbite Prevention

Frostbite is a significant concern for chickens in cold climates, particularly affecting their combs, wattles and toes. Providing adequate ventilation without creating drafts is crucial to preventing moisture buildup, which can increase dramatically during cold conditions.

“ Poor ventilation increases the risk of frostbite,” warns Hsia.

On the other hand, proper ventilation helps remove ammonia and excess humidity from the coop, reducing the risk of frostbite.

To achieve adequate coop ventilation, Hsia recommends ensuring continuous airflow without direct drafts on the birds:“ Check for condensation on surfaces and feel for air movement at bird level on a still day. Make sure there are high vents near the roof and lower vents near the floor to create a natural convection current.”

Doing this allows warm, moist air to escape and

28 Winter 2025 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com