CHAPTER XXXIX 



FROST-BITE 



EXPOSURE to low temperature is the direct cause for 

 frost-bites, or commonly called frozen comb, and 

 the high single-combed varieties of poultry are more 

 easily affected than the smaller and rose, or peacomb, 

 varieties. The single-comb Leghorn and all similar 

 varieties must for this reason have special attention 

 during severe cold weather or they are bound to be 

 victims to this ailment. Under- feeding increases the 

 danger materially, and fowls of low vitality are more 

 subject to affection. 



Fowls which have not been too closely housed 

 from the beginning of the colder weather, and which 

 are given an enclosed, curtain- front roosting com- 

 partment, will in most cases withstand the severest 

 winter nights without having their combs affected. 

 Of course, it must be understood that the house is 

 well constructed, free from drafts and dampness. 



A common mistake is building the roosts too close 

 to the glass windows. Glass draws frost, and for 

 this reason it is not advisable to have too much glass 

 in a roosting house. All glass front poultry houses 

 are very warm during the day time when the sun 

 beats into them, but they are also exceptionally cold 



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