FROST-BITE 187 



at night; in other words, the temperature of the 

 house goes from one extreme to the other. Such a 

 condition is bound to produce many cases of frost- 

 bite. 



Fowls may also have their combs frost-bitten dur- 

 ing the day time, provided they are permitted to run 

 in unprotected runs during stormy, zero weather. 

 It is therefore advisable to keep the birds in the 

 houses and scratching sheds during the severest days. 

 Poorly constructed fountains are often the cause of 

 frost-bitten wattles, the latter becoming wet and 

 then exposed to the cold winds, which is liable to 

 result in a pair of frozen wattles. 



When a comb is frost-bitten, it turns purple, and 

 in severe cases black; in the latter condition it is 

 almost impossible to keep the affected part from fall- 

 ing off. As soon as the first symptoms of a frozen 

 comb are apparent, no time should be lost. The bird 

 must be taken in hand promptly; apply some snow 

 to the affected parts, or, if this is not at hand, some 

 cold water will serve. Use freely until the frost is 

 thawed out and the circulation is restored; after 

 which apply, mornings and evenings, a mixture of 

 six parts vaseline or lard, two parts glycerine and 

 one part turpentine. 



A bird affected with frost-bite should not be imme- 

 diately put into a warm room or placed where the 

 sun will reach it ; the main point is to start the circu- 

 lation gradually. 



