Wind, Snow, and Poopsicles

We had really strong winds earlier last week, and part of the plywood on the coop that protects the girls from wind/rain/snow blew off.  I had my handyman fix it.

Actually, Will fixed it, but it Alex brought his hammer along too.

Then, all the snow melted and we were left with a whole lot of mud and chicken poop.  All the frozen poop-sicles melted and it became quite a mess.  It was almost like spring for about two days, and then we got another 8 inches of snow.

Meanwhile, I have been worried that one of the chickens had frostbite because of a black spot on her comb.  I looked it up online, and in the books/magazines I have on chickens.  There is a wealth of information on the subject, but varying opinions on what to do (ranging from nothing, to antibiotic treatment, to surgical removal of the comb).  Finally, I called my dad and asked him what to do.  (My dad has had over 80 chickens in the very cold UP).  His advice?  Kill the chicken and have soup tonight.  Thanks, dad.

Now I think it wasn't frostbite.  I think it might have been a peck wound.  I might have to stop giving them the chicken mash, because maybe they're fighting over it.  Alex gave them a stern talking to about learning how to share and playing nice.  I think he put Sandie in time out for a few minutes.  I am sure that will help.   I'll keep a close eye on it and hope it doesn't return.