Can wild birds get frostbite?
Wild birds can get frostbite, especially in extremely cold weather conditions. When it does happen, it typically affects un-feathered or poorly insulated areas like: toes and feet, combs and wattles (in birds like wild turkeys) and occasionally beaks.
Frostbite is most likely to occur when: temperatures fall below -20°C (-4°F), especially with windchill, birds are weakened, sick, or underweight, and birds are exposed to prolonged cold without adequate shelter or food.
Some signs of frostbite in wild birds include: swollen, discolored or blackened toes or feet, limping or inability to perch properly, loss of digits or toes or general signs of lethargy or distress.
Any wild bird found with potential frostbite should be brought to Le Nichoir.