Cold weather chickens
February 13, 2007 - 5:55am
As publicity director for the Society for Preservation of Poultry Antiquities, I have had several inquires recently about chicken breeds that thrive in cold conditions. I've posted some information on my blog at www.poultrybookstore.com. The web site focuses on my new book coming out this month, "How to Raise Chickens" from MBI Publishing in St. Paul.
Chanteclers, Wyandottes, Dominiques, Buckeyes, Javas and Norwegian Jaerhons are all comfortable in cold weather.



I note your Question and wish to add my own inverse question. What breed of chickens can survive in very hot [99 to 100+ degree temperatures daily for months on end - Texas Gulf Coast, specifically the Houston, Texas area. Humidity in the 90% to 100%+ zone.] And this for months on end - May to October sometimes.
We only get those temperatures for a week or two each year, and most of my chickens have no trouble with those conditions when we do. I have Marans, Rhodies, Black Australorps, White and Brown Leghorns, Partridge Rocks, Barred Rocks, a Golden laying mix, and a few others. The one exception to this is Speckled Sussex, which died of heat prostration at about 105degrees.
Generally speaking, if chickens have shade and enough water, they can handle hot weather fairly well. The soft feathered varieties with lots of fluff, such as Cochins, may feel the heat more than hard-feathered breeds. Make sure they can avoid direct sun and are not stressed by being chased or other annoyance.
With their hot climate backgrounds, Orientals, [Egyptian] Fayoumis, Sicilian Buttercups, which have roots in Africa, and Madagascar Games do very well in hot weather. Naked Necks, an offshoot of Madagascar games, do well in both hot and cold weather. They are just plain tough chickens.
What kind of chickens do you have now?
Some animals are just weak with this kind of weather. Not healthy for them.
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