Chickens For Cold Climates
When raising backyard chickens, one of the most critical considerations is researching the breeds best for your location. If you live in a hot climate, you need a heat-tolerant breed, but a cold, hardy chicken is best in the colder, northern climates. If you choose the wrong breed for your climate, you will likely have sickly chickens or suffer losses in your flock. Some people who choose the wrong breed make a temporary shelter where the climate is more conducive to raising healthy chickens. To avoid extra work and disappointment, picking the best chickens for cold climates is essential. In this guide we will give you our best tips for choosing chickens for cold climates. Adaptations that help chickens thrive in colder temperatures Once you select a cold-hardy chicken breed, some adaptations will help your chickens thrive in a colder climate. Your priority is ensuring the coop and run are large enough to accommodate your flock. Chickens will seek shelter simultaneously, so you need adequate space to house them simultaneously, with perches for each chicken. Also, add perches to the run and yard area for chickens wandering outside. Use simple items like straw or hay bales, thick tree branches, tree stumps, or anything chickens can safely roost on up off the ground. Here are other steps to keep your chickens happy and healthy during the winter. Common Health Concerns for Chickens in Cold Climates Chickens are hardier than most people think, and many breeds acclimate to colder climates. No set temperature is considered too cold for chickens, and most can survive frigid temperatures as long as you take winterizing precautions. However, there are some illnesses or injuries chickens are more susceptible to during the cold winter months. Chickens are hardier than most people think, and many breeds acclimate to colder climates. No set temperature is considered too cold for chickens, and most can survive frigid temperatures as long as you take winterizing precautions. However, there are some illnesses or injuries chickens are more susceptible to during the cold winter months. Top Hardy Chicken Breeds for Winter Weather Not all chickens are built for cold climates, but certain breeds can handle the harsh, northern winters better. Even some of these breeds do well in the warmer climate of the southern states. There are a few characteristics that these breeds have that let you know they can handle the cold. Chickens made for cold climates will have a larger body for holding in the heat, extra layers of dense, plush feathers, small wattles, and combs for a lesser risk of frostbite. My pick for top chicken breeds for cold climates: Choosing the Right Breed Based on Environment and Care Needs The first thing to consider before starting your chicken flock is what you want to gain from keeping chickens. Do you want chickens for meat, for eggs, or as pets? Each breed has a primary use that should steer your decision to what breed to pick. Next, consider your environment and the care involved in keeping the breed you select. Besides the climate, feed supply sources, room to care for the flock, noise levels, and area restrictions figure in choosing the perfect breed of chicken. Winterizing Your Coop: Care Tips for Keeping Your Chickens Warm and Safe