Fall is coming around the corner, meaning feed stores and hatcheries will be stocking up on chicks, and it's important to choose the right kind of breeds for where you live. I live down in NC, meaning it's super hot all summer, and sometimes it can get cold during the winter, so I try to have a mix of cold and heat hardy breeds, though most of the time my final choice depends on which breeds I really want. So here's a list of cold-hardy chicken breeds to help with your decision, hope you enjoy! I'll be making one on heat-hardy breeds later next week, so stay tuned!

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Photo from The Chicken Chick
Which breeds are cold-hardy?

Most breeds that are described as cold-hardy have the same features. They'll have small "pea" combs and large bodies. Chickens deal better with the cold anyways, but here's a list of birds that are cold hardy:
  • Orpingtons
  • Barred Rocks
  • Rhode Island Reds
  • Australorp
  • Silkie
  • Wyandotte
  • Ameraucana
  • Brahma
  • Cochin
  • Favarolle
  • Easter Egger
  • Marens
  • Welsummer
  • Sussex
  • New Hampshire Red
  • Delaware
  • Barnevelder
  • Bantam Brahma
  • Dominique
  • Buckeye
Even though these breeds are cold-hardy, they still have the risk of getting frostbite and getting cold at night. Roosters have a higher chance of getting frostbite as they have bigger combs and wattles than a hen. Rubbing vaseline on their combs can help prevent frostbite, along with tucking smaller birds in between two bigger, fluffy hens. Giving your flock warming winter treats such as room-temp oatmeal, cayenne pepper (helps circulate their blood to combs and wattle to prevent frostbite), sute blocks, and scratch will help keep them warm.
Leave a comment if you want me to write about my suggestions on how to keep your chickens entertained and warm during winter, I'd be happy to help! Thanks for reading,
Dancing with Chickens
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