Asher (Cindy) lives on that side of the state actually. She'd be a great one to ask. Not only is she a postal carrier and sees a lot around the area, she's also helped a friend find a home. She's a sweetheart and is great about answering stuff like this. I'll email the link to this post to her...
No major cold here in NC and it's VERY chicken friendly. But near the mountains is better than near the shore IMO. I wish we could live over that way.
Good luck in your hunt to find a new home. I'm glad you're looking for somewhere that's critter friendly.
Stacy