About to move to a much colder climate. I’ve got a mixed flock. What chickens will do well?

[WindingRoad]

I’ve got quite the mixed flock of chickens. 13 hens & 2 roosters. I need some advice on what breeds I have already that will do well in their new home. I’m moving from Vancouver, WA to Bend, OR. The lowest temps we get here are in the 20s. But Bend can get down to the single digits. I plan on having a hot plate out in the coop to help my chickens stay warm during winter. No heat lights. They will have some of their run be covered to keep some of the snow out & keep them cool in the hot summers. My questions are thus. Of my birds which ones will do ok down there & which ones should I find new homes for?

my flocks breeds are:
Black langshan
Buff & lavender orphingtons
Rhode Island red
Novagen (brown hybrid sex link)
Salmon faverolle
Black copper maran
Easter egger
Red speckled Sussex
Swedish flower hen
Blue laced red Wyandotte
Silver polish

I know from my research that the faverolle, Sussex, Wyandotte, langshan, & orphingtons are supposed to be cold hardy. I just need to know who would do best down there. Please

Heated coops are for fried chickens. I want eggs. Gets down to -20- -30 here in Maine. Ventilation is the key. Dry birds are warm birds. Wash your hands don't dry one of them go out in the cooooolllllld and see how that wet hand feels.

 

[saysfaa]

You might look at the concept and evidence of lots of ventilation (open air is one search term) instead of adding heat or trying to conserve heat in cold climates. I found it very convincing.

 

[CluckerFamily]

All of them will be just fine in OR.

 

[Folly's place]

It's true that your birds will acclimate to their new climate just fine.
I am wondering how you are doing with the import requirements for them? Make sure you have plenty of time to do whatever testing is required. Moving chickens is not the same as travelling with a dog or cat!
Mary

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Honestly having lived in southwest Washington and having family from Bend OR I'd be more worried about the heat! We visited for a week one summer and GOD I guess I'm just not made for 94°F days! But that's high desert for you! I agree with everyone else for keeping them warm, it doesn't get actually cold cold where I live but I still worry about their little chicken feet. We secure and staple old blankets cut to size onto their roosts and have never had any issues (but we also entirely baby them). Good luck over there! What made you choose Bend?

 

[Skyleen13]

It's true that your birds will acclimate to their new climate just fine.
I am wondering how you are doing with the import requirements for them? Make sure you have plenty of time to do whatever testing is required. Moving chickens is not the same as travelling with a dog or cat!
Mary

Testing? This will be my 1st move with chickens in tow. What kind of testing are we talking about here?

 

[Skyleen13]

Honestly having lived in southwest Washington and having family from Bend OR I'd be more worried about the heat! We visited for a week one summer and GOD I guess I'm just not made for 94°F days! But that's high desert for you! I agree with everyone else for keeping them warm, it doesn't get actually cold cold where I live but I still worry about their little chicken feet. We secure and staple old blankets cut to size onto their roosts and have never had any issues (but we also entirely baby them). Good luck over there! What made you choose Bend?

I’ve got family down there for one. Second I’ve got 3 very good job opportunities that I just can’t pass up. My family & I really need me to get one of these new jobs. I’m going nowhere fast in my current job & we are struggling to get by.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Testing? This will be my 1st move with chickens in tow. What kind of testing are we talking about here?

I believe some states require flocks to be tested for diseases before transferring them to another state, but I could be wrong on this.

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, that's true, and best to find out what might be needed in time to get it done!
Mary

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

I’ve got family down there for one. Second I’ve got 3 very good job opportunities that I just can’t pass up. My family & I really need me to get one of these new jobs. I’m going nowhere fast in my current job & we are struggling to get by.

I totally understand that, at 20 I'm now my families sole provider right now :') I hope the jobs work out for you even better than you could ever expect!