Anyone from colder climate states/countries can help me here?

[Cluky]

Hi I like in Ill and would like to know if anyone with cold winter climates have successfully raised d'Uccles? Any colors. I love that breed but do not want ot get them if it is impossible because of their cold intolerance.

 

[CarlisleCluck]

I currently have 5 porclein d'uccles that are about 8+ weeks old. I bought them from a woman about 30 miles from me who raises them...we live in upstate New York, which I would consider "cold"! Obviously I can't speak to how well mine will do, but hers are thriving. I don't know her particular setup (heated coop??), but I have silkies (as well as lots of other breeds) and they all did fine this past winter in an unheated coop with other birds. On the very coldest days (-10) I did put a heat lamp in there. I didn't let them out of the coop if it was very cold, or windy, or snowing, but they were the first ones out the door on sunny days - even if there was snow on the ground.

I will be interested to see what others have to say!

 

[janinepeters]

My friend has raised them here in Massachusetts. They did okay in her unheated coop, I guess. The hens never laid much, but I think this breed is reputed to be poor layers even with supplemental heat and light. The roosters do get frostbite to the comb, however, in cold climates without supplemental heat. Frostbite is painful, and the stress of it causes reduced fertility in males. So if I were you, I would either heat the coop, or find a breed with rose, pea, or walnut comb, and a reputation for cold hardiness.

 

[Cluky]

Oh that is reassuring. I just love the breed but wasn't sure.