Anyone with experience raising Sicilian Buttercups in the Northeast?

[galefrances]

I foolishly ordered two Sicilian Buttercups without reading up on them first. I'm Sicilian and couldn't resist. But now that my impulsiveness has worn off, I'm concerned about the cold winters we have here in New York State. I know, I know.....dumb right. Anyway, just how low a temp can these beautiful Sicilian girls tolerate? We don't plan on heating the coop and it's well built, draft free, but not insulated. This is my first time raising chickens so I don't know just how cold the coop will get. Our garage gets down to about 52 degrees so I'm guessing the coop will be similar. That's of course if we have a mostly mild winter. Any suggestions?

 

[Marty1876]

I foolishly ordered two Sicilian Buttercups without reading up on them first. I'm Sicilian and couldn't resist. But now that my impulsiveness has worn off, I'm concerned about the cold winters we have here in New York State. I know, I know.....dumb right. Anyway, just how low a temp can these beautiful Sicilian girls tolerate? We don't plan on heating the coop and it's well built, draft free, but not insulated. This is my first time raising chickens so I don't know just how cold the coop will get. Our garage gets down to about 52 degrees so I'm guessing the coop will be similar. That's of course if we have a mostly mild winter. Any suggestions?

Sicialians are darling. A little flighty, but not bad chickens. Especially if your Sicilian! Salutamu

I think if you keep them above 50* you will have no trouble at all. You might consider using a larger lightbulb for night only, or when temps dip below freezing to ensure their comfort and happiness. That'll also keep them laying pretty good for you.

If you have windows, plastic them in winter inside and out for additional protection. That said, the resent constant cooping, and will need access to outside on all but the worst days, if possible. They are like us, passionate and full of life, not wanting to rot in a building all the time, unless there is good food, good wine, and good company.

 

[galefrances]

Thanks! That makes me feel better. I was really starting to be concerned I might lose them over the winter. But my husband said if worse comes to worse, we'll just bring them inside for the winter. They'll have access to a large run and my husband will put a roof on it so they'll be protected from the elements. We can put the plastic on the windows too. The last couple of winters have been fairly mild, so here's hoping!