Cold Hardy Breeds, looking to add to flock

[RoxReck]

In March I'm looking to add blue egg layers to my current flock. I live in South Eastern Michigan. I was thinking of adding, Americanas and Easter Eggers. I was wondering if these breeds are cold hardy? Also, I'm looking to add 2 brown egg layers. I was thinking Buff Orpington and Australorp. Are these breeds cold hardy as well? Thank you.

 

[cavemanrich]

What you are looking to add are cold hardy breeds for your area. I am in a similar climate zone as you are. Those chicken breeds are quite common here.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Callender Girl]

I live in Zone 4, where it's not unusual to have wind chills in the negative double digits and occasional actual temps there, too. My oldest hen is a Buff Orpington, and my flock also includes two Easter Eggers. All have well-ventilated coops, small attached runs for the days they opt to brave the cold and/or snow, access to plenty of water and feed. No winter woes with any of them.

No personal experience with the other two breeds, so I defer to @cavemanrich on those.

Welcome to BYC; let us know what you decide and when they arrive!

 

[WIchickMama]

I live in zone 4 as well, I do not have those breeds but I do have 3 Brahmas and they do really well in the cold

 

[Iluveggers]

Zone 5B here, it gets in the negatives a few times every winter. Our Australorps are doing great!

Easter Eggers and Americanas are the same thing just FYI. If you want Ameraucanas (see the spelling difference), with their pea comb they also do very well in cold temps. Both EE & Ameraucanas will do great in the snow, as will Orpingtons!

 

[JedJackson]

Ameraucanas and Easter eggers both are great for cold climates. They are well feathered, and aren't prone to frostbite because they have small pea combs and no wattles.

 

[CWhite67]

Ameraucanas are spectacular cold hardy birds. Highly recommend them, of course I'll add that you cant beat chanteclers for cold weather birds, even though they aren't blue egg layers.

 

[Tervuren]

Doesn't get as cold in part my of Idaho as it does in Michigan, but we've gotten down to 0F, and my Australorp, EE, and Bielefelder have all done very well this winter. Even though the Australorp and Bielefelder have single combs, they're smaller and closer to the head in comparison to say a Leghorn.

 

[Happy hen lover]

I'm on 5b and Australorps do great.

 

[T-R-O-U-B-L-E]

Since you have Brahmas you may know this breed. Cochins are very cold hardy breeds and lay brown eggs.