Cold weather breeds

[CK Chickadilly]

I live in Michigan about 1 & 1/2 miles from Lake Michigan. Our last winter was very cold, windy & just down right HORRIBLE!!!! They are predicting the same type winter if not even worse this winter! UGH!!!

I am planning on getting some laying chicks/hens in the spring. I have a few breeds picked out but wondering how hardy they really are? I want them of course for their eggs & hear that in the winter with dimished light they don't lay. Now my friend who is about an hour away has Australorps & she said that they laid all winter with no lights on them. Any advise as to what would be a good hardy winter chicken that can still lay eggs with out lighting.

Lighting is not possible with my set up. I have other animals that would love to chew the cords & wire. That would not be a pretty sight!

I wanted to get Buff Orpingtons, Australorps, barred Plymouth rock, Rhode Island Reds.

Thanks!

 

[freshegg]

I have RIR in massachusetts and just got golden comets, plus heard red star are winter hardy too

 

[thepickleguy]

Try going on www.mypetchicken.com . They have a chicken choosing section that allows you to define the kinds of chickens you'd like such as winter hardy, egg color, temperment etc. You'll get pics as well as a little more about each breed. Hope that helps

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I don't know if this will help but was reading up on Cuckoo Marans and it stated not good in cold climates.
I also have a partridge cochin hen who had a heat stroke this summer. So many feathers and fluff. She's doing better now, a little motor skill deficit and still living in on my dining room table this past 2 weeks! I keep her in if temp goes above 85 degrees.

 

[greenthumb89]

your best bet is to look for dual purpose birds like i did. i looked for the ones with te most feathers...cochins, austrolorp, orpington. i also got some ameraucanas that are awesome here and i have a salmon faverolle that is doing very well

 

[MagsC]

I believe Brahmas are cold hardy birds.

 

[debilorrah]

Buff Orpington's - winter hardy and good layers all winter too.

 

[LittleChickenRacingTeam]

I find these guys do really well in up here in Canada.

Actually Chantecler's were specifically bred for the cold Canadian climate. Good winter layers & not prone to frostbite. Also considered a heritage breed.

http://www.cfagrf.com/Chantecler_chicken.htm

 

[chantecler]

HI!

I vote for Chanteclers too

If you think you have miserable winters, try New Brunswick Canada!!

These girls will lay year round. They are friendly and easy to handle.

 

[CK Chickadilly]

Hey...thanks for all the advise! You guys are awesome!