Free Range chickens.

[poultryluvr18]

Thank you for all of the suggestions!! I'm sorry, but I think I failed to mention that I live in Idaho, so it can get down to about -20 degrees, so they would have to be very cold hardy. Also, I've heard that dubbing is good to keep them from getting frostbite. Is it worth it? Becuase I would think that it would really hurt them!

 

[WallTenters]

I would then choose a rose comb breed. That's why we get started with Dominiques. It was -30 in the morning for several days this winter where we are, and the hens were still laying. Rose combed birds tend to be more cold hardy, and the Dominique is especially cold hardy and is known for laying well through winter.

As far as dubbing, I think it would hurt much less than continuous frostbite, but I know plenty of folks who keep birds of all comb types in all kinds of weather. Proper ventalation and coop design is more important than the comb type from what I've been told. I guess you could dub birds with single combs, to prevent frostbite if you are worried about it.