How cold is too cold for my chickens?

[FEATHERFIELD]

I just finished bringing lukewarm water out to the chickens. It is 11F (-12C) out this morning, and we have 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of new snow, so they haven't ventured out yet. Everyone was fluffed up and fine, and about half of the birds hadn't gotten off their night perches yet. Just another winter day in upstate NY.

I am in Southern Ontario and I believe our climate is similar. Let’s hear it for snowpants!

 

[Snowbelt]

I am in Southern Ontario and I believe our climate is similar. Let’s hear it for snowpants!

The primary difference is that we tend to get our lake-effect snow off of Lake Ontario, and Southern Ontario tends to get more from Lake Huron! Otherwise, not much difference in temperatures or winter duration. Snow pants work great!

 

[Mrs. K]

The problem I had with warm mash, was it quickly freezes solid. Mine like corn bread much better!

 

[ColoradoChicken89]

For the most part I think it depends your chickens. The guy who used to keep chickens here, had some very generic chicken from mexico.. they did not like anything below freezing (32). They litterally would huddle so close they would suffocate each other, so he had to use heaters just to prevent that. Mine are EEs with muffs, and they seem to prefer the cold (though we haven't had any days below 10 to know how they do with single digits or below). They want out of their coop even on the single digit days, and have to be coaxed into their coop at night.

Orphingtons I know are known to do well in the cold hardy though, so really I wouldn't assume the type of chicken to be an issue.... Also, it is also a very dry cold here in colorado, where if I remember correctly Minnesota is a much more wet cold, which might have different results because of the humidity? IDK.

I personally would say attempting to keep any large area at or above 40 would likely be expensive, and kinda hard to maintain. Though, if you are noticing your chickens shiveirng or cold issues, it isn't a bad idea to give them a corner or small area they can get warm...

 

[FrostRanger]

For the most part I think it depends your chickens. The guy who used to keep chickens here, had some very generic chicken from mexico.. they did not like anything below freezing (32). They litterally would huddle so close they would suffocate each other, so he had to use heaters just to prevent that. Mine are EEs with muffs, and they seem to prefer the cold (though we haven't had any days below 10 to know how they do with single digits or below). They want out of their coop even on the single digit days, and have to be coaxed into their coop at night.

Orphingtons I know are known to do well in the cold hardy though, so really I wouldn't assume the type of chicken to be an issue.... Also, it is also a very dry cold here in colorado, where if I remember correctly Minnesota is a much more wet cold, which might have different results because of the humidity? IDK.

I personally would say attempting to keep any large area at or above 40 would likely be expensive, and kinda hard to maintain. Though, if you are noticing your chickens shiveirng or cold issues, it isn't a bad idea to give them a corner or small area they can get warm...

Very true, breed absolutely makes a difference. All my birds are winterhardy breeds so they love winter. Some breeds such as naked necks and silkies aren't as cold resistant so might require extra consideration. Above all though pay attention to what your birds are telling you, they will let you know how they're feeling if you pay attention. From there you can decide if you need to act