How cold is too cold?

[Stargrazer]

It's getting cold here in Florida (by my standards). Being new to owning chickens, I don't know how cold the temps can get that chickens can tolerate.
My hens are used to 80-90 degrees. It's going to get in the 40's this week. Do I need to supplement my girls coop with heat? I don't know cold is too cold for chickens. I'll keep looking for the info but thought the best place to ask is here.
Thanks very much

 

[Ducksandchickens]

What kind of chickens do you have?

I’m about 95% sure they will be ok since it’s warm there. Here in Ohio it’s about 14 degrees Fahrenheit here and my birds are fine

 

[tripletfeb]

What kind of chickens do you have? Most are cold hardy and will be ok in very cold weather. I'm talking 0°F. 40 is not cold for chickens! Make sure they have plenty of ventilation. Right now, it's 25° here in Ohio and my girls are loving it!

 

[Ducksandchickens]

What kind of chickens do you have? Most are cold hardy and will be ok in very cold weather. I'm talking 0°F. 40 is not cold for chickens! Make sure they have plenty of ventilation. Right now, it's 25° here in Ohio and my girls are loving it!

I’m from Ohio too!

 

[Callender Girl]

I understand your concern. I always worry about my chickens -- it's been in the teens here in northern Iowa. It's true some breeds do better in cold weather than others, but I try to reassure myself by watching tiny, little sparrows flit about regardless of frigid temps. Birds manipulate their feathers to keep warm and hunker down when it's chilly. I don't have any experience with chicken-raising in the south, but above-freezing temps don't seem likely to harm your babies. Here, there is a concern about winter frostbite, but your babies won't have that if it's in the 40s.

All my birds -- including my pullets born in September -- are doing fine. No one has heat in their coops because I am far more concerned about fire in the coop than chilly chickens. Good luck with your girls.

 

[EggWalrus]

It was 29° here in Lower Alabama last night and my chickens seem to love it. Even the babies. They're all running around this morning like little rockets.
I would worry about the cold unless it got below zero degrees or close with a lot of wind.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I only put my chickens inside the garage if it’s super windy, about -10 out. Last year the chickens were in the garage for about 2 weeks after it got super duper cold

 

[tripletfeb]

I’m from Ohio too!

 

[Clminer]

I’m worried too it’s supposed to be 19 here tonight. It’s my chicks second night in their big coop with no power and they are a hair over six weeks old. They are all feathered out and seemed comfy last night in the low 30’s

 

[GRB73]

I think for most breeds, 40 is very comfortable. You don't have to heat the coop. Personally, I worry about heat more than cold with my girls. At 80/90 degrees they are panting!

Do a little research on your chicken breeds. I hear that some, like silkies, suffer once temps go below freezing.

I think your girls will be fine. Maybe give them some warm scrambled eggs to take the chill off.