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Excellent research and thanks for the info. I have noticed the same in some of my flock. I have an EE hen that lays a lovely blue egg but she is a cross bred by a friend who is a vet. Susan is creating what she calls "Alaska Eggers" they lay the beautiful blue eggs but they are much more hardy than a typical hen and have a very compact rose comb plus they seem fluffy underneath, like there is more down to their downy layer.
I usually have the luxury of our temps dropping pretty evenly through late September and early October so that there is no real "snap" but a steady decline into cold. I think that helps the birds acclimate. Because of predators, all mine are locked in at night, but they do get the option of going out all year round, it's their choice.
Interestingly, I have 4 silkies, 3 years old, one roo has a pretty big comb, never a bit of frostbite on him AND they all still have all their toes. Could it be that evilness eliminates any temperature sensitivities? Hmmm.
thanks again for the great info.