Keeping a Mediteranian breed in a cold climate

[lomine]

I ordered 5 pullets from the Meyer's Hatchery Rare Breed assortment with one of my orders. One of them is a Sicilian Buttercup. The description says it's a Mediterranean breed that isn't well suited to cold climate. I live in central Colorado. We do get cold snaps were it can reach below zero but the average winter daytime temps are normally 30s to 40s. We also get snow but it normally melts within a few days thanks to the intense sun. I will admit I hadn't thought about the possibility of getting a breed not suited to my environment; I might not have selected that option if I had. Nonetheless, I have her now. Does anyone have experience with warm weather breeds in cold areas? What can I do to help her get through my winters? (I don't plan on heating the coop as I know all the cons.)

 

[BantyChooks]

I haven't kept Sicilian Buttercups specifically, but I keep Leghorns (also in the Mediterranean class) in an area where it quite frequently goes below zero. I have not had any issues with them. Honestly, I think the whole "These birds are fragile flowers" is nonsense, the Serama being the only exception.

 

[lomine]

I'm glad to hear that, thanks. I know most chickens are hardier then most are lead to believe. She is very sweet and curious so I hope she does well.

 

[BantyChooks]

I'm glad to hear that, thanks. I know most chickens are hardier then most are lead to believe. She is very sweet and curious so I hope she does well.

I hope she does too. Keep us updated on how she does.

How old is she? Getting any sort of chicks this late in the year might present issues if you can't run heat out. That is, unless your winters come late.

 

[lomine]

She is 3 weeks old. She and all the others are already in the coop. They have a mama heating pad and a large heating plate, one of the ones that you can raise up as they grow. I plan to leave those in the coop until they no longer need them.

 

[BantyChooks]

She is 3 weeks old. She and all the others are already in the coop. They have a mama heating pad and a large heating plate, one of the ones that you can raise up as they grow. I plan to leave those in the coop until they no longer need them.

Oh, perfect! Sounds like she's all set.

By the way, pretty avatar. Looks like my WH, Brooke.

 

[lomine]

Oh thank you. Her name is Petunia.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

I am in the opposite position. I have two buff orpingtons, that started to get heat exhaustion this Summer. The day time temp got up to 108, they started to display stress at 103 degrees. They are not recommended for hot areas. I had to soak them in a tub of cool water twice on two separate nights and once on the hottest day. Finally, I went down to Walmart an bought a misting system. Together with the box fans, they were able to adapt. So next Summer I will just run the misters when the temps start to near 100. You can always put a fleece saddle or apron on your little buttercup. They also sell chicken boots if think her feet may get frostbitten. Hey, don't laugh...I have some for my hens and a rooster. LOL
Best of Luck!

 

[keesmom]

I ordered 5 pullets from the Meyer's Hatchery Rare Breed assortment with one of my orders. One of them is a Sicilian Buttercup. The description says it's a Mediterranean breed that isn't well suited to cold climate. I live in central Colorado. We do get cold snaps were it can reach below zero but the average winter daytime temps are normally 30s to 40s. We also get snow but it normally melts within a few days thanks to the intense sun. I will admit I hadn't thought about the possibility of getting a breed not suited to my environment; I might not have selected that option if I had. Nonetheless, I have her now. Does anyone have experience with warm weather breeds in cold areas? What can I do to help her get through my winters? (I don't plan on heating the coop as I know all the cons.)

I'm in MA and we have Buttercups. They haven't been bothered by winter at all. No heated or insulated coop here. Not fond of snow but most chickens aren't.

Fayoumis are the only breed we've encountered that seemed truly bothered by cold temperatures.