Looking for winter hearty breed for hatching. Rather pick up in MA

[chickeypoo]

i was surprised that turkens are so winter hardy. we live in WI and only have a light in the coop. no insulation. I have never lost a turken to the elements. they are closed up most times in the winter with the choice to go outside(yeah they don't though) i do leave their little door open to get out and i do see foot prints in the snow sometimes. i don't have just turkens but those are the ones that i think are the best i have had lol.

 

[barnwife]

Brahmas are supposed to do well in cold, but it is a breed I have only had her ein Texas.

When I lived in northern Ohio, on the lake, folks up there DONT put electricity in their barns....many not even in their houses (Amish country).

Here are a few of the breeds that do well there (winters get to -20 plue wind chill often enough...so just as cold as MA)

MUTTS
Rhode Island Reds
Wyandottes
Easter-eggers (auracana or ameraucana, or mixes of either)
Barred Rock/Plymouth Rock (MA originated breed)
Cochins...but keep a dry area for them at all times...their foot feathering can be extensive and gather a lot of snow/slush
Australorps
Orpingtons


Combs tend to freeze/frostbite and pieces fall off...so choosing breeds with smaller combs might be wise.

Placement of coop and size per bird will have more an effect on what birds might have issues...a large coop will not hold the heat as close to the birds as you may need, and a coop that catches the brunt of every storm would quickly wisk away the heat generated by even an overcrowded coop pretty quickly.

Just be careful, do your research. Good luck on building a flock, and welcome to BYC!