Q: What is the absolute coldest in CELSIUS that a chicken can survive?

[BigBlueHen53]

 

[Mrs. K]

When people start thinking about cold and warm, it becomes very tempting to close the coop up to save the heat. But what really happens is that you collect moisture. Think of being in a cold car with a bunch of people-almost immediately it if damp and the windows fog up. Damp chickens are cold chickens.

What you need is good ventilation to let that moisture out. And when you provide protection from the wind, a dry healthy chicken, neither too old or too young can take -35 degrees.

We don’t get a lot of those temperatures but usually a couple nights in the winter. However, I will admit I do not have chicken that live past 6 years. And only a few that live that long. I just always thought that was realistic. I was quite surprised when people post of 10-12 year old chickens.

Mrs K

 

[Chesco]

When people start thinking about cold and warm, it becomes very tempting to close the coop up to save the heat. But what really happens is that you collect moisture. Think of being in a cold car with a bunch of people-almost immediately it if damp and the windows fog up. Damp chickens are cold chickens.

What you need is good ventilation to let that moisture out. And when you provide protection from the wind, a dry healthy chicken, neither too old or too young can take -35 degrees.

We don’t get a lot of those temperatures but usually a couple nights in the winter. However, I will admit I do not have chicken that live past 6 years. And only a few that live that long. I just always thought that was realistic. I was quite surprised when people post of 10-12 year old chickens.

Mrs K

-35C or -35F?

 

[saysfaa]

-35C or -35F?

-35 C is -31 F
-35 F is -37 C
It just doesn't really matter when it is that close to the temp they are the same (-40). At least not when talking about hardiness in a live being.

 

[Chesco]

When people start thinking about cold and warm, it becomes very tempting to close the coop up to save the heat. But what really happens is that you collect moisture. Think of being in a cold car with a bunch of people-almost immediately it if damp and the windows fog up. Damp chickens are cold chickens.

What you need is good ventilation to let that moisture out. And when you provide protection from the wind, a dry healthy chicken, neither too old or too young can take -35 degrees.

We don’t get a lot of those temperatures but usually a couple nights in the winter. However, I will admit I do not have chicken that live past 6 years. And only a few that live that long. I just always thought that was realistic. I was quite surprised when people post of 10-12 year old chickens.

Mrs K

You think chickens can handle -35F/C in a dry coup??? :S
That sounds too cold for them.

 

[Chesco]

UPDATE:

An AMAZING video showcasing that chickens can handle -35C weather within a greenhouse shed, with other valuable feed info:

 

[Mrs. K]

Mine have lived just fine through -35 degrees. And it is cold, but all winter birds live through it too.

 

[Down Under]

-30c that is crazy cold. There is also using compost to heat your polytunnel/greenhouse:

 

[Chesco]

Mine have lived just fine through -35 degrees. And it is cold, but all winter birds live through it too.

appreciate your feedback from a 1st time Chicken daddy

 

[Kwitt]

Thank you so much for all those that have chimed in their opinions so far.

Anyone else care to share their experiences on the topic?

I just wanted to say, whether or not they can "survive" is basically an inhumane attitude. I want my chickens to be happy, well fed, and warm. I am checking on them every few hours and making sure they are okay in sub zero temps. They have a heated waterer outside in a covered area, their coop is insulated on the top, the bottom has thick pine shavings that I clean every morning, and their run is wrapped in visqueen on three sides to keep the wind out. They don't like the cold, but still hop around outside during the day and can go back in the coop when it gets too cold. Still laying one egg each per day. I'd bring them indoors to watch tv with me, but hubby says no.