Thinking off adding chickens, deciding on breed(s)

[Widlast]

Hello all,

I have a large garden which I intend to fence in and have a few chickens.
I've had Cochins in the past (wonderful birds) but see there is much more available now.
I like the D'Uccle Bantams, and Silkies, my wife likes the looks of Polish.
I noticed that in the description of Crevecouer they mention that it is not "cold tolerant".
How cold is "cold"? In Maryland, most winter nights don't get below 20 F, and they would be
in a heated coop (actually part of a greenhouse).

What do you suggest?

 

[Folly's place]

I've never had birds with 'tophats', but have heard that in freezing weather, they need to be trimmed to prevent ice buildup. Too much work for me! You could check on the breed threads about it. They are cute, though. Mary

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've had all the breeds you mentioned except the crevecoeur. They do look just like polish. My polish do fine, actually all my chickens do fine and are all winter hardy. Some of my polish get their crests trimmed. They are flighty and hysterical birds, not always the best of pets. With your temperatures any breed will work out okay. Just make sure you have a roomy coop and a good sized run, that's more important in my opinion.