What Breed Should I Choose?

[MadisonOde]

I live in southwest Wisconsin. We want a breed of chicken that will be able to tolerate the cold winters. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Poultrybreeder]

My suggestion would be the Cochin, they are usually very friendly, and are cold hardy

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hello neighbor, I'm in central Wisconsin. I have tried many breeds, even silkies and I currently have frizzled bantam cochins in my bantam flock. I haven't found any to not be winter hardy.

Bantams will stay inside more during winters so if that's what you want than make sure you account for that. Large combed roosters may get frostbite on their combs. The hens are fine.

There are times when your birds will need to stay inside like during a blizzard so plan a bigger coop for those occasions.

Pick the breeds you want for the most part. A diverse flock is a colorful flock. I might stick with dual purpose breeds like Orpington, rocks, and Australorp to name a few. Lighter breeds are more flighty, bigger breeds are calmer.