What is too cold for Orpingtons ?

[LizzzyJo]

The weather says it may be -6 degrees tomorrow night. My coop is not heated and not wired for heat. When do I need to bring my lavender and blue Orpingtons into the house? I’ve heard -20 and -10 defrees. Is that wind chill or real temp?

Thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine have done fine into the -20's with -40 plus wind chills. That's Fahrenheit. I wouldn't worry.

 

[Acre4Me]

Orps are a heavier breed that tolerate cold well, I recall reading. They should be able to handle -6F just fine. Your coop should be draft free though as birds can keep themselves warm with their built in down coats when there isnt a draft.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Mine have done fine into the -20's with -40 plus wind chills. That's Fahrenheit. I wouldn't worry.

Oh my gosh. Reading this just relaxed me so much. Thank you, thank you! This first winter is hard on my nerves. They’re 10 months old and they still seem like helpless little peep peeps in my eyes. But in reality they’re huge, puffy, tough girls.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Oh my gosh. Reading this just relaxed me so much. Thank you, thank you! This first winter is hard on my nerves. They’re 10 months old and they still seem like helpless little peep peeps in my eyes. But in reality they’re huge, puffy, tough girls.

I have had roosters lose comb points and wattles to frostbite, but the hens generally do fine. They have a thick down coat and will hunker down next to other birds if necessary.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I've read where some put vaseline on the combs to prevent frostbite but oddly as it sound, ventilation less the draft is the key. Some add extra shavings, hay, bales for insulation but Orpingtons are "cold hardy" breed. Love my Orpingtons, unfortunately have had only the Buffs (still love them).

 

[aart]

I've read where some put vaseline on the combs to prevent frostbite

I've read that too....but living in a frigid climate I know it's best to leave those combs alone.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I have no experience with freezing weather I enjoyed my time in Montana & Wyoming, love the rural setting in some areas but the thought of Winter
Reading = information/experience sharing, we use that info to figure which would work for us. The only way we learn is trying, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for all

 

[WindingRoad]

Oh my gosh. Reading this just relaxed me so much. Thank you, thank you! This first winter is hard on my nerves. They’re 10 months old and they still seem like helpless little peep peeps in my eyes. But in reality they’re huge, puffy, tough girls.

If they are fully feathered they will be fine. I live in West Central Maine in the mountains and we've had temps lower than that. They will be fine you will be surprised at what they can tolerate.

 

[WindingRoad]

I've read that too....but living in a frigid climate I know it's best to leave those combs alone.

I would treat if needed But I don't think they need anything preventative except a good coop environment. DRY no drafts ventilation. Some kind of bedding to lay on etc. Common sense. I have my can of Bag Balm right here by the back door and I know how to use it.