Winter hardy layers??

[mtripp]

Well Mr. Coyote depleted my assorted flock, got 9of13. I'm looking to replace and increase the flock. Looking for about 25 of the best winter hardy layers. I had a mixture of buff's and some unknown red and white ones. Just looking for some input from those that have experience. Red star, cinnamon queens seem to be the best on paper layers that I can find but not sure how they hold up in Maine winters or how well the free range?? I've also seen some assorted 25packs that are interesting.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Since our climate is similar and since I don't heat the coop, I also like cold hardy birds. Must have. I actually find the Red Sex Links to be reasonably hardy and lay very well through the winter. I like the Rocks for this as well. The Rhode Island Reds have no issues either. The Red Sex Link will rival the Leghorn in laying, that's a fact. I do not know where your birds will come from, as that does make a difference as to the "special blend" of the hatchery you'll use.

 

[mtripp]

Duplicate post

 

[mtripp]

The assorted I saw at pure poultry. And good point, I do not heat my coop either.

 

[mtripp]

Production reds look to be good producers as well? Will any chicken hold up in the cold?

 

[upthecreek]

Well Mr. Coyote depleted my assorted flock, got 9of13. I'm looking to replace and increase the flock. Looking for about 25 of the best winter hardy layers. I had a mixture of buff's and some unknown red and white ones. Just looking for some input from those that have experience. Red star, cinnamon queens seem to be the best on paper layers that I can find but not sure how they hold up in Maine winters or how well the free range?? I've also seen some assorted 25packs that are interesting.

Most breeds and all standard producers will fill the bill for what you are wanting . Study them and you will see and find what you are looking for .
But most important for winter layers (as far as that goes any particular season layers) is "when your pullets were born and what you feed them" !!!
I will not suggest what works perfect for me(keeps the birds healthy and robust year after year) as it usually causes discourse . I do not feed according to what the feed companies advise by no means . It takes common sense and getting completely out of the popularity ruts that seem to eventually cause all the bird's problems . But some chickens especially young ones can withstand the feed companies "prison camp rations" and still do good for a year or so .

Best to You ,
Shannon

 

[mtripp]

Quote: Most breeds and all standard producers will fill the bill for what you are wanting . Study them and you will see and find what you are looking for .
But most important for winter layers (as far as that goes any particular season layers) is "when your pullets were born and what you feed them" !!!
I will not suggest what works perfect for me(keeps the birds healthy and robust year after year) as it usually causes discourse . I do not feed according to what the feed companies advise by no means . It takes common sense and getting completely out of the popularity ruts that seem to eventually cause all the bird's problems . But some chickens especially young ones can withstand the feed companies "prison camp rations" and still do good for a year or so .

Best to You ,
Shannon

What do you feed? If it too controversial for here then send me a private message Staff: Publishing email addresses on a public forum is highly discouraged. You might just send a private message asking your question.

 

[bogwitch]

I live in Wisconsin where it can get to -20 with several weeks in the single digits. I do not heat my coop nor do I use supplemental lighting. My coop walls are insulated however, with what most people would consider a lot of open ventilation at ceiling height. I also keep all food and water in the run, so my chickens had to go outside every day.
This may surprise you, but my leghorns are the only ones who kept laying through winter. I know they aren't supposed to be "cold hardy" but they did just fine, with the tips of their combs getting just a bit of frostbite (as did the comb on my production red). It has already healed. So, go figure! Second recommendation would be my production red for winter laying.