We have been raising different breeds of chickens here in Rhode Island for over twenty years. Most chicken breeds can tolerate low temperatures without compromising their well-being and health.
So, what cold can chickens tolerate? Chickens are hardy birds and can survive freezing temperatures, but prefer warm climates. The ideal temperature for raising chickens is around 70-75OF (21-24OC).
Many beginning and seasonal chicken farmers find it difficult to keep their flocks warm during the winter. We recommend certain precautions to ensure the comfort of the hens despite the cold.
This article provides detailed information on temperature too cold for chickens and how to keep them warm without electricity. Take the time to read the steps to prepare your partners for winter.
Contents
What cold can chickens tolerate? (chickens and adults)
Most breeds of chicken can withstand cold temperatures below freezing. But the ideal temperature for raising healthy chickens is around 70-75OF (21-24C). Also, keep chicken coops warm and dry throughout the winter to prevent disease.
Adult laying hens can also lay eggs when the temperature is below freezing. High temperatures generally affect egg quality and reduce egg production and appetite. (Character font: University of Florida).
Baby chickens are more sensitive to cold temperatures than adults. Their small size and immature feathers make them vulnerable to cold weather illnesses. We recommend an ambient temperature range of 90-95. aOF (32-35OC) for chicks 1-10 days old.
Maintain the room temperature at around 70-75°C (21-23°C) when the chicks are five weeks old. These chicks will have developed fluffy feathers for warmth in cold weather.
If you live in regions with a cold climate, we recommend that you breed chicken breeds that can tolerate low temperatures. Don’t leave your chickens outside in sub-zero temperatures.
Chicken breeds with less dense plumage can thrive and survive in hot climates. My rule of thumb is to invest in breeds of chickens that are most challenging for your local (regional) climate.
How to prepare chicken coops for winter
Extremely cold weather can affect the well-being and health of the chicken. Here are some quick tips for overwintering chicken coops and keeping your flocks warm and comfortable:
waterproof roofs
Inspect the floor, walls and roof of the cabin for holes that could allow water to enter during the winter. Repair the chicken coop by sealing the holes to prevent the hens and their litter from getting wet.
sufficient ventilation
Chickens thrive in a warm, dry coop because it is disease free. A properly ventilated chicken coop is dry and free from the smell of ammonia coming from the vent. Also, an airtight coop is not safe for chickens.
delete drafts
Inspect the coop for air sources blowing air directly onto the chickens. The main causes are window and door frames. Cover these openings to control the amount of air flowing into the passenger compartment and to stop the flow of cold air.
insulate the walls
Chickens can get sick if exposed to extremely cold temperatures. By insulating the wall of the chicken coop, the hens are better protected from the cold. The attic retains as much heat as possible in winter.
Frost resistant water fountain
Chickens can drink water despite the cold. Use a built-in heating pot to prevent water from solidifying in winter. Freezing weather can cause water to freeze, preventing chickens from drinking.
How do chickens stay warm when it’s cold?
The ideal temperature for chickens is 65-75OF (18-24.)OC). But these backyard birds can also tolerate temperatures up to 40-45OF (4-7OC). Here’s how chickens stay warm in cold weather:
Digestion
All living things generate heat by digesting food. Therefore, we recommend feeding your chickens whole grains and dry corn as they are more difficult to digest.
The chickens’ body will produce more heat at night so they can stay warm in cold weather. Chickens burn more calories in the winter to keep warm.
raise the leg
Chickens lose heat through their legs and legs because they are thin and featherless. The hens stick one leg at a time in the feathers of their belly to keep warm. We recommend resting the hens on a wide board so they can stand on one leg.
the main fold
Most chickens put their head under a wing while they sleep to protect the comb and wattles from freezing in the winter. The comb is the main source of heat loss in chickens in cold weather.
Cold-tolerant chickens have little or no comb, while heat-resistant breeds have a large comb to promote body heat loss. Thus, chickens cool their body temperature in summer by losing heat while combing.
fluffy feathers
All chickens develop fluffy feathers in cold weather to trap tiny air bubbles close to the body. These small air sacs keep warm air close to the body and prevent cold air from reaching the body.
More air trapped near the body insulates the chicken from the cold. The behavior forces the hens to moult each fall to encourage the growth of new feathers in the winter to ward off the cold.
sleep side by side
Chickens often nest together at night to keep warm. Sleeping side by side reduces the body surface exposed to cold air. You may find that your herd fights at night because no one wants to be last.
A chicken can generate about 10 watts of power; twenty chickens can produce about 200 watts. We recommend raising a dozen chickens to keep them warm in cold weather.
my last thoughts
Winter can be a scary season for new chicken owners, but chickens can tolerate temperatures below 40-45. bearOF because they are hardy birds. Plus, they have tricks and tweaks to keep you warm when it’s cold.
We recommend overwintering chicken coops so your flock can get through the cold without getting sick. Be sure to offer them whole or broken grains to extend digestion time and generate more heat.
If you’ve read this far, I can assume you’re a beginner in raising chickens. We hope this information will help you keep your herd warm in cold weather. Feel free to share the article with your family and other new chicken owners.
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