You may be shocked to find out that some breeds of chickens don’t do all that well in cold environments. After all, they all seem to have a thick layer of feathers!
No matter if you live in a hot or cold climate, there’s a specific breed of chicken that will be best suited for the climate you live in.
In this article, we’ll go through which characteristics are desirable in cold-weather breeds, and then move on to the best 10 breeds for colder environments. Considering these chickens made the top 10 out of 500 recognized breeds is quite amazing! With these hardy and adaptable chickens, you can rest easy knowing that your flock will thrive through the harshest of winters.
What Characteristics in Chickens are Best For Cold Environments?
- Thick Plummage: Thick plumage on a chicken can be an important adaptation for cold weather because it provides insulation and helps to trap body heat close to the skin. The feathers create a layer of insulation that can help to reduce heat loss and maintain body temperature in colder environments.
- Comb Type: In cold weather, chickens with smaller and less pronounced combs are generally better adapted to the cold. This is because larger combs, such as the single comb found in many breeds, can be more susceptible to frostbite in extreme cold. Some breeds with smaller or less pronounced combs that may be better suited for cold weather include Pea comb breeds, such as the Ameraucana and Buckeye, Cushion comb breeds, such as the Brahma, and Rose comb breeds, such as the Wyandotte and Sussex. You will notice that single combs are amongst some of the chickens I mention here. It’s good to note that as long as a single comb is not overly large it should be just fine in cold weather
- Body Size: Body size can be an important factor in a chicken’s ability to cope with cold weather. Larger chickens generally have a lower surface area-to-volume ratio than smaller chickens, which means that they lose heat more slowly and are better able to maintain their body temperature in colder environments. In addition, larger chickens may also have more body fat and muscle mass, which can act as a source of energy to help them generate heat and maintain their body temperature. This can be particularly important in colder environments, where chickens may need to expend more energy to stay warm.
- Critical Temperature: The critical temperature of a chicken is the point at which its metabolism must increase to produce enough body heat to maintain its internal temperature. This temperature varies depending on the breed, feather type, and other factors. The lower the better!
- Metabolic Rate: The metabolic rate of a chicken is the rate at which it uses energy to maintain its bodily functions, such as digestion, respiration, and movement. This rate is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, weight, activity level, and temperature. Chickens with a high metabolic rate have an easier time maintaining their body temperature in cold environments.
Instead of listing each characteristic of each chicken breed, I’ve drawn up a table for your reference at the end of the article! Below I’ll just summarize each chicken and some studies that’s been done on each showing that they truly are wonderful breeds for cold climates.
1. Rhode Island Reds
Rhode Island Reds are a popular breed of chicken that is hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for cold environments. They are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities and have a reputation for being friendly and easy to manage. With their hardy nature, Rhode Island Reds can handle even the harshest of winter weather.
There is a study titled “Effect of Temperature on Performance and Blood Constituents of Three Strains of Layers in Hot and Cold Environments” by Shafey and others. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of temperature on the performance and blood constituents of three different layer strains, including Rhode Island Reds, in hot and cold environments.
The study found that Rhode Island Reds had better egg production and feed efficiency than the other two strains, and they also had a lower mortality rate in cold environments. Specifically, the Rhode Island Reds maintained their egg production and feed efficiency even at lower temperatures, whereas the other two strains showed a significant decrease in these parameters.
For my complete guide on Rhode Island Reds, check out my article on Rhode Island Reds!
2. Plymouth Rocks
Plymouth Rocks, also known as Barred Rocks are another breed of chicken that can handle the cold with ease. They are hardy, adaptable, and great egg layers. These chickens are also known for their docility and friendliness, making them an excellent choice for families with children. These beautiful chickens have a thick layer of black and white feathers that make them one of the neatest looking breeds.
A study titled “Productive and reproductive performance of Plymouth Rock and Barred Plymouth Rock laying hens under low ambient temperature” by Kacem and others. investigated the effects of cold weather on the productive and reproductive performance of Barred Plymouth Rock laying hens.
Overall, this study suggests that Barred Plymouth Rocks are well-suited for cold environments due to their superior performance in low ambient temperatures, their excellent feathering, and their efficient feed conversion rates.
3. Wyandottes
Wyandottes are a hardy breed of chicken that is perfect for cold environments. They are known for their ability to adapt to changing weather conditions. Wyandottes are also excellent egg layers and have a reputation for being friendly and docile. Wyandottes also look very similar to the Plymouth rocks with their color pattern of black and white.
One study titled “A Comparison of Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Modern and Heritage Turkeys and Chickens under Seasonal Production” by Freytag and others investigated the growth performance and carcass characteristics of modern and heritage breeds of chickens and turkeys, including the Wyandotte breed, under seasonal production in a cold climate.
Overall, this study suggests that Wyandotte chickens are well-suited for cold weather environments due to their good growth performance, efficient feed conversion rates, and excellent cold tolerance.
4. Australorps
Australorps are a breed of chicken that was developed in Australia for their ability to lay eggs in any weather condition. They are also hardy and resilient, making them an excellent choice for people who live in cold climates. These chickens are also known for their docile nature. Australorps are dark black chickens, sometimes with a tent of green (especially in the tailfeather areas), beautiful!
A study was conducted by researchers at the University of New England, Australia, and published in the journal British Poultry Science in 2013. The study aimed to investigate the cold tolerance of four different breeds of chicken, including Australorps, in low temperatures.
The study found that Australorps were one of the most cold-tolerant breeds, with a lower critical temperature (the temperature at which chickens begin to increase their metabolic rate to generate heat) of around 4°C. The researchers noted that this could be due to the breed’s large body size and thick plumage, which helps to insulate them from the cold.
5. Orpingtons
Orpingtons are a hardy breed of chicken that is well-adapted to cold environments. They are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them a great choice for families. Orpingtons are also excellent egg layers, making them a practical choice for people who want a friendly and productive flock. Buff Orpingtons are also great at raising their young. You will find that they tend to get broody quite often.
6. Sussex
I’ve seen quite a few different color schemes with Sussex chickens, my favorite being the brown and white color pattern. Sussex chickens are another breed that is well-suited to cold environments. They are hardy and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for people who live in areas with harsh winters. Sussex chickens are also known for their friendliness.
A study published in the journal Poultry Science in 2001 investigated the cold tolerance of six different chicken breeds, including Sussex, in low temperatures.
The study found that Sussex chickens had a lower critical temperature (the temperature at which chickens begin to increase their metabolic rate to generate heat) of 7.6°C, which was among the lowest of the breeds tested. The researchers noted that Sussex chickens had a higher metabolic rate than some other breeds, which may help them to generate more heat and maintain their body temperature in cold weather.
7. Welsummer
The Welsummer chicken is a dutch breed of domestic chicken. Welsummers have a thick feather quality, a moderate body size, and a moderate metabolic rate, making them excellent cold-weather chickens. It is also known for its efficient nutrient utilization and hardiness, making it a great choice for colder climates.
8. Buckeyes
Buckeyes are a breed of chicken that is well-adapted to cold environments. They are hardy, resilient, and great foragers for food, which makes them a popular choice for people who want free-range chickens. Buckeyes look very similar to a Rhode Island Red to me and lay through the winter.
A study published in the journal Poultry Science in 2001 investigated the cold tolerance of six different chicken breeds, including Buckeye, in low temperatures. The study found that Buckeye chickens had a lower critical temperature (the temperature at which chickens begin to increase their metabolic rate to generate heat) of 4.9°C, which was among the lowest of the breeds tested.
The researchers noted that Buckeyes had a relatively low metabolic rate, which may help them conserve energy and maintain their body temperature in cold weather.
9. Chantecler
Chanteclers are a breed of chicken that was specifically developed in Canada for cold climates. They are hardy, resilient, and adaptable, making them an excellent choice for people who live in cold climates. Chanteclers are also very friendly as well. This is the only known breed ever to be developed in Canada.
A study published in the journal Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology in 2016 investigated the physiological responses of two chicken breeds, including Chantecler, to cold exposure. The study found that Chanteclers had a higher body temperature and metabolic rate in response to cold exposure compared to the other breed tested. The researchers suggested that Chanteclers may have a greater capacity for thermogenesis (heat production) in response to cold temperatures.
10. Brahma
These Chickens have feathers all the way down to their feet! So you can imagine that Brahmas are a breed of chicken well-suited to cold environments. Like Buckeyes, They are hardy, resilient, and great foraging for food, which makes them a popular choice for people who want free-range chickens. Brahmas also have feathers down their legs, cute! Brahmas are also very friendly and great with the kiddos!
A study published in the journal British Poultry Science in 2005 investigated the effects of cold stress on Brahmas and two other chicken breeds. The study found that Brahmas had a higher body weight gain and feed intake during cold stress compared to the other breeds tested. The researchers suggested that Brahmas may have a greater capacity for nutrient absorption and utilization during cold stress, which could help them maintain their body temperature and energy balance.
Brief Overview With Table
| Chicken Breed | Feather Type | Comb Type | Body Size | Critical Temperature | Metabolic Rate | Average Number of Eggs per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Red | Medium | Single | Medium | 6.2°C | Moderate | 250-300 |
| Plymouth Rock | Medium | Single | Medium-Large | 5.5°C | Moderate | 200-280 |
| Wyandotte | Thick | Rose | Medium | 5.9°C | Moderate | 200-250 |
| Australorp | Medium | Single | Large | 5.5°C | Low | 250-300 |
| Orpington | Thick | Single | Large | 4.9°C | Low | 180-200 |
| Sussex | Medium-Thick | Single | Medium-Large | 5.5°C | Moderate | 250-300 |
| Welsummer | Thick | Single | Medium-Large | 5.5°C | Moderate | 180-240 |
| Buckeye | Medium-Thick | Pea | Medium | 4.9°C | Low | 150-200 |
| Chantecler | Medium-Thick | Pea | Medium | 5.5°C | Low | 180-220 |
| Brahma | Thick | Pea | Large | 6.1°C | Low | 140-200 |
This article was originally published on farmapt.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.
What’s the Best Breed of Chicken for Cold Weather?
In total, the Rhode Island Red is the best chicken for cold weather. The fact that Rhode Island Reds can maintain their high egg-laying capabilities and also still thrive in cold weather is what most expert chicken keepers are after. They may not win in every category, but most people tend to keep chickens for their eggs and this must be taken into account!
However, any chicken on this list will do you proud in the winter, so take your pick!
How to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter
I strongly encourage you to look for tips on keeping chickens warm. I’ve written an entire article on this very subject here: How to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter.