Find the best cold hardy chicken breeds and heat tolerant breeds using our tool below.
Contents
Chicken Breed Selector
Looking for more suggestions on raising chickens in the winter? Read Do Chickens Need Heat in the Winter?
How to Keep Chickens Warm in the Winter
- Insulate the Coop: Use straw bales or foam board to insulate and reduce drafts.
- Add a Heat Source: Use a heat lamp or safe heater to provide extra warmth.
- Use Deep Bedding: Layer straw or wood shavings for insulation and natural heat.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Allow airflow to avoid moisture but keep drafts out.
- Keep Water from Freezing: Use heated waterers or wrap water containers with heat tape.
How to Keep Chickens Cool in the Summer
- Provide Shade: Ensure shaded areas with trees, tarps, or shade cloth.
- Fresh Water: Always offer plenty of fresh, cool water (add ice cubes if needed).
- Use a Fan or Misters: Install a fan in the coop or a misting system outside.
- Offer Cool Treats: Serve watermelon or frozen fruits to keep them hydrated.
- Increase Ventilation: Use vents or mesh windows to improve airflow in the coop.
Explore Chicken Breeds Based on Temperature Needs
Here’s a table outlining chicken breeds with their cold hardiness or heat tolerance and general notes for each breed:
| Chicken Breed | Cold Hardy/Heat Tolerant/Neutral | General Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leghorn | Heat Tolerant | High egg production, active, and hardy, often used commercially. |
| Rhode Island Red | Cold Hardy | Hardy, excellent foragers, and great for cold climates. |
| Plymouth Rock | Cold Hardy | Friendly, calm, great for beginners, and adaptable to cold weather. |
| Buff Orpington | Cold Hardy | Friendly, calm temperament, great for families, excellent for colder climates. |
| Australorp | Cold Hardy | Excellent layers, calm, and hardy in both cold and mild climates. |
| Wyandotte | Cold Hardy | Hardy, adaptable to cold, known for beautiful plumage and good egg production. |
| Sussex | Cold Hardy | Excellent layers, calm, and great for cold climates. |
| Easter Egger | Neutral | Lays colored eggs, friendly and adaptable to various climates. |
| Barred Rock | Cold Hardy | Hardy, friendly, great for beginners, and good in cold weather. |
| Silkie | Cold Hardy | Very calm and affectionate, known for ornamental qualities, but sensitive to extreme temperatures. |
| Cochin | Cold Hardy | Large, friendly, good for ornamental purposes, and thrives in colder climates. |
| Brahma | Cold Hardy | Large, gentle, cold-hardy, good for meat and eggs, and great for winter. |
| Faverolle | Cold Hardy | Friendly, docile, and lays brown eggs, good for cold climates. |
| Marans | Cold Hardy | Known for dark brown eggs, hardy in cold weather, and calm temperament. |
| Ameraucana | Neutral | Lays blue eggs, friendly and easy to handle, adaptable to different climates. |
| Jersey Giant | Cold Hardy | Large, calm birds, great for meat and eggs, and tolerate cold well. |
| Campine | Heat Tolerant | Good egg layers, active, and great foragers, prefer warmer climates. |
| Hamburg | Heat Tolerant | Active, excellent foragers, prefer warmer climates, and smaller in size. |
| Ixworth | Neutral | Developed for meat production, also a good egg layer, tolerant to varying temperatures. |
| Lakenvelder | Heat Tolerant | Hardy, good foragers, and prefers warmer climates with its unique appearance. |
| Malay | Heat Tolerant | Large, striking, good for meat, and better suited to warmer climates. |
| Naked Neck | Heat Tolerant | Hardy, often used for meat production, and resilient to heat, good for warmer climates. |
| Red Star | Heat Tolerant | High egg production, hardy, and excellent in warmer climates. |
| White Leghorn | Heat Tolerant | Extremely prolific, hardy, and thrives in hot temperatures. |
| Black Australorp | Cold Hardy | Very productive, calm, excellent for laying eggs, and does well in colder climates. |
| Blue Andalusian | Heat Tolerant | Good layers, hardy, and thrives in warmer climates, with beautiful blue feathers. |
| Sebright | Cold Hardy | Ornamental, friendly, and good for show, does well in cooler temperatures. |
| Belgian D’Uccle | Cold Hardy | Small, friendly, and ornamental, does well in cold climates. |
| Chantecler | Cold Hardy | Cold-hardy, calm, good for both eggs and meat, thrives in chilly weather. |
| Spitzhauben | Heat Tolerant | Hardy, active, and prefers warmer climates, known for its “V” comb. |
| Old English Game | Neutral | Small, active, excellent foragers, and adaptable to a variety of climates. |
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