Chicken is known to be much more productive in summer than in winter. However, certain breeds are known to stay hardy even in winter and lay eggs. These breeds are tolerant to cold weather owing to their physical attributes, such as dense feathering and small combs. Most importantly, these chickens are not grouped under feathered feet, which are a separate breed.
So, let’s get to know the chickens that are perfect layers even in winter.
- Wyandotte
Wyandotte is known for its beautiful plumage and is recognized as the most beautiful chicken. They can be found in a variety of shades and have the ability to survive the harsh winter. They are mostly found in North America and stay protected from the cold owing to their rose comb and dense feathers-covered body. They can lay eggs even in cold climates and are known to lay 4 large brown eggs every week. These are friendly, docile and calm birds, but are often found to be reserved when compared with other breeds. These birds can be kept both in confinement or left for free-ranging.
2. Delaware
Delaware were created around the 1940s and they are known to be newcomers, who were originally bred to be part of the broiler industry. They usually weigh 6.5 lbs and have been raised to produce 4 large eggs in a week. They can survive the harsh winter due to their dense plumage as it acts as an insulator. These birds are quite noisy and love to forage. Otherwise, they are a perfect fit to be part of your backyard coop, as they are friendly.
3. New Hampshire Red
New Hampshire Red are found in the offshoot of the Rhode Island Red creator and they are basically newcomers. They are low-maintenance chickens and are meant for dual purposes. These birds can fit along with a small family farm and produce 3 large eggs every week despite the cold harsh winters. They have dense feathers which keep them warm and work as an insulator, protecting them from the cold winters. These birds are quite friendly and calm and thus considered to be a pets.
4. Dominique
Dominique is said to be the oldest American chicken breed and was created in New England. These chickens love to forage for food and are known to be free runners. They have dense and loose feathers which help them to fight against the cold winter nights. They are also hardy, robust and quite gentle. These chickens are well-suited for urban living. However, they need care against frostbite where the rose comb and wattles get affected.
5. Welsummer
Welsummer are hardy winter chickens which is a Dutch breed and they were initially created for a dual purpose. They can lay beautiful terracotta-coloured eggs with light speckles even in winter and the number varies from 2 to 4 every week. These are free-ranging chickens, even though they also cooperate with the confinement. These birds are low maintenance and love to explore around, however, urban living is not meant for them as they are raucous.
6. Orpington
Orpington is known to be the most popular chicken and these are also called the English hens. These birds are quite friendly and even children can pick them up without any hesitation. They make good pets and can be easily recognized by their buff coat which is popular. However, they also have several color varieties and are most suitable for an urban setting. These birds are extremely quiet and do not like to fly. In colder months, these birds stay warm owing to their loose feathers that can stay warm, insulated and survive the winter. However, if they get soaked, then it takes hours for the feathers to dry which makes them fall sick and they can die. So, you need to take care of their lovely hen who can lay 3 – 4 light brown eggs every week. They are also gentle with other breeds and do not mind sharing the coop.
7. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock are known to be one of the most faithful breeds and have been there for a long time, created in New England in the 1800s. They are very much dependent on the owner’s care and maintenance. They are of several color variations and have dense feathers which help them to combat the harsh winters. They are a perfect fit for small homes and are quite calm and curious birds, and nothing bothers them.
8. Australorp
Australorp were created in Australia and they can easily thrive in the cold harsh winters due to their dense father coat. The underfluff of their feathers helps them to stay warm. These birds are quite robust and hardy. However, you might have to take care of the combs and wattles during the winter, otherwise they can become frostbitten. These birds are known to be better egg layers and can lay 4 to 5 light brown eggs per week.
9. Buckeye
Buckeye was developed by a woman and has the ability to thrive in harsh winters. They are known to be large dual-purpose chickens and can lay 3 medium-sized brown eggs every week. They can be a perfect backyard chicken but mostly like to roam freely and forage for food. They need a spacious coop to stay comfortably. These birds can be easily identified from their dark red feathers and resemble the tone of buckeye nuts. Their dense feathers allow them to get the warmth to survive the harsh cold winters. They have a pea comb, smaller wattles and are quite active chickens.
10. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red are known to lay eggs during the hot, and cold seasons and even in the wet and dry climate and can lay large brown 3 to 4 eggs every week. They were designed back in the 1800s and meant to fit the tag of being the perfect chicken. These birds have tightly placed feathers which are quite fluffy and help them to stay warm. However, they tend to get frostbitten so the owner has to take care of the comb and wattles, otherwise, these birds are seen roaming around even during the peak winters. They can often become fussy but otherwise have the ability to survive marginal conditions.
11. Chantecler
Chantecler was created by Brother Wilfred in the twentieth century who belonged to the Oka monastery in Quebec. These chickens are known for their nature of laying eggs even in the freezing winter of Canada. They lay 3 large brown eggs every week. They have feathers which sit tightly on their body to keep them warm making them ready to bear the harsh cold. These chickens also have cushion combs, and extremely small wattles and these shield them against frostbite. However, they suffer during the summer due to their dense father and thus, the owner needs to trim them, these birds are quite gentle and can be easily tamed. They are either white or buff coloured and they have been on the Livestock Conservancy’s watch list.
Tips to keep chicken in cold climates
Here are the must-apply practices that would help you to keep a well-maintained chicken coop even in winter.
Ventilate the Coop
Chickens usually suffer from frostbite during the winter, where the most affected parts are comb, wattles and feet. The problem can only be solved through proper ventilation. It would also fix the respiratory problems, by preventing the moisture from settling on the exposed part of the chicken. These vents would also release the ammonia fumes generated due to chicken poop.
Remove Drafts and Keep Coop Dry
The coop should be draft-free otherwise if the chicken sits on any draft, they might die due to hypothermia. Also, keep the coop dry and no water should accumulate overnight. Also, the floor should be covered with enough straws, so that the birds do not get their feet wet.
Provide Water and Treats
You need to provide the chicken with fresh and clean water, otherwise, they might stop laying eggs. You can change the water 3-4 times in a day to stop it from freezing, otherwise, you can also use a heated waterer. You can also try to rev up their metabolism by providing evening treats so that they can feel a little warm at night.
When Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Some of the chicken breeds start to show less production of eggs or might even stop laying eggs altogether mostly during the winter. Egg laying is highly influenced by the length of the day and surrounding temperature. As the days start to get shorter and the temperature around them drops due to winter, a reduction in egg production is seen. This change can be seen from the middle to late fall and is again revived during summer.
Why Do Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Chickens’ egg production is influenced by the hour of light and weather, as both start to reduce it signals the body to rest and conserve energy. Shorter days and cold weather are an indication of the arrival of winter. The chickens try to keep themselves warm and stop laying eggs, it is a natural process which helps them to stay alive, even during the harsh freezing winter.
How to Stimulate the Chicken to Lay Eggs in Winter?
You can either try to mimic the natural sunlight by providing high-powered light inside the coop for at least 12-14 hours, which would stimulate the chickens to lay eggs. Otherwise, you can also keep hardy chickens that are created to lay eggs during the winter.
