How cold of temperatures can chickens handle?

[5lovelyhens]

I have four 1 1/2 year old chickens and two 4 month old chickens. How cold temperature can they handle?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

As long as they have shelter from any direct winds or wetness they can handle pretty low temperatures, we can sometimes get down to -20's with -40 windchills, my chickens are in an uninsulated shed, they do shiver on those days but I get them some warm water and food and I get them scratching around and they are fine, I have never had a chicken freeze to death.

 

[QueenMisha]

Depends on the breed. Normally feathered, standard sized, or small-combed fowl will handle cold better than Silkied/frizzled, bantamized, or large-combed fowl.

For the average DP breed hen, down to about 15-20F comfortably without a heater.

With a heater, probably well into the negatives.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I keep frizzled cochins and had have silkies, never provided any heat, and mine go outside on nice days.

 

[donrae]

OP--where are you located?

 

[aart]

My standard large fowl birds handle negative F's just fine....no heat is needed as long as dry and out of wind.
Even had a broody with chicks last winter....lowest was -12F.