Porcelain D'uccle - are they hardy enough for N.Y.

[nine9d]

Hey all,
I am hoping to get my chickies next year and I wanted to inquire about the Porcelain D'uccle breed and if they are hardy enough for N.Y. winters and summers. I looked up average temps for my area and in January the high is 35°, and 15° for the low. In July, the average is 84° high, and 64° low.

I am also interested in Easter Eggers Bantam variety as well. Thanks all!

- Ross

 

[Tlmcq]

I used to keep mille fluer d'uccle in Ohio and we have similar weather/temps. Also, these birds are originally from Belgium which is a cooler climate than NY.

 

[nine9d]

Thanks so much for your reply. I'm reading up on the varieties and I just want to be sure I giving proper care and all. If anyone else has some info, please do not hesitate to share. Thank you!

 

[Then I Will]

I also assumed that being from Belgium they would do well in Pennsylvania winters, let alone New York winters. Generally, any of us chicken keepers this far north will winterize the coop.
I think the main concern would be moisture/ice building up around their boots and on their foot feathers. Feathered feet can be more difficult to keep clean and dry when things get muddy and icy.

I saw some in show at the PA Farm show in Harrisburg last week. The contestant was from Harrisburg. This breed was so elegant looking that now I'm fancying the breed as my next project. I'd love to have a couple as my first bantams.

 

[Folly's place]

I've had Belgian d'Uccles for decades here in Michigan, and they do just fine in winter. They are very nice little birds, lay a good number of eggs per year, and often are good broodies. Sometimes the cock birds will get a little frostbite on their comb tips, but nothing serious. You will like them! Mine aren't SQ, but nice birds.
The third picture is a hen with both her chicks and some EE bantam babies.
Mary

 

[nine9d]

Thanks for the bump and info. I have one in my pending order to come this April! Woo Hoo!

 

[Suzi18]

I have a Porcelain D'uccle and I'm in Northern Ohio. Right on the lake. We just had a couple weeks of brutal cold and she did fine. I do winterize my coop and have a shop light with 150 watt bulb that I fasten to the wall so they can stand under it or huddle under it if they want to. They rarely do though. Good luck with your chickens