When temperatures fall below 60°F, chickens begin to experience cold stress, which can be severe and lead to death in extreme cases, writes Marisa Erasmus, PhD. She shares various factors that affect chickens’ susceptibility to cold stress. The article is relevant for poultry operations of all sizes, including the chickens in backyard poultry coops.
Source: Modern Poultry, March 2024. Link.
The ideal environmental temperature range for most poultry lies between 60 and 75°F.”
Also see: Winter care for backyard chickens, Chicken Whisperer. Link. Frostbite is a significant concern for chickens in cold climates, particularly affecting their combs, wattles and toes.
Image: Link.