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Breed shortlist
Breeds for cold winters
In a hard winter the comb matters more than the reputation. A tall single comb can freeze; a pea, rose or cushion comb sits close to the head and rarely does.
How the list is made
Breeds whose general traits describe them as cold hardy, with the very cold hardy first. 28 breeds in the catalogue qualify, and 28 of them can be ordered today. Sorted by how many listings are in stock.
| Breed | Eggs a year | Egg colour | Temperament | Climate | In stock | Pullets from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brahma | 150–200 | brown | Friendly | Very cold hardy; struggles in heat | 7 of 9 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Chantecler | 150–200 | brown | Calm | Very cold hardy | 2 of 2 | — |
| Cochin | 120–160 | light brown | Friendly | Cold hardy; struggles in heat | 21 of 21 | $14.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Wyandotte | 200–240 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy; rose comb | 10 of 13 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Orpington | 175–200 | light brown | Friendly | Cold hardy | 9 of 9 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Plymouth Rock | 200–280 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 8 of 8 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Marans | 150–200 | dark brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 8 of 10 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Ameraucana | 150–200 | blue | Calm, can be flighty | Cold hardy; pea comb and muffs | 7 of 8 | $6.89Townline Hatchery |
| Appenzeller Spitzhauben | 150–180 | white | Active | Cold hardy | 5 of 8 | — |
| Easter Egger | 200–280 | blue, green | Friendly | Cold hardy; most have a pea comb | 4 of 4 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Black Sex Link | 250–300 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 3 of 3 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Rhode Island Red | 250–300 | brown | Active | Cold hardy and copes with heat | 3 of 3 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Sussex | 200–250 | light brown | Friendly | Cold hardy | 3 of 4 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Australorp | 250–300 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 2 of 2 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Dominique | 230–275 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy; rose comb | 2 of 2 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Olive Egger | 180–250 | olive | Calm | Cold hardy | 2 of 3 | $7.35Townline Hatchery |
| Welsummer | 160–200 | dark brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 2 of 2 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Barnevelder | 150–200 | dark brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 2 of 2 | $12.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Jersey Giant | 150–200 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 2 of 2 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Faverolles | 150–200 | tinted | Friendly | Cold hardy | 2 of 2 | $9.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Delaware | 200–280 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 1 of 3 | $6.49Cackle Hatchery |
| Hamburg | 200–250 | white | Flighty | Cold hardy; rose comb | 1 of 1 | — |
| Rhode Island White | 180–240 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy; rose comb | 1 of 1 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| New Hampshire | 200–240 | brown | Calm | Cold hardy | 1 of 1 | $5.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Bielefelder | 200–230 | brown | Friendly | Cold hardy | 1 of 1 | $12.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Isbar (Silverudd's Blue) | 180–220 | green | Calm | Cold hardy | 1 of 1 | — |
| Buckeye | 150–200 | brown | Active | Cold hardy; pea comb | 1 of 1 | $9.99Cackle Hatchery |
| Swedish Flower Hen | 150–200 | cream | Friendly | Cold hardy | 1 of 1 | $19.99Cackle Hatchery |
Traits are general to each breed, from the breed standards and long-running references; a hatchery's own line can differ. "In stock" counts the breed's varieties that can be ordered today, and the pullet price is the cheapest sexed pullet among them.
The coop matters more
No breed makes up for a damp or draughty coop. Frostbite comes from moisture as much as cold, so keep ventilation high above the roost and draughts away from it, and keep the litter dry. Heavy breeds hold heat better than light ones, and feathered feet only help if the run stays dry.
Figures on this page were computed from the catalogue reading of October 25, 2026.