Chickens are part of the fowl family and they are warm- blooded animals. These animals can regulate their body temperature which means that they are able to sustain a steady temperature in various climates. They must maintain a steady internal body temperature for their bodies to function properly.
When I was reading we ran into the inquiry “Are chickens warm-blooded or cold blooded?”.
As mentioned above, chickens are warm-blooded animals because they are birds or more accurately fowl. Just like many other warm-blooded species, chickens’ internal temperature is not dependent on environmental changes. They maintain their inner heat by altering their metabolic activities which affect temperature loss or gain.
Can chickens get too hot or too cold?
While chickens are able to thermoregulate, it is still possible for chickens to get too hot or too cold which can have fatal consequences. In extremely high or low temperatures, chickens may be unable to thermoregulate. If a chicken is suffering from a sickness or injury, they may struggle to maintain their internal body temperature.
The average lifespan of chickens is 5-10 years. So, how cold is too cold for chickens? A few experts state that chickens suffer from extreme cold and cannot withstand temperatures below 20 F (-6.6 C) and this temperature is too cold. Chickens do not like to stay out in cold winters for long.
Why is my chickens body temperature so low?
If a chicken is suffering from a sickness or injury, they may struggle to maintain their internal body temperature. Young chickens are most susceptible to extreme temperatures and will struggle to keep their temperature constant.
The ideal temperature for chickens ranges from 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. But, they can tolerate colder weather if they have to. Hens can still lay eggs even when the temperatures hit below freezing .
Can chickens survive freezing temperatures?
Honestly, they are much better in cold temperatures than they are heat tolerant. Some breeds of chickens are better in cold climates than others. If you are in a location where there will be a lot of snow, you want to make sure you get the breed that can handle the colder weather better.
One of the next things we asked ourselves was; what breeds of chickens are cold hardy?
Some other cold hardy chicken breeds include: Rhode Island Reds. New Hampshire Reds, buff orpington Silver Laced Wyandotte.