Chickens are fairly hardy and can tolerate quite cold conditions, but their comfort and safety depend on shelter, moisture control, wind exposure, and breed/age. Here’s a concise guide to how cold chickens can handle and how to keep them safe. Direct answer

• Most adult chickens can survive well below freezing if they have a dry, draft-free coop and access to shelter from wind. Realistically, many backyard flocks tolerate temperatures down into the single digits Fahrenheit (around -12 to -5 °C) or colder with proper protection, though performance (laying, activity) may decline in extreme cold.

• Some experts emphasize that 40–45 °F (4–7 °C) is comfortable for many chickens, with a broad tolerance down to freezing or slightly below if housing is insulated and dry.

• Extreme wind, rain, or high humidity dramatically worsens cold stress; dry, well-ventilated, but draft-free coops are crucial. Frostbite on combs and wattles is a risk at very cold temperatures without protection.

Key factors that influence cold tolerance

• Shelter quality: A dry, draft-free coop with bedding (straw or wood shavings) to insulate against cold floors and wind is essential.Adequate roosting space allows birds to huddle and conserve heat.

• Wind and moisture: Windbreaks and moisture control greatly boost tolerance; blowing wind increases heat loss more than cold air alone.

• Breed and plumage: Some breeds have thicker undercoat and better frost resistance; others may struggle more in harsh wind or damp conditions.

• Age and health: Very young chicks or older birds with health issues are more susceptible to cold stress; provision of heat sources or extra bedding may be needed.

• Food and water: Adequate calories help with thermoregulation; ensure water isn’t frozen and that feed is available to sustain energy in cold spells.

Practical tips for winter safety

• Provide a dry, draft-free coop with good insulation or a windbreak; ensure the coop is well-ventilated but not windy at roost level to avoid moisture buildup.

• Use deep litter bedding or additional litter to insulate floors; keep roosts above the floor to minimize cold exposure at night.

• Offer a protected outdoor run with snow removal and shelter access; chickens can still exercise in cold weather if the run is dry and protected from wind.

• Monitor for frostbite in combs, wattles, and feet; provide dry conditions and consider temporary sun-exposed or shaded roosts to reduce moisture buildup in extreme cold.

• Don’t rely solely on heat lamps; a single, safe heat source is enough if needed, but birds mostly regulate themselves by choosing microclimates within the coop.

• Adjust feeding slightly in very cold weather to maintain energy; ensure continuous access to water that isn’t frozen (heated bowls or troughs help).

If you’d like, provide details about your climate, flock size, coop design, and whether you’re dealing with chicks or mature birds. A tailored plan can be created to optimize comfort for your specific setup.