aloiajenny

[aloiajenny]

Hi everyone I do not have any chickens yet but plan on getting some soon, I live in Golden Valley AZ. thats in the northwest corner of the state, we have exteme weather here, In the winter it gets cold not below zero cold but in the 20's at night and 40's to 50's in the day , in the summer it stays in the 100's all summer long during the day and only cools down to about 90's at night, now that I have given you all the weather forecast lol ! Can anyone tell me what the best type of chickens to buy? I only want laying hens, to start I want to see how it goes with eggs before I get chickens to raise for food thank you

 

[drumstick diva]

A chicken person I know in Phoenix has air conditioning in his coop to keep his hens alive. It doesn't have to make it cold - even 85 degrees would probably feel like heaven to the birds.
Plus have shade, water misters in the runs, wet down the earth in spots when you can so they can lie there. Put ice in the waters. Fans even set on low -moving air feels cooler - just be certain to have it placed so chickens don't make contact with blades, etc.

 

[aloiajenny]

Thank you, drumstick diva, I am thinking of getting leghorns what do you think?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, aloiajenny, and

! Great to have you with us! I agree with drumstick...plus concentrate on breeds that are more heat tolerant and lighter in color. The leghorns you mentioned would be a great choice. Generally, large combed breeds are good in the heat as heat is released through the comb. Below is a chart that mentions the attributes of several breeds. Good luck and have fun!

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!