Arizona Chickens

[generaldsherman]

I just started a flock of White Leghorns and Barred Rocks in January, so this summer will be my first go-around with chickens here in AZ. I'm located between I-17 and Cave Creek so it's just slightly cooler than most of Phoenix due to less concrete I'm guessing. Anyway, I've read White Leghorns do well in the heat but Barred Rocks might have a little more difficulty. I have a good well-ventilated coop and run that I built, and the run has a metal roof. I'm not thinking to install misters, fans, or anything like that, but I will if my gals start getting heat stroke. I like generaldsherman's idea of brinks in a water pan that he posted about two days ago. My question - has anyone in the valley raised Barred Rocks and if so, how'd they do in the summer. Also did you take any extra measures to keep them cool?

she

 

[MagicChicken]

@MagicChicken I'm need to check out the Javas. I'll go look at pictures!! Well just looked at pics- they are nice looking chickens!! Do you have both the black and brown?

I just have Black Javas. Black and Mottled are the only two varieties for which there is an official standard. I'm trying to breed them to standard but they need a lot of work. Doesn't matter to me. They are beautiful black birds and I love watching them run around the yard.

 

[Banaynaychicken]

I just started a flock of White Leghorns and Barred Rocks in January, so this summer will be my first go-around with chickens here in AZ. I'm located between I-17 and Cave Creek so it's just slightly cooler than most of Phoenix due to less concrete I'm guessing. Anyway, I've read White Leghorns do well in the heat but Barred Rocks might have a little more difficulty. I have a good well-ventilated coop and run that I built, and the run has a metal roof. I'm not thinking to install misters, fans, or anything like that, but I will if my gals start getting heat stroke. I like generaldsherman's idea of brinks in a water pan that he posted about two days ago. My question - has anyone in the valley raised Barred Rocks and if so, how'd they do in the summer. Also did you take any extra measures to keep them cool?

I like to keep pails of veggie scraps in the frigde with a bit of water, so that they have a nice cool snack for summer days. any scraps from fruits of veggies, store them in a pair or ice cube making tray, with a bit of water, and Vuala! Icy chicken popsicle treats!

 

[Banaynaychicken]

Quote: Illl be getting a pair of Mottled Java ladies soon! They are sweet birds <3. Or atleast the ones Im getting are. I've heard that some Javas are nasty?

 

[raisingdaisies]

I found the AZ thread We are on the west side of Phx. Our Barred Rocks did great with the heat. So did our Buff Orps and Golden laced Wyandottes. Our Black Jersey Giants and Australorp struggled a little more to adjust but all survived the heat(but we did lose one to egg binding ), I think their black color didn't help them. Shade, water, shade, water, shade....water

We do Ice Cubes in water on excessively hot days(over 108 and as we adjusted up also), as well as a mister most days from June through September.

 

[BackyardMarana]

Hey guys I am trading my peafowl for chickens please let me know if any one is interested thanks

 

[DesertChic]

I just started a flock of White Leghorns and Barred Rocks in January, so this summer will be my first go-around with chickens here in AZ. I'm located between I-17 and Cave Creek so it's just slightly cooler than most of Phoenix due to less concrete I'm guessing. Anyway, I've read White Leghorns do well in the heat but Barred Rocks might have a little more difficulty. I have a good well-ventilated coop and run that I built, and the run has a metal roof. I'm not thinking to install misters, fans, or anything like that, but I will if my gals start getting heat stroke. I like generaldsherman's idea of brinks in a water pan that he posted about two days ago. My question - has anyone in the valley raised Barred Rocks and if so, how'd they do in the summer. Also did you take any extra measures to keep them cool?

I've never had to worry about my Barred Rocks in the heat. They do just fine with some moist earth to play in and plenty of fresh, cool water to drink and ample shade.

 

[deserteggs22]

My flock is LOVING this rain!

 

[FeatherPugs]

Ours chicken girls loved the rain too......so much to scratch!!

 

[MagicChicken]

Quote: Illl be getting a pair of Mottled Java ladies soon! They are sweet birds <3. Or atleast the ones Im getting are. I've heard that some Javas are nasty?

I have one line that is calm and tolerant of people to a certain extent. The other line is more skittish and wary of people. I don't raise them as pets. The skittish ones might calm down if handled more as chicks. I've had a couple of mean birds (out of the calm line - go figure). The mean birds were tasty. Enjoy your mottled javas!