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There are plenty of silkies and cochins in Arizona; having a well shaded setup with plenty of water available is absolutely required for all breeds. Exhibition line birds tend to have somewhat different temperaments than hatchery birds. Not entirely, but less extreme. I would recommend that you wait for cooler weather to get birds, or else get them from local breeders/backyard hobbiests. Medicated feed gets the chicks off to a good start. It is NOT antibiotics, but rather contains amprolium, a thiamin blocker. Coccidia need thiamine to replicate and to thrive, thus a thiamine blocker inhibits the protozoa while the bird builds immmunity. Automatic waterers are wonderful, but do neeed to be checked regularly, especially during hot weather. Hoses break, sometimes the birds manage to knock off the water bowl, the valves become plugged or no longer limit water from going through (causing a continual leak). None are regular occurences, but they do happen now and then. A suitable coop in Arizona tends to be more what other people call pens. Lots and lots of ventilation, with enough solid surfaces for shade. Unless, of course you can add air conditioning...
There are plenty of silkies and cochins in Arizona; having a well shaded setup with plenty of water available is absolutely required for all breeds. Exhibition line birds tend to have somewhat different temperaments than hatchery birds. Not entirely, but less extreme. I would recommend that you wait for cooler weather to get birds, or else get them from local breeders/backyard hobbiests. Medicated feed gets the chicks off to a good start. It is NOT antibiotics, but rather contains amprolium, a thiamin blocker. Coccidia need thiamine to replicate and to thrive, thus a thiamine blocker inhibits the protozoa while the bird builds immmunity. Automatic waterers are wonderful, but do neeed to be checked regularly, especially during hot weather. Hoses break, sometimes the birds manage to knock off the water bowl, the valves become plugged or no longer limit water from going through (causing a continual leak). None are regular occurences, but they do happen now and then. A suitable coop in Arizona tends to be more what other people call pens. Lots and lots of ventilation, with enough solid surfaces for shade. Unless, of course you can add air conditioning...
