Best for the hottest summer?

[sekeyslaks]

Hello everyone!

I would like to know the best brown egg layers that can handle our humid,just plain brutal summers! I don't want an all-black chicken because they die here in the heat. I also would like recommendations on the best white egg layers,and whether there are any that are okay with cold?Also I do Not want sex-links. Please respond quickly Thank you!

 

[CoopDeDoo]

Hello everyone!

I would like to know the best brown egg layers that can handle our humid,just plain brutal summers! I don't want an all-black chicken because they die here in the heat. I also would like recommendations on the best white egg layers,and whether there are any that are okay with cold?Also I do Not want sex-links. Please respond quickly Thank you!

I think your best bet would be to find a local breeder(s). That way whatever you get is already acclimated to your climate. check your local state thread on here and your local breed clubs, 4-H groups and/or Craigslist ( although be careful on CL - there are good and bad breeders on there).

Good luck with your search!

 

[Michael OShay]

Are you open to hybrids other than Sex Links, or does it have to be a standard breed? I don't want to waste time recommending something that you know you don't want.

 

[sekeyslaks]

Are you open to hybrids other than Sex Links, or does it have to be a standard breed? I don't want to waste time recommending something that you know you don't want.

I'm open to hybrids,but I wanted to breed those myself,you see I plan to breed my EE rooster to the best laying breeds I can find and create a breed that is well-suited to our climate! I love experimenting but I am open to hybrids so long as their not the sex-links.Also Thank you for your comment CoopDeDoo it was very helpful!Will anyone else participate?

 

[Michael OShay]

Since you don't want black chickens or Sex Links, but are open to other hybrids, I would suggest Austra Whites. They are sold by a number of hatcheries (and so are easy to find) and are produced by crossing Black Australorp roosters with White Leghorn hens. They have the hot/cold weather hardiness of the Australorp and the heat resistance that is characteristic of Mediterranean breeds like White Leghorns. They have the calmer, gentler temperament of the Australorp parents and the white (or off-white eggs) of the White Leghorn parents. They have the great laying ability of both parent breeds, and in body size, they fall between the two parent breeds. And as for color, they are almost all white with only a few small black flecks so you don't have to be concerned about their feathering absorbing heat. You can see pictures and read about them from either Dunlap Hatcheries' website at https://www.dunlaphatchery.net/Birds/Standards/Standards.aspx (at the bottom of the page) or Cackle Hatcheries, website at http://www.cacklehatchery.com/page28.htm Crossing them with your EEs (and understanding that EEs are themselves hybrids which won't breed true and therefore you can never be certain of anything) should give you some offspring that lay well and are suitable for your climate.

 

[sekeyslaks]

Thank you for the recommendation Michael! I know that breeding with EE's is guess work,but I love how smart they are! that's why I want them in the mix:Intelligence,Adaptability,and Layability are the traits I want!Plus with the eccentric color patterns of the EE I'll never be bored looking at the flock!XD

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you for the recommendation Michael! I know that breeding with EE's is guess work,but I love how smart they are! that's why I want them in the mix:Intelligence,Adaptability,and Layability are the traits I want!Plus with the eccentric color patterns of the EE I'll never be bored looking at the flock!XD

You're welcome. I'm sure that you will get a wide range of eccentric color patterns no matter what kind of chickens you decide to cross them with, and whatever you do decide to cross them with, good luck on the results.

 

[CoopDeDoo]

I'm open to hybrids,but I wanted to breed those myself,you see I plan to breed my EE rooster to the best laying breeds I can find and create a breed that is well-suited to our climate! I love experimenting but I am open to hybrids so long as their not the sex-links.Also Thank you for your comment CoopDeDoo it was very helpful!Will anyone else participate?

Good luck to you! I think you are correct that using your existing EEs to cross breed will help acclimating to your area. Maybe you can find a hatchery in your same climate/garden zone to order your pullets from.

 

[sekeyslaks]

Thank you CoopDeDoo! Anyone else have any suggestions?