Chickens in South Carolina

[twinzmom]

I’m living in South Carolina now and need some suggestions on which breeds are best for heat tolerance. I had great success with my flock in NY but the weather is definitely different here especially in Summer. I love Buff Orpingtons and Ameracaunas, could I have these here?

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm in North Carolina, in the Sandhills region, and had no heat issues with my in-town flock, which included Delawares, Australorps, a Black Langshan, and Brahmas.

Brahmas are not usually considered heat-tolerant, but I think that up to a point those thick feathers' insulating capabilities work both ways.

I have a Silver-Laced Wyandotte in the current flock based on a local's assurance that her Wyandottes are fine but I haven't carried her through the summer as an adult yet.

 

[twinzmom]

I'm in North Carolina, in the Sandhills region, and had no heat issues with my in-town flock, which included Delawares, Australorps, a Black Langshan, and Brahmas.

Brahmas are not usually considered heat-tolerant, but I think that up to a point those thick feathers' insulating capabilities work both ways.

I have a Silver-Laced Wyandotte in the current flock based on a local's assurance that her Wyandottes are fine but I haven't carried her through the summer as an adult yet.

Thanks for your reply...it’s just a different weather to get used to. Even for me...

 

[3KillerBs]

Thanks for your reply...it’s just a different weather to get used to. Even for me...

Oh yes!

I'm from western PA and spent 10 years in MA.

I never in my life thought I'd utter the words "It's not too horribly hot today, only 90." But it took me only three summers to say it.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might want to update your location in your profile.

There are different ways to respond to this. First I'll offer Henderson's Breed Chart. They talk about heat and cold tolerance for many breeds. You can see what they look like at Feathersite. They list Brahma's as heat tolerant.

Henderson’s Breed Chart

http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Feathersite

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html#Chickens

The Mediterranean breeds are supposed to be heat tolerant. The Leghorn is the most famous but there are many others. Henderson's can help with that.

Then there are those that keep all kinds of chickens, even some not supposed to be heat tolerant, in really hot places. You may need to work a little harder with them in your heat spells but they tend to do OK with plenty of shade and plenty of water in what should be a normal heat for you. Give them a coop and nests that don't turn into ovens. In critical conditions people set up fans or misters, put ice in the water, feed them frozen treats, just various things to help cool them off. In heat spells I've been known to spray an area in the shade with water to wet it and give them a place to lay that is cooled by evaporation. I know we say keep the run dry but in those circumstances the run doesn't stay wet long enough to cause any problems.

Personally I get what I want and deal with it. In hot spells even the heat tolerant can use help.

 

[Parront]

Here in Arizona, it is a dry heat. Lots of keepers in Phoenix use misters. When it is hot and humid during the summer Monsoon, a big block of ice in a roaster pan is what I use. They stand right on the ice to cool off!

 

[rayrose]

Your chickens will do fine here. Just make sure they have
plenty shade and coop ventilation.

 

[CrazyMountainChickenLady]

I’m living in South Carolina now and need some suggestions on which breeds are best for heat tolerance. I had great success with my flock in NY but the weather is definitely different here especially in Summer. I love Buff Orpingtons and Ameracaunas, could I have these here?

We have both breeds and we are in north ga close to sc, so I think you would be fine to have those

 

[Parront]

Naked Necks are very heat tolerant. They are very calm and easy going once you get over their looks. (The eggs look the same)! As layers, Leghorns are very heat tolerant. They come in lots of colors besides white, and are great egg layers, even when it is hot and other breeds such as Orpingtons, quit laying and are just panting and trying to survive. I had Orpingtons in the desert in CA, they quit in the heat while the leghorns laid an egg every day. I can see why you like orpingtons, they are a good, friendly pet!

 

[rayrose]

I have two, 9 month old BO and two RIR, all presently
laying, that I need to move, in order to make room for
additional pullets. PM me if interested.