I live in deep South Texas along the border, and I'm wondering if the Cornish Cross can do well in the humid summer heat? I'd say on average, the temps are about 97, with the highs being around 105. I think I know the answer to this question, but I just wanted to ask experienced owners. Thanks in advance
They do not care too much for heat from my experience. It's been in the 90 range here while I'm growing them out, so I would assume it can be done. They drink a ton of water so that would be a must, I imagine if you provided shade and possibly a fan for air movement (especially if indoors) you could do it. When it got that hot the hens found shade and were panting as well so really they are not much different that any other chicken IMO. I had at least 2 weeks of steady heat this year and none died from it, they were just less active than usual and moved out of the direct sun. Walt
I'm in Oklahoma where the temps appear to get higher but there is generally less humidity than where you are. We only try to raise them in spring and fall here. We currently have a batch that will be ready about the middle of November (got a later start than I really wanted, but not by much), so you can see you do have a pretty decent window. So, it can be done where you are. I just wouldn't try them in the dead of summer. Fortunately, your winters are likely pretty mild so you should be able to start them fairly early in the spring and get in a few batches before it really heats up. They grow so fast you can be done with a batch in just a couple of months.
I'm in the southwest, and I figured the summer here would be too much for broilers without having an elaborate setup to keep them cool (misters, fans, etc.). It was hard enough keeping the layer chickens cool this summer. I started a small batch of CX two weeks ago. I figure I can keep CX batches till end of May, when it'll be too hot for them. I think I could have started my first batch in mid-September.
I'm in NW Louisiana and I plan to get some, just not during the extreme times July-Sept. It can be done. Thats 8 or 9 months of the year that we can do it. If you need to do it during the hot time by all means get a mister and a lot of 16 oz bottles. Fill with water and freeze. They love have these sitting around. And a big dishpan with water to stand in. It CAN be done. Good luck. .
