Does any one know...

[rowenna22]

what breeds of chicken do best in a back yard in Tucson, AZ? I'm looking for nice looking, heat hardy chickens that are docile and good egg layers. I'm thinking of Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, and a Wyandotte. Any other suggestions?

 

[Illia]

Those are all good choices. Any other common breed works too, such as Australorps, Orpingtons, even Sex-Links.

 

[jarcoo0153]

I personally think that Naked Necks are the most hardiest in the heat! I'm in west Texas, and we get hot, but not as hot as you, but I think that they would be another good choice! They lay alot of large brown eggs, and make a great table bird that is VERY easy to pluck.
In MY opinion, I personally don't care for RIRs if they are from a hatchery, but If you can get them from a breeder, They could be a good choice. My Rocks do extreamly well too! They lay alot of eggs.

 

[rowenna22]

Does anyone know about Ameracaunas? I was reading Grumpy Hen's blog and that name kept popping up. Are those good heat chickens?

 

[onthespot]

If I was choosing for heat tolerance, NN tops the list. I would also choose for a breed with a large, single comb to help dissipate heat, clean legs, slender build. Brahmas would be the opposite of what you want. Large, heavy, show type orpingtons, also, probably not so good. Leghorns, probably do well, polish, those things die if you look at them sideways I hear. never had any. Silkies, maybe too fluffy. Game breeds with racy profiles and tighter feathers. Cornish might be too heavy muscled and have trouble radiating heat, plus their small combs and thick legs. That being said, you could keep any of those breeds if you made a good shelter, start now growing shade plants that will cool their area, install misters, wet the dirt for them to wallow in during the heat of the day. A little effort and expense on your part, and you can keep pretty much any breed you want. If you want to go lo-tech, stick with the Naked Necks and Leghorns for starters. They will teach you what chickens want and need, then you can work your way into other breeds.