Favorite Hot-Weather Breeds?

[Draconargentum]

Heya, all. I'm down here in Phoenix, AZ, sweating out the summer and wondering: what kind of birds do you know of that deal well with high summer heat, mild winter temps, and low year-round humidity? I'm not going to be getting chickens for awhile (at least not until I get my own house), but I'd like to start planning for when I do.

 

[Whirlwind]

I read in a book that the smaller the bird the easier it took the heat. So maybe bantams would be best or smaller standards. I think the larger the bird the better they take the cold. Anyone else?

 

[Draconargentum]

Yeah, I read that too. But I was thinking about mostly banties, anyway.

Someone also suggested Orpingtons, saying that "loose feather" birds generally do better...What exactly does that mean? And what are some other loose-feather chickens?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Henderson's chart of breeds has a column for hardiness and lists many breeds that are good in heat.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[mom'sfolly]

I keep hearing that naked necks are good for the heat; but I think they are an acquired taste. Personally, I think they look like a buzzard got to the hens.

They seem to be very large also.