good breeds for hot summers in the deep south?

[fanniefarkle]

Hi. I'm new here on the boards and new to chickens as well. I live in Georgia, with summers quite hot and humid. Our winters are not usually too cold. I was leaning towards Black Australorps, 'cause they sound like a great chicken, docile and doing well in confinement, good layers, but I don't know how they do in high temps. I area where the coop and run will be is shady. Can someone tell me if BA's are hardy in heat? Any breed recommendations for someone in the South?

thanks so much! amanda

 

[muddyhorse]

this site has a breed selector tool if you click on breeds at the top of the page. You put in what you want and it suggests chickens for you. If you are concerned I would buy from a local breeder because you know their birds do well in your area.

 

[allaboutdemchicks]

Hi Fannie.....

In short, from my middle Alabama experience, your Lorps will do excellent!


Claudia

 

[Yessur Ebob]

amanda

I have heard that black australorps do well in the heat, so I think that those would be a good choice.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I don't think i've seen the trait "heat-hardiness" on any breed chart i've seen.

I can tell you the breeds i know to be raised in my area include black australorps, barred and white rocks, rhode island reds, buff orpingtons, easter eggers, wheaten ameracaunas (i probably spelled that wrong), silkies, and other bantams.

I think that if a breed does not have a specific note reading something like "does not do well in hot climates," i would feel safe. Giving them access to shade and plenty of water are the keys to helping them in the summer. Chickens are pretty tough.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Welcome I am in North FLorida further south than you. I have several breeds and all do well in the heat. I have blue jersey giants,giant cochins, ameracuanas, orpingtons, leghorns,silkies, marans and brahmas. I also have many different banties I have very open coops and give them alot of fresh water and shade and they all do fine. I have had australopes before and they do fine as well. Just be sure your coop has very good ventilation and that they can get out of the sun and you should be fine. Good Luck and welcome to the madness Micki

 

[paduanchook]

Something that helps me when it really gets hot is a box fan, my birds love it in summer

 

[Mahonri]

Leghorns, Anconas and Minorcas do well in the heat... any of the Mediterranean breeds. WFBS etc...

 

[fanniefarkle]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the comments.

 

[smithhouse]

Welcome! Have fun picking out your chickens

We are in Athens, GA and are just getting into raising chickens, too. We have 1 BA, 3 Dominiques, and 1 Naked Neck Turken. Now at 6 weeks, they all seem to be turning out great! Enjoy the fun!