heat tolerant breeds

[embkm]

Does anyone have suggestions for which breeds are best for hot summers? Breeds that not only survive but still lay decent? I am getting a few leghorns, but I really would like some brown egg layers too. It would be really great if they are friendly too, or at least not mean.

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Big combs=better heat tolerance. I would go with a Mediterranean breed, like Minorca, Leghorn, etc. I don't think there are any brown egg layers form that region. Of course, there are Egyptian Fayoumis, which are adorable, but I don't know where you'd find any. I think they white eggs, but I have read that they are very good layers.

 

[Mahonri]

I got my chickens last year in April. They didn't start to lay until September.

They survived 115 a couple of times last year.

I have some leghorns now with some in the bator.

We'll see how we do this year.

 

[gritsar]

Despite their large size and small comb, brahmas do very well in the heat.
They lay a beautiful roundish pink/brown egg.

 

[NancyDz]

Australorps are very good with extreme temps. We have over 100 degree heat in the summer here and mine never stopped laying. Nice big brown eggs. I got mine as chicks and they are my friendliest, most curious birds.. always first to run to me when I got outside and
first out of the coop door when I let them out to free range. Its my fav breed. My others are Marans and EE who are sporadic layers in the heat.


Nancy

 

[embkm]

Quote:
Thanks Nancy. I think I will add Australorps to my list! I really want one that lays in the summer. My Rocks I used to have slowed down to about 1 egg/ day out of 6 hens during the summer.

FrizzleFreak- Thanks, but I am already getting leghorn pullets. They really are the only Mediterranean breed I like. And none that I know lay brown eggs.

Mahonri- Do you currently have leghorns? Are they mean? I expect flighty out of them, but dont want mean.

gritsar- Are Brahmas feather legged? I have never seen any around here, so I would have to look into having some shipped if I get those. Maybe after my incy is done, I'll try to order some eggs!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yes they are feather legged. They are the only breed I have and I adore them.
For eggs, you might contact a BYC member by the username tuffoldhen. She has beautiful brahmas. She may ship some eggs.