Heat Tolerant Egg Layers??

[luvinrunnin]

Thanks for the input! I really do like brown eggs. The FCBM/ game cross sounds like a good one. I'll have to look around and see what breeders I can find around here.

 

[saladin]

As you have discovered there are a number of breeds that do well in the high heat/humidity of our beloved South.

However, there is much more to consider than simply that.

How docile/flighty do you want your chickens to be? Sussex are docile (excepting their cockbirds). Leghorns are known to be flighty.

Do you want good winter layers (no Lights)? Cubalayas are tops.

Do you want them to be broody or non-broody?
Do you want to raise your own replacements? If so, how many cocks do you plan to keep?
Do you want a good egg to feed ratio return? (Don't get Marans if you do!) Or are you happy with an egg every 3 or 4 days?

These are the kinds of questions you need to be considering.


By the way, a good old fashioned farm breed will not need to be discarded in 2 years nor would a Game.

 

[Nava]

Anconas do really good BUT I would Highly recommend the Naked Necks mine lay a big brown egg ,are just as docile as the Orps and were the only ones laying during the last 2 winters

 

[smoothmule]

Sounds like you need to have a few of each breed to cover all seasons

 

[wolftracks]

I do have hatching eggs if my mix is something you'd like, but I have to admit. If given a choice on birds I would always go with pure breds simple because I could do a mix myself. I love the look of the different breeds and I keep most of my birds pure. The Game x Marans was something I can up with to have lots of eggs and great tasting meat birds without dipping into my pure birds.

Whatever you decide you need to be happy with what you have. Sometimes you get birds and realize they just don't click.

You can also read up on the breeds in the learning section of this site. Find the ones you like and then see if they are compatible to your life style.

 

[satay]

Quote:
Come visit anytime we are a friendly bunch us Aussies lol. isa Browns are a hybrid breed that are known for their great laying. They are what are mostly used in the eggs sold in supermarkets over here. I belive they are a cross between RIR Rooster and a white leg horn hen.

Ahhhhhh ok. Do we have those inthe US? I mean, I know we could cross them ourself but would rather buythem that way.

I belive you do but they may be called production red or red sex link as well.

 

[luvinrunnin]

Quote:
I think Yo are right!!! I hate to be a drive by poster today but work 12 hr night shifts and drive a long way. On my way to work now and it's a pain to post lengthy replies from my phone.

I will post some answers to the one poster suggesting other considerations, several of which I'd not thought about. Thanks!!

 

[mccalicoacres]

Hi, I am looking for an answer to this same question because I live in Central Florida where summers are long and plenty HOT! I am just getting set-up to keep chickens for the first time and have a lot to learn! You didn't mention what kind of chickens you have now. Are they mixed breed or could you recommend their breed to me? Thanks, Robin

 

[Nava]

I live in Ocala fl. NNs all the way

They won't stop laying !!!!

 

[Skittleinaustin]

I live in Austin, Texas and I have had my girls about 18 months. Black Stars, Buff Orphingtons, Golden Sex Links and americaunas were in my first set of gals and they have all done very well. I installed a misting system on a timer to my sprinkler that goes off in the late afternoons when it is over 100. That brought things down enough that I never had issues with lost production or dying girls. I have a nipple watering system which is hooked up to a rain barrel. I catch water when I can but I also refill the barrel as needed so they are never out of water. I personally adore my Buff O, but it is due to her incredible personality and love of people. She is a spunky gal! My second favorite breed are the black stars...they produce well and are very personable.

I have gotten new girls since including a buff brahma and a partridge rock. They are only 6 months old and aren't laying yet so it is too soon to say if they will do well in the heat, but the place I buy them locally sells a fair amount of them so they should be fine.