Hi, Chicken Lovers! from So Cal

[Miss Betsy]

My name is Betsy and I'm new to the forum. I live in the high desert of Southern California (northeast Los Angeles County) and don't have chickens... yet. Technically, my city zoning forbids it, but I don't think my neighbors will complain, especially if they get some fresh eggs every once in a while! I just want a few girls, three or four at most.

If anyone has ideas on the type of breed I should get, I'd really appreciate the help! I fell in love with the idea of Buff Orpingtons after reading about them, but don't know if they could handle the summer climate.

Our summers are generally around 105 degrees (but it's a dry heat!) daily (tolerable for me if I'm in the shade), and winters get down into the 30s and 20s (occasionally colder) at night.

I'm also considering whether the climate requires insulation in the coop? Any and all ideas welcome!

 

[omelette'smom]

Welcome!! My best advise is to look at Henderson's Breed Chart and it will have a column for "heat and cold" hardiness. I myself love my redstars!! They are the most outgoing and one of them always follows me in the house!! I give her the good treats in secret They're good eggers and good natured!!

 

[B. Saffles Farms]

from TN.

 

[sewchick]

From Old Town, Maine

 

[Miss Betsy]

Thanks, omelet'smom! Great Advice -- I had gone through the breed chart before seeing your reply, but didn't notice the Red Star on it. Right before checking back here I was surfing through McMurray's and read their description. I think you're right, they should be perfect!

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Glad to have you here!

 

[Padre]

to the Lunatic Frindge! Enjoy your stay

 

[wingnut1]

Hi, Betsy! And

I used to live in Thousand Oaks - and have relatives that live in Lancaster, CA - if they have shade, and you can give them some ventilation - orps should be fine!!! I am in Mississippi now - not quite as hot, but very humid and they do fine with a box fan, lots of water, and shade... Have fun!!!!

 

[GardeNerd]

Hi Miss Betsy,

Welcome to BYC. I'm on the coast. Nice to see some other folks around SoCal here.

Are you near Lancaster? I ask because the owner of one the feed stores I go to in the O.C. uses Red Wing Hatchery in Lancaster. They may be a good source to tell you what breeds do best in the high desert outside L.A. Maybe you could get your birds there. Here is the info I have found.

RED WING HATCHERY
49001 100TH St E
Lancaster, Calif.
1-661-946-2830 or
1-866-888-8277.

See you around BYC and good luck,

 

[GracefulBantams]

Hi,

From Grace in Okla