I have read multiple threads about heat tolerant breeds and there don't seem to be any stand out breeds for this trait. I live in central Texas and our summers have become increasingly brutal. I am in the process of replacing and upgrading my flock from a mixed hatchery bunch. The EEs in my old flock were the only ones consistently giving us eggs despite losing some of the other breeds to heat stress. 
I can't decide if I should order some more EEs from Ideal and try to improve them without losing any summer laying capabilities or if I should invest in some NICE 'heat tolerant' birds and select for eggs laid in August. Many of the heat tolerant breeds listed by people have indeed tolerated our summer for me, but not while producing eggs.
Has anyone tried to breed for this trait? Do you have any advice?
Lorien
I can't decide if I should order some more EEs from Ideal and try to improve them without losing any summer laying capabilities or if I should invest in some NICE 'heat tolerant' birds and select for eggs laid in August. Many of the heat tolerant breeds listed by people have indeed tolerated our summer for me, but not while producing eggs.Has anyone tried to breed for this trait? Do you have any advice?
Lorien
Also, flighty is not good. I don't have an enclosed coop anymore since I have a guardian dog. Doesn't do much good if they fly off and get killed anyway. I am really taken by several rare breeds (white faced black spanish, cream legbars, empornadesa) I am wondering how hard it would be to breed in hot weather egg layer qualities and the best way to do that...
