Layers in north Texas

[hawthornechix]

Howdy everyone! My husband and I recently bought a house in North Texas and are planning to add a small backyard flock soon. We're interested in good layers who make good pets and can tolerate the heat. Haven't gotten our chicks yet, but they will probably be 4-5 total, made up of Ameracaunas/EEs, buff orpingtons, barred rocks, silver wyandottes, stars (if I can find them!), and hopefully a silkie just because they're so darn cute. This is mostly based on feed store availability, so I'm trusting that these are breeds that do fine in the heat despite what I've read.

I'm getting geared up to brood some day old chicks soon... but my main question for others in a similar climate is when do I get them? Everything I read says to get chickens in April/May, but by that time it is already very hot in Texas.. and certainly it will be VERY hot by June/July when they would be ready to go out to the coop. I'm assuming that like gardening the ideal start date would be sooner, but I can't seem to find any info on this. Anyone have experience?

Thanks!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Welcome to BYC!! Glad you joined.

 

[mstrawn3]

I raise Wyandottes, Ameraucanas, and Speckled Sussex. They all do ok but I think the heat is probably hardest in the Ameraucanas because they have the smallest combs. The comb is one way they regulate their body tempeature.

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome from Ohio....so glad you joined BYC. Best of luck getting your new chicks. My opinion is like yours-the sooner the better

 

[chickenpooplady]

from Highland County Ohio and God Bless!!!

 

[BantamWhisperer]

Welcome to BYC! Glad to have you aboard! I'm from North Tx also

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I think you should ask your fellow Texans:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/44/texas

They've been there and done this and would be the best people to advice you.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, hawthornchix, and

! Great to have you aboard!! If you want a little more choice, you might consider ordering from a large hatchery (which is where the feed store gets them anyway). I know Ideal Poultry is out of Texas - and below is a link to various hatcheries. If I could give you one note of caution....last summer was rough here in Kansas - like most of the U.S., I know...but of all the chickens I had, my Buff Orps and Black Australorps seemed to suffer the most - such dense feathering. Again, looking at a hatchery gives you more choice. Good luck to you!!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard.