New chicken mom

[Becky Ardi]

We are looking to start a small flock of chickens(6 hens). I live in South East FL where it's typically very hot & humid. Looking for laying hens that can handle summer heat. I'm thinking Barred Rock and maybe Buff Orpingtons? Any other South Floridians here that have any suggestions or input? Also will not be able to free range because of my dogs, were going to build a nice run. So need a breed that doesn't need to roam. Thanks for any input.

 

[mhamilton]

White leghorns are good for heat, i know, not the most spectacular choice, but being white helps with heat, their large comb helps with heat dissipation also. So i would look for large comb and wattle breeds, and lighter colors. I mean, would you rather wear a white shirt in the heat or a black one? I think most sites will list each breed as heat tolerant, or cold tolerant, depending on the characteristics of each breed.