New to Chickens

[Michael OShay]

I am sorry for my comment on the Australorp. I have never had one in my flock. I was going by what I have read online about the breed.

No need to apologize. You were just repeating what you had read, although I'm surprised someone actually wrote that Australorps were not heat tolerant, especially given the fact that numerous online sources specifically list Australorps as a heat tolerant breed. Some examples can be found at http://www.meetup.com/Los-Angeles-Urban-Chicken-Enthusiasts/messages/boards/thread/32803232/10, http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/pickachicken.pdf, http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=283967, and http://www.sanantoniobackyardchicke...p-best-chicken-for-your-san-antonio-backyard/. Based on my personal experience with them, I believe that they would do quite well in Yuma, AZ; especially with some shade, good coop ventilation, and plenty of fresh, cool water. )

 

[Mikeychix]

A good starter breed for a family would be the barred rock. Very docile, great large brown egg layers. Rhode island reds are good and heat tolerant. Red sex links will probably be the ones sold at your local store since they are quite easy to sex. They're a hybrid between Rhode island reds and the Delaware hen. They are great egg layers and very friendly. Haven't had any problems with any of these breeds.