Suggestions on a breed that lays well and can tolerate hot weather.

[hoog]

I live in SW Oklahoma and I need advice on what chickens to keep.

Housing: Free run of fenced in 1/2 acre with a 8'x8' coop.
Weather: Summer several weeks of 100+
Winter a few days a year of 32- but
Little Rain
Lots of wind
Land: Dry sandy dirt covered with Fescue grass and four 20' trees.

Last year I had a problem with my birds overheating. I even lost one to heatstroke. I don't want to have fight high temperatures all summer with my birds again. So I am looking for a breed more adapted to this dry hot climate.

I was planning on keeping Orpingtons because they’re good mothers, super tasty, and my favorite chickens.
I also want a chicken that lays a lot of eggs and can tolerate the hotter climate, also less important is that it is a cross so I can eat the roos and somewhat to very friendly.

Anyone have any advice for breed that would thrive in those conditions and meet those requirements?

 

[tataharris]

I live in SE Oklahoma, and I have Dominiques.

They are very hardy for cold and hot, and they lay very well.

My roo is very docile.

I have had these for about 4 years now, and I haven't lost any to weather issues.

Hope that helps!!

 

[Rennie]

Living in england, we dont really get to the temps your talking about often, But i have a few orpingtons and love them, They are my fave breed too.

All my girls seem to do is eat sunbath and lay eggs .. Im sure with enough water and shade they would be able to survive in any environment- They are also HUGE so are bound to be very meaty..I wouldnt eat one however couldnt find the heart too

 

[Timmy]

American games do well in the heat, lay good and are great mothers.

 

[hoog]

Quote:
Unfortunately, overzealous anti-cockfighting laws could be read to prohibit American Game Birds in this area.

It seems it's always extremes in this country

 

[math ace]

I will chime in . . ... Have you thought about DELAWARES ? ?

The roos are incredible - - BIG and SWEET! These birds LOVE to free range.

One of the well known breeders of them lives in Salina, Oklahoma. .. . So, they have to be acclimated to your weather.

The girls lay large eggs and like to go broody too.....

 

[RioLindoAz]

I've heard that Java's do quite well in warm weather. They're also excellent layers of white eggs.

 

[noodleroo]

I provided frozen water bottles last summer in the 100+ degree weather, but my buff orpingtons tolerated the heat really well. They never stopped laying.

 

[muddyhorse]

turkens are heat tolerant and lay very well

 

[Luckytaz]

Most of the Mediterranean breeds lay well, and are very heat tolerant.