I have the black australorps. However, they are not old enough to lay yet so I can't comment on tht part. As for the heat, mine forage early morning when it's cool. About 10 am they head for the underside of the house where they stay all day til it cools off in the evening. They'll all shoot out several times during the day for water and quick trip around the field, to the brush pile a nd back under the house. they don't like the hot sun. I'm kinda disappointed in their "tenderness". I may be expecting too much. the banties don't like the heat either. But, for looking at, the BAs are gorgeous!!!!!!!!
