Unstable Environment

[Aidan Wright]

I live in an area where it can get into the upper 90s with high humidity in summer, and down into the negatives in winter. A lot of sites say that particular breeds are better in certain temperatures, but I don't know what kind of chicken would be good in a volatile environment like mine. Any suggestions?

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

most breeds can handle that. we have the same weather here in michigan.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

Where are you planning on getting your chicks from? Most hatchery sites give a breakdown for each breed.. including what temps they are best suited for. But you can always go to extra lengths to make your ladies comfy in the summer or winter

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Last summer we hit temps in the high 90s and even one or two days that hit 100 and 101 with high humidity. This lasted about six week! I was worried about my chickens. They panted a lot, but we kept a fan in their coop and provided cool treats, and I fed them a lot of iceberg lettuce for hydration. They all survived just fine. This winter was mild with only a few days in the low teens, but last winter we had 4-5 days in a row that dipped down to -5. They survived that, too! I usually provide supplemental heat if temps are supposed to get below 15 which is a very controversial topic on BYC.

My breeds are: blue copper maran rooster, Dominque x mix rooster, two buff brahmas, one barred rock, one leghorn, one partridge penedesenca, easter eggers and ameraucanas, black copper maran hen, olive eggers, and several mutts. They have all survived just fine! I even had cochins up until last summer when a bear killed one and a coyote killed the other