Virginia breed suggestions

[LoMerc]

Hi, I'm looking for a few suggestions. I'm in central Va. I've kept chickens for about a decade. Had to put my six year old Black Star down today and am left with just two Easter Eggers, so I want to add two or three more birds, as I'm concerned about getting down to one lonely chicken. My main worry is that it can get so hot in the summers here. I lost one of my first chickens to the heat. My birds are pets first. I like the eggs, but prolific laying isn't a priority. I'd prefer someone really friendly and probably not too small as mine have always been in a four foot fence and we do have hawks in the area. I did see a similar post from 2009, but wanted to be more specific with what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

With your climate you should be a ble to do most breeds. Light breeds do best in heat, but are often flighty, and can be more vocal. Heavy breeds can suffer in the heat.

There are many in between breeds that should fit what you are looking for. Most are dual purpose breeds like Australorp, Rocks, Wyandotte, Orpingtons, to name a few. I would decide what comes and body type you prefer and go from there.

 

[LoMerc]

With your climate you should be a ble to do most breeds. Light breeds do best in heat, but are often flighty, and can be more vocal. Heavy breeds can suffer in the heat.

There are many in between breeds that should fit what you are looking for. Most are dual purpose breeds like Australorp, Rocks, Wyandotte, Orpingtons, to name a few. I would decide what comes and body type you prefer and go from there.

Thank you for the reply! My eight year old Australorp passed last year. She was wonderful. I was considering an Orpington, but wasn't sure how it would do with the 90+ temps we often get in the summer.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you for the reply! My eight year old Australorp passed last year. She was wonderful. I was considering an Orpington, but wasn't sure how it would do with the 90+ temps we often get in the summer.

Your set up can also play a part in how chickens handle the heat of summer. Helps to have plenty of shade and good air circulation. Chickens mostly get rid of heat by panting and through their combs. We sometimes get into the 90's here, and mine have done okay here. It can help to provide shallow pans of water for them to stand in to cool off. Not all chickens will, but it's worth offering.

 

[cubalaya]

I am in Virginia. Dominiques, Barred rocks, Buff orpingtons, silver laced Wyandottes , Australorps, Cuckoo marans, Easter egger/Ameraucanas, Cubalayas, Asils, Brazilians, and Thai