What breed should I get?

[JedJackson]

I would do some research as to what breeds others in your local area are raising, because heavy, fluffy breeds like Orpington and Sussex may not do well in your climate. Naked necks definitely would, so if you like the looks of them (many do not) then that would be my recommendation.

 

[Callender Girl]

My Buff Orpington is pretty easy going, has little flying ability and seems to tolerate temperature extremes -- it's hot and humid in northern Iowa in the summer and bitterly cold, dry and windy here in the winter.

Her coop mates are Salmon Faverolles who are the most docile birds I've ever known. I bought them when they were just a few days old and handled them daily. They can barely fly off their high roost and have the most amusing gait when they run. This will be their first winter, but they are very fluffy and are housed in a study coop, so I'm not anticipating any problems.

Honey, Celeste and Camille all free range during the day, but will race each other to get to the back door -- where they sometimes peck at the glass -- to persuade their people to come out with grapes.

The rest of my flocks include Iowa Blues, Sapphire Gems, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte and Cochin Bantams. The Wyandotte and Cochins are "catchable" and not great flyers, but not nearly as easy to work with as Honey and the Favs.

 

[sassysarah]

Orpingtons would be a good choice. They're very common and pretty and everyone that has them seems to really enjoy them!

 

[Timothy Menezes]

How hot does it get in that part of Texas? If its terribly hot and not allot of shade I would look at smaller white birds.

California Whites come to mind, closely related to White leghorns but they have a reputation for being larger and much calmer. White Rocks also come to mind, even though they aren't small.

Why does the bird have to have set genetics if its just a pet? Tell us more about your purpose for these birds.

Dunno if white silkies are good in the heat, but they don't range near as far and make great pets.