What breeds do you recommend?

[Torib3lla]

Hello! I am new to backyard chickens and super excited about learning from you guys! This will be my first time owning chickens, though I used to chicken sit for neighbors. I live in North east Georgia with high temperatures that can reach 100 degrees F in summer and mild winters usually no colder than 20 degrees F. Also, it’s pretty humid here as well.

I have been looking at online hatcheries because I do not have any hatcheries nearby, though shipping makes me nervous

I need opinions on breeds! I want eggs, but that’s not the main priority. I would also like overall pretty nice chickens that I also view as pets. I’m not picky on looks, but I’ve heard great things about Buff Orpingtons and australorps. I would absolutely love the idea of BO, and plan to provide plenty of shade and water in the summer however have had some concerns of these being larger breeds. I know hatcheries in south Georgia tend to breed both, so I’m curious as to what you guys think. Most hatcheries don’t have chickens available anymore until June.
I am concerned it might be too hot for the babies by then to be shipped.
Please let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

 

[cherrynberry]

I really like our EEs although they are pretty flighty

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

Welcome to BYC!!!
Australorps are the best bet for your hot weather in my opinion ( Austrailian Black Orpington)
Read on Australorps here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/australorp-chickens-a-comprehensive-care-guide/

I know lots of people on here who also live in hot climates love to
keep naked neck chickens, but I don't have much experience with them and it's up to you if you like their unique style or not.
Read on Naked Necks here:
https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/naked-neck-chickens

EE's ( Easter Eggers ) are fabulous chickens. They are appealing to the eye and are usually pretty friendly, depending on the hen \ roo. I do agree they are a bit flighty though.
Read on EE's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/easter-egger/

English Orpingtons and Buff Orpingtons are some of my favorites, and they make very good roosters since they are bred into being docile.
Read on BO's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/buff-orpington/

If you can find Black Sex Links (also know as Black Stars)- get them! Lots of people on this site can vouch for them, they are such sweet birds and lay lots of eggs.
Read on BSL's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/black-star-chickens/#:~:text=The Black Star was one of the breeds created of this time.&text=The breeds are usually a,white spot on the head.

Hope this helps!

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

Easter Eggers, Buff Orpingtons, Australorps, Wyandottes, faverolles, cochin, brahma, welsummer, polish, they are all good egg layers and friendly.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

Hello! I am new to backyard chickens and super excited about learning from you guys! This will be my first time owning chickens, though I used to chicken sit for neighbors. I live in North east Georgia with high temperatures that can reach 100 degrees F in summer and mild winters usually no colder than 20 degrees F. Also, it’s pretty humid here as well.

I have been looking at online hatcheries because I do not have any hatcheries nearby, though shipping makes me nervous

I need opinions on breeds! I want eggs, but that’s not the main priority. I would also like overall pretty nice chickens that I also view as pets. I’m not picky on looks, but I’ve heard great things about Buff Orpingtons and australorps. I would absolutely love the idea of BO, and plan to provide plenty of shade and water in the summer however have had some concerns of these being larger breeds. I know hatcheries in south Georgia tend to breed both, so I’m curious as to what you guys think. Most hatcheries don’t have chickens available anymore until June.
I am concerned it might be too hot for the babies by then to be shipped.
Please let me know what you guys think! Thanks!

I recommend Easter Eggers because for one, they can lay colourful eggs, and they usually in my experience have good temperaments.

 

[cherrynberry]

I recommend Easter Eggers because for one, they can lay colourful eggs, and they usually in my experience have good temperaments.

Yep, they are also cold and warm hardy

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

looks like Easter eggers and Australorps are the ones to get!

 

[Torib3lla]

Welcome to BYC!!!
Australorps are the best bet for your hot weather in my opinion ( Austrailian Black Orpington)
Read on Australorps here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/australorp-chickens-a-comprehensive-care-guide/

I know lots of people on here who also live in hot climates love to
keep naked neck chickens, but I don't have much experience with them and it's up to you if you like their unique style or not.
Read on Naked Necks here:
https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/naked-neck-chickens

EE's ( Easter Eggers ) are fabulous chickens. They are appealing to the eye and are usually pretty friendly, depending on the hen \ roo. I do agree they are a bit flighty though.
Read on EE's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/easter-egger/

English Orpingtons and Buff Orpingtons are some of my favorites, and they make very good roosters since they are bred into being docile.
Read on BO's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/buff-orpington/

If you can find Black Sex Links (also know as Black Stars)- get them! Lots of people on this site can vouch for them, they are such sweet birds and lay lots of eggs.
Read on BSL's here:
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/black-star-chickens/#:~:text=The Black Star was one of the breeds created of this time.&text=The breeds are usually a,white spot on the head.

Hope this helps!

Wow thank you for all of this! I will read up on all of them! You’re awesome!

 

[Torib3lla]

Thank you everyone! I love all the options and will probably do a mixture on what I can find! I appreciate all of you!

 

[Ryguy3684]

Thank you everyone! I love all the options and will probably do a mixture on what I can find! I appreciate all of you!

My Buff Orpingtons do okay in the heat, with a little help on the hottest days. I'm in Virginia, so we get just as hot and humid as you. I put a barn fan in the run for the hottest days, and offer frozen watermelon, and other frozen treats when it's over 100F. Shade is also key, like you stated. My BO rooster is very well behaved with the kids and I. Mine are pets as well, but they lay consistently, even in the winter. Whichever breed you go with, good luck and enjoy them. I wouldn't worry about the heat while shipping. They ship chicks at 1 day old. Mine stay in the 100F incubator for the first 24 hours, and sit under a 95F heat plate after that. If you have any concerns, you might be able to source some chicks at your local feed store.