When it comes to raising chickens in hot weather, it’s important to choose a breed that can handle the heat. Unfortunately, not all chicken breeds are suited for warm weather.
The top 5 chicken breeds for hot weather are Leghorns, Australorps, Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks.
Some chicken breeds are better suited to hot climates than others, and in this blog post, we’ll take a look at why these top 5 breeds of chickens are suited for hot weather, as well as how to help your chicken deal with warmer weather.
Desirable Chicken Traits for Warm Weather
The best chickens for warm weather will have some if not all of the following traits:
- Large Combs – Combs have a high concentration of blood vessels that work to cool the chicken off.
- Exposed Earlobes and Big Wattles – These allow heat to escape the bird, cooling them down.
- Long Exposed Legs – You’ll see chickens gathering in their water pales to cool down, exposing their legs to cool water will greatly cool down a chicken that’s gotten too hot. Chickens with feathers on their legs tend to not do so well in warmer environments!
1. Leghorns
The Leghorn is a breed of chicken that is well-known for its ability to thrive in hot weather. Originally from Italy, this breed is a prolific layer, often producing up to 280 eggs annually. They have white feathers and a slender build, which allows them to dissipate heat more easily. Having large combs and wattles is what the leghorns are known for! They are also highly active and are known for their foraging abilities, which means they can find food and water even in hot and dry conditions. To see more about white leghorns, check out my white leghorn guide!
2. Australorps
The Australorp is a hardy breed of chicken that is also well-suited to hot weather. They have black feathers and a muscular build, which allows them to regulate their body temperature more effectively. They are also highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of climates, making them a great choice for backyard flocks. They are also known for their excellent egg-laying ability, with some hens laying up to 250 eggs per year.
If you’d like to learn more about Australorps, check out my in-depth Australorp Guide!
3. Orpingtons
The Orpington is a large, fluffy breed of chicken that is also well-suited to hot weather. They have a calm and docile temperament, which makes them a popular choice for families with children. Their fluffy feathers help to insulate them from both hot and cold temperatures, and they are also good at regulating their body temperature. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and buff, and are known for their good egg-laying ability. While they don’t lay as much as the best egg-laying breeds, they can still top 180-250 eggs per year. Buff Orpingtons are an excellent dual-purpose breed – great for eggs and meat! I do notice that Orpingtons tend to get broody more often, so if you’re looking for a chicken that gets broody and raises her own check out the Buff Orpington Guide!
4. Rhode Island Reds
The Rhode Island Red is a popular breed of chicken that is well-suited to hot weather. They have a deep red feather color, which helps to protect them from the sun. They are also hardy and adaptable, making them a great choice for backyard flocks. They are known for their consistent egg-laying ability, often producing up to 250 eggs per year. Rhode Island Reds are also very good in cold environments as well, which in my opinion puts this breed in the top 3 all-around breeds! I’ve written an entire article on how Rhode Island reds fare in cold weather if you’d like to check that out as well!
5. Plymouth Rocks
The Plymouth Rock (also known as the Barred Rock) is a dual-purpose breed of chicken that is well-suited to hot weather. They have a black and white striped feather pattern, which provides good camouflage in hot and dry environments. They are also known for their docile temperament and are easy to handle. They are good egg layers, often producing up to 280 eggs per year, and are also suitable for meat production.
How to Keep Chickens Cool in Hot Weather
When raising chickens in hot weather, there are also some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure that your flock stays healthy and happy.
- Provide Shade and Ventilation
It’s important to provide your chickens with access to shade and plenty of ventilation. This can be achieved by providing shade cloth, tree cover, or a covered area for your chickens to rest. It’s also important to ensure that their coop is well-ventilated, with windows and doors that can be opened to allow for airflow.
- Provide Plenty of Water
Chickens need access to plenty of clean, fresh water in hot weather to prevent dehydration. Make sure to provide multiple water sources in case one runs out or becomes contaminated. You can also add electrolytes to their water to help them stay hydrated and healthy.
- Provide a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is important for chickens in any climate, but it’s especially important in hot weather. Make sure to provide your chickens with a high-quality feed that contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals. You can also add fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet to help keep them cool and hydrated. I’ve written quite a few articles on Chicken Nutrition, I’ll list them here below for you to check them out!
- Chicken Nutrition: Pellets vs Crumble
- Chicken Nutrition: Pellets vs Scratch
- Chicken Nutrition: The Top Ten Treats for Chickens
- Monitor Your Flock for Signs of Heat Stress
In hot weather, it’s important to monitor your flock for signs of heat stress. These signs may include panting, lethargy, and a decrease in egg production. If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately by providing your chickens with shade, water, and ventilation. You can also add frozen water bottles or ice packs to their coop to help cool them down.
To see a complete guide check out how to help chickens tolerate hot weather!
Conclusion
In conclusion, raising chickens in hot weather can be challenging, but by choosing the right breed and providing proper care, you can help your flock thrive even in the hottest of temperatures. The Leghorn, Australorp, Orpington, Rhode Island Red, and Plymouth Rock are all excellent breeds of chickens for hot weather, and by following the tips outlined above, you can help ensure that your chickens stay healthy and happy all summer long.