Choosing Cheeps Part 1 – Heat-tolerant Breeds

One of the more obvious traits of heat-tolerant chicken breeds is the presence of large combs and wattles. Chicken combs and wattles have a high concentration of tiny capillaries (blood vessels) whose job is to circulate blood and dissipate body heat. The larger the combs and wattles, the more surface area there is to eliminate heat and keep the chicken cool.

Additionally, chickens with less body mass have an easier time keeping cool due to the fact that a higher surface area to body weight ratio means those bodies eliminate heat more efficiently. Smaller-bodied birds like the White Leghorn or Minorca, which also have tall, floppy combs, will better handle the heat of summer than perhaps a larger bird with a tiny pea comb.
Five Popular Heat-Tolerant Backyard Breeds

1. Orpington – popular across the southern U.S., Orpingtons come in several different colors and are among some of the most friendly warm-weather birds you can raise. These are gentle, brown egg-layers, good for families with children.
2. Rhode Island Red – RIR is a dual-purpose bird developed in the northeastern U.S. that is adaptable to wide climate swings. Rhode Island Red is a fairly prolific brown egg-layer that is found in backyard flocks all over the country.
3. Plymouth Rock – An American heritage breed that tolerates both hot and cold weather, the Plymouth Rock is a solid dual-purpose bird that reliably lays lots of brown eggs, but also does well as a roasting chicken.
4. Easter Egger – colorful variety and colored egg production are what draws people to these friendly little all-weather chickens.
5. White Leghorn – the White Leghorn is a popular production egg-layer that does well under extreme conditions, like hot or cold weather.