Ever wondered about heat tolerant chicken breeds for hot climates? Some chickens are just built differently when it comes to dealing with scorching temperatures. Whether you live in a sunny climate or just want a low-maintenance flock, choosing a heat-tolerant breed could make all the difference. Keep reading to learn about some of the toughest, coolest (literally!) chickens out there.
Chickens That Can Take The Heat
I live in the Deep South where summers are hot and humid. There are days in late July when you walk outside and instantly sweat.
We experienced a terrible heat wave a few years ago, which cost me a couple of chickens. After that, I decided to research the best chickens for southern heat.
Mediterranean breeds can certainly take the heat. With their sleep feathers and large combs, they’re built to stay cool.
Continental breeds are also heat tolerant and will do quite well in southern U.S. states. They are known to be high energy and flighty, so they may not be well suited for small backyards.
These two classes of chickens are the best when it comes to being well-adapted to the heat. However, there are others that don’t fit that norm.
If you live in a hot climate like me, here’s a list of chickens that won’t mind a little sunshine.
The Top 27 Heat Tolerant Chicken Breeds
- Egyptian Fayoumis
- Ancona
- Leghorn
- Minorca
- Andalusian
- Hamburg
- Lakenvelder
- Buttercup
- White-faced Black Spanish
- Campines
- Polish
- Crevecoeurs
- Houdans
- Partridge Penedesenca
- Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
- Whiting True Blue
- Whiting True Green
- Ayam Cemani
- Cubanlaya
- Catalana
- Sumatra
- Aseel
- Sultan
- Phoenix
- Malay
- Buckeye
- Kadaknath
I’ve listed them in order from the most heat tolerant to the least. While they may be good in the heat, they do have very unique personalities and needs. Here’s a little more about each of these breeds.
1. Egyptian Fayoumis
The Egyptian Fayoumi chicken is a great in hot weather, perfect for places where it gets super sunny. It lays about 150 to 180 eggs every year, which are medium-sized and cream-colored. Even though it’s not a big chicken, weighing just 4 to 5 pounds, it’s tough and healthy.
This breed handles heat so well because it’s been living in hot places like Egypt for a long time. Its body has adapted to stay cool with less feathers and smart ways to deal with heat. That’s why people who live in hot areas often pick Egyptian Fayoumis for their flocks.
2. Ancona
The Ancona chicken is a cool heritage breed known for laying some pretty big eggs. They lay large to extra large, which is great if you love eggs for breakfast!
One of the reasons they’re so good in hot weather is because they’ve got this natural ability to handle it. They’ve got smaller bodies and lighter feathers, which helps them stay cooler when the sun’s blazing.
Plus, they’re active birds, always moving around and staying busy, which helps them regulate their body temperature. So, if you’re looking for a chicken that’s both historic and can handle the heat, the Ancona’s definitely one to consider.
3. Leghorn
The Leghorn chicken is pretty famous for a few reasons. First off, they’re known for laying big, extra large eggs. They’re also tough when it comes to heat.
Leghorns have this knack for handling hot weather really well. Maybe it’s because they’re high-energy birds, always on the move and kind of flighty. This helps them stay cool by keeping their blood pumping and their bodies active.
So, if you’re looking for a chicken that’s a good egg layer and can handle some summer heat, the Leghorn might just be your bird!
4. Minorca
The Minorca chicken is a classic heritage breed known for laying large white eggs. They’re from the Mediterranean, so they’re used to sunny, warm weather. That’s why they’re really good at handling heat. They’ve got a sleek body and fewer feathers that help keep them cool when it’s hot outside.
Minorcas can be pretty lively and curious. They like to explore and can be a bit independent, doing their own thing. They’re also known for being friendly with people.
5. Andalusian
Andalusian chickens are a cool heritage breed that lays big, white eggs. They’re from sunny places like Spain, so they’re really good at handling hot weather.
Their secret? They’ve got thin bodies with light feathers that help them stay cool in the heat. Plus, they’re known for their pretty blue color, which makes them stand out in a flock.
Andalusians are pretty lively and active. They like to explore and can be a bit independent, but they’re friendly with people too.
They’re not afraid to strut around and show off their beautiful feathers. So, if you’re into eggs, heat-tolerance, and stunning looks, the Andalusian chicken might be just what you’re looking for.
6. Hamburg
The Hamburg chicken is an old-school heritage breed known for laying smaller eggs, but they’re still tasty. These birds are great in hot weather because they’ve got small bodies and light feathering that keep them cool when the sun’s beating down. They’re like natural sunbathers.
Hamburgs are pretty busy and curious. They’re always pecking around and checking things out. Hamburgs are like the detectives of the chicken coop, always on the lookout for something interesting.
They’re also pretty friendly and can get along well with other chickens and people. If you’re looking for a chicken that’s both heat-tolerant and full of personality, the Hamburg might just be for you.
7. Lakenvelder
The Lakenvelder chicken is a classic heritage breed that lays medium-sized white eggs. These chickens are great in hot weather because they’ve got this knack for staying cool. They’ve got smaller bodies and lighter feathers that help them handle the heat without breaking a sweat.
Lakenvelders are curious and active. They’re always pecking around and exploring their surroundings. Plus, they’re known for their cool blue legs, which make them stand out in the chicken yard. They’re friendly with people too, so they’re not shy around people.
If you’re looking for a chicken that’s good with eggs, can handle the heat, and has a cute personality, the Lakenvelder is a great choice.
8. Buttercup
The Buttercup chicken is a cool Mediterranean breed known for laying medium-sized eggs. These chickens are awesome in hot weather because they’ve got these neat ways to stay cool. They’ve got smaller bodies and lighter feathers that help them handle the heat without getting too bothered.
Personality-wise, Buttercups are gentle birds. They’re also friendly and curious. They like to check out what’s going on around them and they can be pretty chatty too, always clucking about something. They may not be the best for small neighborhoods since they are noisy.
They’re also good with people and very friendly. They may just be the right choice for you.
9. White-faced Black Spanish
The White-faced Black Spanish chicken is a Mediterranean breed that lays medium-sized eggs. These chickens are really good with handling hot weather because they’ve got lighter feathers and smaller bodies that help them stay cool when it’s sunny.
Personality-wise, they’re pretty curious and like to explore their surroundings. They can be a bit independent too, doing their own thing in the chicken coop.
They’re also friendly with people, so they’re not shy about hanging out with you. If you’re looking for a chicken that’s good with eggs, can handle the heat, and has a little bit of flair, the White-faced Black Spanish chicken might just be your perfect pick.
10. Campines
The Campine chicken is an old-school heritage breed that lays medium-sized eggs. These chickens are great in hot weather because they’ve got light feathers and smaller bodies that help them stay cool when it’s sunny out.
Personality-wise, Campines are lively and curious. They’re always pecking around and checking things out in the chicken yard. They might not be the best for a confined coop.
11. Polish
The Polish is one of my favorite breeds of chickens. Their big hair is only matched by their even bigger personalities.
The Polish chicken is a cool heritage breed. These chickens are pretty good with heat because they’ve got lighter feathers and smaller bodies that help them stay comfortable when it’s hot outside.
Polish chickens are kind of fancy and fun to watch. They’ve got these funny-looking tufts of feathers on their heads called crests, which make them stand out in the flock.
They’re also curious and like to check out what’s going on around them. Sometimes they can be a bit goofy too. I love watching them run around.
Overall, if you’re looking for a chicken that’s good with eggs, can handle the heat, and adds a little bit of flair to your flock, the Polish chicken might be just what you’re looking for.
12. Crevecoeurs
The Crevecoeur chicken is a tough breed that can handle hot weather really well. They originally come from France, where it can get pretty warm. These chickens have smaller bodies and lighter feathers, which help them stay cool.
They lay medium-sized eggs, which are great for breakfast or baking. They’re also pretty unique to look at with their fluffy heads.
Personality-wise, Crevecoeurs are curious and like to explore their surroundings. They’re also known for being pretty calm and friendly with people.
13. Houdans
The Houdan chicken is a tough breed that can handle hot weather well. They originally come from France, and have great hair like the crevacoeurs and Polish.
They lay medium-sized eggs and add cute personality to your flock.
14. Partridge Penedesenca
The Partridge Penedesenca chicken is a sturdy breed that handles heat well. They come from Spain, where it’s very sunny and warm.
These girls lay medium-sized eggs, and are known for being curious and active. They like to roam around and explore their surroundings. They may be best in a free-range environment or somewhere with plenty of space.
15. Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
The Appenzeller Spitzhauben chicken is tough when it comes to heat. They’re from Switzerland, where it can get pretty warm in the summer.
They lay about 150 to 180 small to medium-sized eggs each year.
Appenzeller Spitzhaubens are known for being active and curious. They like to explore their surroundings and can be a bit independent. They’re also friendly with people, which makes them fun to have around.
16. Whiting True Blue
The Whiting True Blue chicken is great at handling heat. They come from the United States, where they’ve been bred to be tough in warm climates.
They lay about 200 to 280 small to medium-sized blue eggs each year, which is awesome.
Whiting True Blues are known for being active and friendly. Their personalities remind me a lot of my flighty Leghorns. They really need some space to explore.
17. Whiting True Green
The Whiting True Green chicken is well-suited to hot weather. They were developed in the United States along with the Whiting True Blue..
They lay about 200 to 280 small to medium-sized green eggs each year, which is why they’re called a true green.
Whiting True Greens are known for being lively and curious. They like to roam around and check out their surroundings. They’re also friendly with people, making them fun to have in a backyard flock.
18. Ayam Cemani
The Ayam Cemani chicken is known for its ability to handle heat well. Originating from Indonesia, where it gets hot, these chickens have adapted to thrive in hot climates.
Ayam Cemani chickens lay about 80 to 120 small to medium-sized eggs each year. They’re calm and easygoing birds. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and are known for their unique all-black appearance, from feathers to their skin and even bones.
19. Cubanlaya
The Cubanlaya chicken is tough when it comes to heat. Originating from Cuba, where it’s usually warm, these chickens have adapted to handle hot climates really well.
Cubanlayas lay about 150 to 200 small to medium-sized eggs each year.
They’re active and social birds. Cubanlayas are known for their attractive appearance and friendly demeanor, making them a popular choice for your backyard flock.
20. Catalana
The Catalana chicken is known for its ability to handle hot weather well. Originating from Catalonia, Spain, these chickens have adapted to thrive in such climates.
Catalanas lay medium-sized eggs, which are just right for breakfast or cooking. They can lay about 150 to 200 eggs each year, which is pretty good for a backyard chicken.
Catalanas are friendly and active birds. They like free-ranging and exploring their surroundings. Their adaptability to heat and friendly nature make them a popular choice with chicken keepers.
21. Sumatra
Originating from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, where it’s hot and humid, the Sumatra chicken has adapted to thrive in such climates.
They can lay about 100 to 150 eggs each year, which is decent for a chicken.
Sumatras are known for their calm personalities They are also a very beautiful bird to add to your flock.
22. Aseel
The Aseel chicken originated from India and Pakistan, where it’s hot and dry. They have smaller bodies and lighter feathers, which help them stay cool even in warm weather.
They can lay about 40 to 60 eggs each year, which is a bit less compared to other breeds. Personality-wise, Aseels are known for their strong and confident nature. They can be independent but are generally calm around people. They can be a rare chicken to find in the U.S. which may make them not the best option.
23. Sultan
Originating from Turkey, where it’s warm, the Sultan can certainly handle the heat.
Sultans lay small eggs, which are cute. They lay about 50 to 80 eggs each year, which isnlt that great.
Sultans are gentle and calm birds. They’re also known for their fancy appearance, with fluffy feathers and unique crests on their heads.
24. Phoenix
The Phoenix chicken is tough in hot weather. They originally come from Japan.
They lay about 150 to 200 eggs each year, which is pretty decent. Personality-wise, Phoenix chickens are known for being active and friendly. They enjoy roaming around and exploring their surroundings. They aren’t very easy to find here in the states.
25. Malay
These chickens originally come from Southeast Asia, where it’s hot and humid.
They lay about 60 to 100 eggs each year, which is a bit less compared to other breeds. Malay chickens are known for being laid back. They aren’t great layers, but are fun pets if you live in a hot climate.
26.Buckeye
Originating from Ohio in the United States, where they get their name from, they can stand a little heat. T
Buckeyes lay medium-sized brown eggs, not common among the heat tolerant chickens. Overall, they probably wouldn’t be suited for tropical climates, but they can certainly take a little bit of heat.
27. Kadaknath
The Kadaknath chicken is from India, where it’s often warm, these chickens have adapted to handle high temperatures really well.
They can be difficult to find in the U.S. and strongly resemble the Ayam Cemani. They don’t really fit into a class of chicken, but are great at handling some heat.
What Makes A Chicken Heat Tolerant?
Chickens that can handle heat well usually have some cool features that help them stay comfortable. One big thing is their combs and wattles, the red, fleshy parts on their heads and under their beaks. Heat-tolerant chickens often have larger combs and wattles because these parts help them release extra heat from their bodies.
Another thing is their bodies: heat-tolerant breeds are often smaller and have lighter feathers. They don’t have a lot of thick feathers that can trap heat close to their bodies. Instead, their feathers are more spread out and lighter, which helps them stay cooler in hot weather. These adaptations make them champs in warm climates, where staying cool is key to staying healthy.
Chickens with thicker feathering and smaller combs are likely not going to do well in hot summers. They may experience heat stress which can cause them to stop laying.
In this table:
- Heat Tolerance: ✔️ indicates strong heat tolerance.
- Temperament: Describes the general behavior and personality traits.
- Availability: ✔️ indicates easy to find, ❌ indicates rare.
- Average Eggs per Year: Provides a range of eggs laid annually by each breed.
Chickens That Are Not Heat Tolerant
Some chickens aren’t as good at handling hot weather compared to others. These breeds often have heavier bodies and denser feathers, which trap more heat.
For example, breeds like the Brahma and Cochin have large bodies and lots of fluffy feathers, which can make them feel hotter in warm climates. Their thick feathering was originally useful in colder places, like northern Europe, where they come from.
In hot weather, these chickens might struggle to stay cool and could even get stressed from the heat. They’re better suited for cooler climates where they can stay comfortable without overheating.
If you live in a hot area, it’s best to choose chickens known for their heat tolerance, like Leghorns or Mediterranean breeds, so they can thrive even when it’s sunny and warm outside.
Other breeds that aren’t great for extreme heat are: Buff Orpingtons, Silkie, Wyandotte, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Reds, Sussex, and Faverolle. I own several of these breeds in the heat of Alabama, but I have to work hard at keeping them cool in the summer.
Ways to Keep Chickens Cool in Heat
Keeping chickens cool in the heat is essential for their health. They will become stressed and stop laying eggs, or even die. Here are some ways to keep your flock cool and happy.
- Provide Cool and Fresh Water: Make chickens have access to cool, fresh water at all times. Consider adding ice cubes to their waterers on particularly hot days to keep it cooler longer.
- Shade and Shelter: Create shaded areas in the chicken run or yard using tarps, umbrellas, or natural vegetation. This gives them a place to escape direct sunlight.
- Good Ventilation: Ensure the chicken coop and run have adequate ventilation. Good airflow helps dissipate heat and keeps the coop from becoming stuffy.
- Dust Baths: Provide a dry, dust-free area where chickens can take dust baths. Dust bathing helps them regulate their body temperature and keeps their feathers clean.
- Free Range Time: Allow chickens to free range during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. This gives them a chance to find shady spots and forage for cooler ground.
- Cool Treats: Offer frozen fruits and vegetables as treats. Watermelon, cucumbers, and frozen peas are popular choices that can help cool chickens down while providing hydration.
- Wet Down the Coop: Spray down the roof and walls of the coop with water in the morning. This evaporative cooling can lower the temperature inside the coop. Avoid making the bedding too wet, as damp conditions can lead to health issues.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the coop and run have enough space for the number of chickens you have. Overcrowding can lead to increased body heat and stress.
Heat Tolerant Chicken Breeds FAQs
Do heat-tolerant chicken breeds lay eggs?
Yes, many heat-tolerant chicken breeds are good egg layers. They can continue to lay eggs consistently even in hot weather, though egg production might decrease slightly during extreme heat.
Can I raise heat-tolerant chicken breeds in cold weather?
While heat-tolerant breeds are best suited for warmer climates, they can also be raised in cold climates with a good shelter, insulation, and heating during the winter months. However, their natural adaptations to heat may not be the best in colder regions.
Do heat-tolerant chicken breeds need special care in summer?
Yes, heat-tolerant chicken breeds still require some special care in summer. Providing shade, cool water, and reducing stressors like overcrowding are important to make their well-being during hot weather.
What are the characteristics of heat-tolerant chicken breeds?
Heat-tolerant chicken breeds typically have smaller body sizes, lighter-colored feathers, and may have larger combs and wattles that help dissipate heat. They tend to be more active during cooler parts of the day and seek out shade when it’s hot
Heat Tolerant Chicken Breeds – Final Thoughts
Choosing heat-tolerant chicken breeds can make a big difference in how well they thrive in warmer climates. Breeds like White Leghorns, Ancona, and Minorca are great options because they’ve adapted to handle hot weather with their lighter feathers and smaller bodies.
By providing shade, fresh water, and good ventilation, you can help keep your chickens comfortable during the summer months. Whether you’re starting a backyard flock or looking to expand, understanding which breeds can handle the heat will set you up for success in raising healthy and happy chickens all year round.
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