Re: Chickens in the desert?

From: Unicorn (SomeOne_at_Somewhere.net)
Date: 09/11/04 

Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 10:33:46 GMT

"Flatspin" <my_other_mail@cox.net> wrote in message
news:MEE%c.124316$4o.15959@fed1read01...
> Hello all,
>
> I am brand new to the group, came here on the advice of a gardening
> group this morning.
>
> I would like to add 2 or 3 pullets to my yard for garden patrol. I get
> crickets, tomato hornworms, white flies and spider mites and hope that a
> few hens could assist with insect control. I'd also love the fresh
> eggs. I grew up with Mallards and eating fresh duck eggs.
>
> My garden is 9'x60' attached to but fenced off from a 20'x60'yard. I
> have a half used rosebed that I can build a coop in and put chicken wire
> up along. I say the rosebed is only half used as the lemon tree shades
> the other half so heavily, roses really struggle to stay alive in the
shade.
>
> I live in Mesa, AZ so must have something that can handle the heat, as
> high as 115F in the summer. We get relatively mild winters with only
> about two weeks with night temps around freezing. My tomatos, peppers
> and basil often continue producing right through our version of winter
> it's so mild.
>
> Any advice/warnings on variety of bird, hen house design, etc
> appreciated. If anyone knows a good source in the Phoenix area, please
> speak up.
>
> Shawn
> Mesa, AZ

Shawn, most breeds will do ok in the heat, although the Light Sussex are by
far the best all round performer in the Semi Deserts I have seen them in.

The humble Isa Brown will lay and be happy in the sort of climate you speak
of, although, being from the US you might not like the brown eggs that they
lay.

Leghorn are another breed that thrive in the heat, being of Mediterranean
origin, like the Sicilian butter cups. But the proviso remains, shade water
shade water. Any fowl will peg out in the heat if their water intake is
restricted or they are unable to shade themselves. An area which picks up
any prevailing breeze is also a welcome relief for them. As a child, the
fowls could all be found under the tank stand after lunch, soaking up to bit
of damp and the cool from having a thousand gallons of water overhead.

Matt

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