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Starting Member
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Last Login: 5/22/2008 11:10:51 AM
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| I'm planning on getting some chickens for fresh eggs but was hoping to get information and ideas because of the climate I'm in. I had chickens and cattle growing up but that was in a colder climate, I'm now in the desert of Arizona, in the winter we have 1 or 2 days that might dip barely to freezing, during the summer 115 is pretty common for a daytime high. Very low humidity. My neighbor has a lot of chickens so I know they can handle the heat, but my neighbor doesn't collect eggs, just has them as pets. What breeds would be good for eggs and could handle the heat? Also, when collecting eggs how long can they sit out in the heat without going bad? I leave for work at 5:00 am so I would not be able to gather eggs until 5:00 pm so would the heat destroy them. Any help would be appreciated.
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Last Login: Today @ 5:36:46 PM
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Hello,
You're right to do your research first -- there are so many cool chicken breeds out there! Hopefully you'll get some advice from someone who lives in a similar climate to yours (I'm in the rainy northwest!), but maybe this will help in the meantime. If I were you I'd look into the Mediterranean breeds, like the Minorca, Ancona, and White Leghorn -- all good egg layers that developed in hot climates (although not exactly deserts).
As for the egg situation, during the summer I try to gather and refrigerate eggs as early as possible. Is there a neighbor home during the day who could wander over and grab the eggs for you before they cook (maybe for a share of the eggs)?
I'd also be sure your flock has ample cool water and shade.
Hope this helps 
Cherie
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Last Login: 8/4/2008 12:54:38 PM
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| I raised chickens in Az (although in Chino Valley which is north of Prescott) but still 90's all summer. I suppose I should be careful you don't all think of me as disgusting but I never worried about the eggs going bad in a day outside. They never made me sick (although if I sold them I would be fussier). However, I am an avid hiker and have hiked alot in the heat. The backpacking theory is that eggs come in these nice little environmentally sound containers and that as long as the egg isn't cracked and bacteria can't get in, it is safe for many days. I have proved that fact with hard boiled ones at any rate. Mary Ann
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Last Login: 6/7/2008 9:55:52 AM
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I live in the high desert of so. cal. , it gets 115 in the summer and sometimes below 0 in the winter. i have raised egg production chickens here for several years. I have red sex links, and they do just fine in the heat and the cold. Of course make sure they have plenty of water, try and keep it in the shade. I have automatic waters, that were originaly for horses, i have 6 in my coop and that ensures fresh water all day long. it also has a small drip(overflow) which keeps damp spots on the ground for the hens to lay in also when its hot. plenty of shade is very importent, make sure breezes can go thru, helps keep the temps down and more comfort with moving air. If you have electric out there, use electric fans. As far as eggs spoiling, if they are not in direct sun, and the nest boxes have proper ventalation, they should be fine. good luck
TREAT THE EARTH WELL, BECAUSE IT WASN'T GIVEN TO YOU BY YOUR PARENTS, IT WAS LOANED TO YOU BY YOUR CHILDREN.
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Last Login: 6/16/2008 8:23:57 AM
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| Hello Fellow Chicken Keepers, I am in the 1st summer with my chickens & I, too live in a rather hot climate. I am a zone 9 in the N. Ca. foothills (gold country). Let me tell you how hot we get. Last summer we had over a dozen days in 100+ heat. My chicks have already experienced 100* heat this year (we had 2 days about a week ago). I came up with a way to keep them with cool water all day. Once you empty a gallon milk jug, rinse it well & fill 3/4 with water. Freeze. When ready to use, add water to top off & begin thawing process. Position opening over a pie tin. As the heat of the day passes, the jug thaws & provides a constant cool water supply. I do have to prop up the back of the jug as the day progresses but, the chickens love it!! They drink right out of the jug as it drips into the pan & the play in the pie tin as though it were a mini pool for them. I only have 3 of them now so, 1 jug is good for a whole day but, when my 9 chicks get here, I'll have to use 2 or 3 jugs. I also made sure to provide them with lots of shade. I had their coop built very near 2 trees & covered with fiberglass roof slats (they come in green & clear). As the season progresses, I'll keep you all posted as to how they do in the heat. 
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Last Login: 7/11/2008 10:48:18 PM
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Hi, I have been raising chickens for eggs in the low desert of Arizona for 9 years, before that in central Arizona for 20+.
You are better off with any small breed when it comes to heat. I always have some Americanaus but they need a constant shaded puddle of water or pond that they can wade in. Of course this is a good idea for any chickens when temp's get 95+ degrees.
As far as eggs, as some respondents have already said, they will be fine. Eggs are indeed natures little miracles. As someone said they are protected and insulated and , as long as they are not in direct sunlight, will be fine for a day at least. I have left mine for up to 3 days with no problems.
Have fun!
-your Fowl Friend
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Last Login: 6/11/2008 8:20:49 PM
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| I agree with you. The egg will still be edible as long as it is not cracked. I give the cracked ones to my dog. It is good for her coat. Like you I have eaten eggs after being out for over 12 hours. One thing about a chicken in warm weather -- do not put water on them thinking that you are cooling them down. This is just to much of a shock on their system. Just give them lots of water and shade with air flow. Good Luck
Elizabeth
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