Selecting breeds that are well adapted or native to your climate reduces the amount of management that is required to keep them warm or cool.
Many of the chicken breeds that are prevalent in the United States today developed in widely varied climates. Those that trace their roots to hot climates tend to be lightweight, thinly feathered and have large combs and wattles to wick away heat. Cold climate breeds are often heavy with thick feathering and small combs. When selecting breeds for your farm, look for traits that will help them to survive and thrive in your particular climate.
To assist in selecting the right breed for your climate, the Livestock Conservancy has published a downloadable Chicken Breed Comparison Chart.
Another useful resource found on the Sage Hen Farm website is Henderson’s Handy Dandy Chicken Chart, a list of more than sixty chicken breeds with comparative information.
