Cold AND Heat Hardy Breed Recommendations

[milkyteaana]

Hi folks!
Long time lurker, first time poster. I am looking to raise a small flock (6 ladies) from chicks this spring. I know this is a little early, but why go Christmas shopping when you can go chicken shopping instead?
I am new to my area (Reno, Nevada, US), but we have a mix of very cold winters (well below freezing in the winter with snow not being uncommon) and very hot summers (easily 100*F/40*C). As such, I am looking for breeds that are comfortable in both extremes with a calm, friendly temperament. I am not attached to good layers but won't say no, either.
Current research suggests cream legbars, barred Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps. I am also attached to Wyandottes and Orpingtons, but I'm worried they won't fare well in the heat. Any advice or better ideas?
Thank you and happy birds!
A

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

Nevada might have a bit colder winters than in Wisconsin but my Brahmas and Orpingtons have done well in Hot summers/cold winters.
My cochins did well in summer. This is my first winter with them. Rose comb breeds are less likely to get frost bite so Easter Eggers if you want a mixed breed.

 

[GodLovesU]

Where I live it gets into the 90’s and as long as my Wyandottes and Orpingtons have shade and water they’re fine.

 

[Mrs. K]

Nevada should be pretty dry. That helps. Shade in summer, and check it so that you have shade through out the day as the sun moves. Wind protection in the coop and in the run will help on cold days. Out of the wind makes a big difference.

 

[Seaslug]

With Australorps, you may want to go with Blue. Don't know how the Black would do in your sun. I'm not sure how one will do in my heat... I wanted a Blue but was only able to get Black. She does have a decent size comb. The cream legbar may have a decent size comb as well. I don't think that my Orps handled the heat well. I have 2 Barnies now which are suppose to handle both the cold and the heat. I raised them from day 1 and they are friendly, but not cuddly. That could be me... No doubt dreaming of spring chicks is fun. Good luck.

 

[Ingrid_Grace]

In my experience, Orrington's do well in both heat and cold. it tends to stay in the 20s in winter where I am and often gets to mid 90s in Summer.

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

In my experience, Orrington's do well in both heat and cold. it tends to stay in the 20s in winter where I am and often gets to mid 90s in Summer.

I agree my Orpington does well heat and cold. She is almost 3 now.

My Australorp does well to.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I agree with orpingtons. It has gotten down to -26F and up to 109F since we moved here. I have never had any orpington issues. My Marans, welsummer and speckled Sussex have also all fared just as well in those temperatures.

 

[Seaslug]

My Orps are the first to pant and one would go broody, which was tough in the heat. Perhaps they were a little on the plump side? Should have said, breeds are generalities and birds are individuals. My experience may just be my own. I must say, my Orps survived the heat, even when it was 109 degrees. I did, too, no air conditioning. But I can't say that it was not tough on me. Of course, I'm on the plump side as well....