Mediterranean chicken breeds do well in Oklahoma, including Leghorns, Catalanas, Minorcas, and Spanish. They can withstand high temperatures and lay a lot of eggs, hence these breeds are popular.
In this article, we will explore the best Mediterranean chicken breeds for Oklahoma and why they are well-suited for the state’s climate and farming conditions.
Whether you are a small-scale farmer or a backyard chicken keeper, this article will provide valuable information on the best breeds for raising in Oklahoma.
Leghorn
The Leghorn chicken is an Italian chicken breed with roots in Tuscany.
As aggressive and effective foragers, they are well-known for their resilience in hot climates. They have a slim and elegant body type and are known for their white feathers.
Moreover, they are excellent layers and may lay up to 300 eggs every year. This is one of the best egg laying chickens for Oklahoma.
Standard Weights: Rooster: 5.5-6.5 lb, Hen: 4.5-5.5 lb
Characteristics: Leghorns are slim and elegant birds with long and thin necks and small heads. They have a single comb, red earlobes, and white feathers. They are active and efficient foragers and are known for their hardiness and ability to handle hot weather.
Varieties: White Leghorn, Buff Leghorn, Black Leghorn, Red Leghorn
Egg shell color: White
Uses: Leghorns are primarily used for commercial egg production, but also make good pets due to their hardiness, ability to handle hot weather, and docile nature.
Catalana
The Catalana chicken originates in Spain, and it is a breed that is prized for its resilience and versatility in the field.
Furthermore, they make excellent layers and may lay up to 250 eggs every year. Similiar to Leghorn, Catalana is one of the best laying hens for Oklahoma.
Because of their high tolerance for heat, they are often regarded as one of the greatest chicken breeds in the state of Oklahoma.
Standard Weights: Rooster: 8-9 lb, Hen: 6-7 lb
Characteristics: Catalanas are large and robust birds with strong and muscular bodies. They have a single comb, white earlobes, and black and gold feathers. They are active and efficient foragers and are known for their hardiness and ability to handle hot weather.
Varieties: Black and White Catalana
Egg shell color: Brown
Uses: Catalanas are primarily used for commercial egg production, but also make good pets due to their hardiness, ability to handle hot weather, and docile nature.
Minorca
The Minorca chicken originates from the Mediterranean and is recognized for its resilience and adaptability in hot climates.
They make excellent layers as well, with a yearly egg output of up to 200.
Additionally, they are gentle, making them a top choice for Oklahoma.
Standard Weights: Rooster: 8-9 lb, Hen: 6-7 lb
Characteristics: Minorca is a large and robust bird with a strong and muscular body. They have a single comb, white earlobes, and black feathers. They are active and efficient foragers and are known for their hardiness and ability to handle hot weather.
Varieties: White Minorca
Egg shell color: White
Uses: Minorcas are primarily used for commercial egg production, but also make good pets due to their hardiness, ability to handle hot weather, and docile nature.
How long does it take for Minorcas to start laying eggs?
Minorcas typically start laying eggs at around six months of age, although this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, nutrition, and management.
Can Minorcas adapt well to Oklahoma’s hot weather? Yes, Minorcas are known for their hardiness and ability to handle hot weather, making them well-suited for Oklahoma’s warm climate.
Spanish
The Spanish chicken is a breed native to the Mediterranean that thrives in hot climates.
They lay up to 150 eggs every year and are considered excellent layers.
Additionally, they are gentle, making them a top choice for Oklahoma.
Standard Weights: Rooster: 8-9 lb, Hen: 6-7 lb
Characteristics: Spanish are a large and robust bird with a strong and muscular body. They have a single comb, white earlobes, and red and black feathers.
Varieties: Red Spanish, Black Spanish
Egg shell color: Brown
Uses: Spanish are primarily used for commercial egg production, but also make good pets due to their hardiness, ability to handle hot weather, and docile nature.
Oklahoma chicken hatchery
Chickens for sale in OKC can be found at various farms and feed stores throughout the area. These chickens are available in a variety of breeds, from egg-laying hens to meat birds. Many local farmers also sell eggs from their chickens, which are known for their rich flavor and orange yolks
Here is a list of chicken hatcheries in Oklahoma that might help you find the perfect breed for you:
B&D Game Farm
Chukars, Bobwhite and Coturnix Quail, Indian Red Junglefowl, Ringneck Pheasant, and Guineas are just some of the bird species that may be purchased at B&D Game Farm, which has been in the hatching business for over 40 years.
They sell anything from eggs to mature birds, including ducklings, chicks, and geese. The age and breed determine the minimum number of heads required for an order, which can be anything from eight to one hundred.
Location: 332939 East 1020 Road, Harrah, OK 73045
Phone: 405-964-5288
Country Hatchery
Country Hatchery is a one-stop shop for all things related to poultry, from feed to supplies, and we believe they hold an NPIP license, however, this has not been confirmed.
You may choose from a variety of chickens, including the Cinnamon Queen, Buff Orpingtons, Black Beauties, Blue-laced Red Wyandottes, Easter Eggers, and Cornish Rocks, and the pricing will change accordingly. They also provide shipping, albeit the minimum order is different for each variety of chicken.
Location: 36040 EW1200, Seminole, OK 74868
Phone: 405-220-0222
5D Farms
5D Farms is an NPIP-approved, family-run chicken hatchery stocking a wide variety of breeds, including English and American Orpingtons, Partridge Cochin Bantams, Light Sussex, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, and many more.
They sell chicken feed, incubators, and other poultry necessities in addition to their selection of chicken breeds. They only provide in-store pick-up, and the price per chick is between $5 and $20.
Location: 26975 360th street, Wister, OK 74966
Phone: 918-315-0865
Newell Brothers Chicken Farm
Despite not being NPIP-approved, Newell Brothers Chicken Farm provides customers with both hatching and edible eggs, as well as chicks. They sell Rhode Island hatching eggs for $1 apiece. They also have chicks for sale, including Rhode Island Reds, which may be purchased for $3 to $4 depending on gender.
They only deal with cash, so don’t expect shipping or door-to-door delivery options from them. Orders are available for pick-up at the hatchery farm.
Location: 8574 S 305th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74014
Phone: 918-381-4111
Snow Family Farm & Hatchery
The farm is run and maintained by a small family that specializes in raising poultry and cattle. Despite being without an official NPIP license, they’ve amassed a huge fan base because of their prolific activity on Facebook.
They provide a wide selection of chickens for sale, including Leghorn Pullets, Slash Laced Wyandottes, Blue Laced Red Wyandottes, Crested Polish, Orpington, Bardock, Rhode Island, and many more. Prices for individual chicks can vary from $3 to $8, depending on the breed.
Location: 35858 OK-56, Konawa, OK 74849
These are some of the few hatcheries in Oklahoma that we found. You can google something like “hatchery in Oklahoma” or “hatchery near me” to find the closest one.
What are the laws and regulations for raising chickens in Oklahoma?
OKC chicken laws for raising chickens vary by city and county. It is important to check with your local government to understand any specific laws or regulations in your area before starting to raise chickens.
The Oklahoma City City Council gave its permission for residents to keep hens and quail in their backyards. The rule, which went into effect on March 4, 2022, enables individuals to keep as many hens or quail as they like in their backyards, up to a total of six. There is a strict ban on keeping roosters.
Is it important to choose the right breed of chicken for Oklahoma’s climate?
Yes, it is important to choose the right breed of chicken that can thrive in Oklahoma’s warm climate. Mediterranean breeds such as Leghorns, Catalanas, Minorcas, and Spanish are well-suited for Oklahoma’s warm weather and can be great choices for backyard or small-scale poultry operations.
What are some common predators of chickens in Oklahoma?
Common predators of chickens in Oklahoma include raccoons, opossums, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. It’s important to protect your chickens from these predators by using secure coops and fencing.
How can I keep my chickens cool during the hot Oklahoma summers?
To keep your chickens cool during the hot Oklahoma summers, provide them with plenty of shade, such as trees or shade cloth. Provide them with water and use a misting system, also you can use fans to create airflow in the coop.
Keep the coop well-ventilated and make sure the chickens have access to fresh water at all times.
What kind of shelter do I need to provide for my chickens in Oklahoma?
Chickens need a secure coop that provides protection from the elements and predators. The coop should be well-ventilated and have enough space for the chickens to move around comfortably.
Provide a roosting area and nesting boxes, and make sure the coop is elevated to keep the chickens dry during rainy weather.
Are there any specific health concerns for chickens in Oklahoma?
Chickens in Oklahoma are susceptible to the same health concerns as chickens in other parts of the country, such as avian influenza and coccidiosis. It’s important to monitor your chickens for signs of illness and to follow good biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the best chicken breeds for Oklahoma’s warm climate, high egg-laying capacity and hardiness in hot weather, foraging abilities, and docile nature making them a great choice for farmers and backyard chicken keepers in Oklahoma.
It’s important to note that like all living creatures, each chicken has its own personality, and not all will behave in the exact way as described. It’s always good to research, observe and consult with experts before starting to raise any breed.
References:
https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/backyard-poultry/
https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/01/okc-council-urban-chickens-ok-roosters-need-not-apply/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/best-chickens-for-oklahoma.753383/
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
