Brown Egg Layers

The Midnight Majesty Marans® have black plumage and most hatch with feathered feet, but some do not. Deep browns show up through their down feathering underneath, making them a mix of beautiful dark brown and black plumage. The males are barred. This breed will lay dark brown eggs and will lay a lot of them! You will truly enjoy this breed in your backyard flock and its dark eggs in your egg carton! These hybrids perform well in many different climates. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 250 Large Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They are more athletic and take to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The French Copper Marans lay dark brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Chantecler is a cold-hardy, dual purpose breed that was originally developed in Canada in the early 1900s. The first Chanteclers were created by crossing Wyandottes, Cochins, Cornish, and Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, dual purpose bird that could withstand the harsh Canadian winters, lay a good number of eggs, and produce a good carcass for the table. Chanteclers feature small cushion combs along with small, practically non-existent, wattles and dense feathering. All of these traits make it very well suited to cold northern climates. APPROX. 200 LARGE EGGS/YEAR | EGG COLOR: BROWN | MATURE WT: MALE 9 LBS. FEMALE 7 LBS.

Partridge Chantecler males have brilliant rich red plumage on the neck and saddle with black tails and breasts while the females are a rich mahogany brown with each feather having intricate black markings known as “penciling”.The Chantecler is a cold-hardy, dual purpose breed that was originally developed in Canada in the early 1900s. The first Chanteclers were created by crossing Wyandottes, Cochins, Cornish, and Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, dual purpose bird that could withstand the harsh Canadian winters, lay a good number of eggs, and produce a good carcass for the table. Chanteclers feature small cushion combs along with small, practically non-existent, wattles and dense feathering. All of these traits make it very well suited to cold northern climates. APPROX. 200 LARGE EGGS/YEAR | EGG COLOR: BROWN | MATURE WT: MALE 9 LBS. FEMALE 7 LBS.

Our Sapphire Splash® is a rebel rendition of our Sapphire Gem, with a mix of light to medium dark gray plumage and specks of darker feathering showing up throughout its body. This Czech breed has great performance just like its other Czech cousins. It is both cold and hot weather hardy and is a high performing egg producer. Please note that due to its splash coloring the colors of the bird will vary. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 290 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Speckled Sussex originated in England in AD 43, making them one of the oldest known breeds. The oldest and most common coloring is the speckled breed that has dark brown or mahogany-colored feathers and some black and blue feathers with white ends making the speckles show throughout their plumage. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Gentle Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Bielefelder is a recent import to the U.S. that originated in Bielefeld, Germany. A poultry breeder by the name of Gerd Roth developed the breed by crossing New Hampshires, Malines, Amrocks, and Wyandottes to create an auto-sexing, dual-purpose breed. Auto-sexing means that day-old chicks can be sexed when they hatched based on their coloring. Day-old pullet chicks have brown “chipmunk stripes” on their backs, while cockerel chicks are a much lighter shade and do not have any stripes. Adult Bielefelders are beautiful birds and have a color pattern similar to the crele color pattern found in other breeds. The hens have a brown ground color overlaid with faint bars of white and gray. Males have orange barred hackles, backs, and saddles with the tails and breast being black with white barring. Bielefelders are an excellent dual-purpose breed that lays an abundance of brown eggs while still having a well-fleshed carcass. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 230 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Curious, Active, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-10 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The large fowl Cochin is an ancient breed originally from China. When they first arrived in the U.S., they were immensely popular and were used to develop many American breeds such as the Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red. Although originally prized as a meat bird, Cochins today are primarily bred for exhibition. They have a docile temperament and are very cold hardy thanks to their abundant, loose-fitting plumage. The hens are also well known for their broody instincts and mothering ability.

Orpingtons were first imported to the U.S in 1900 and have been a favorite farm-flock and exhibition chicken since. In England, their popularity sky-rocketed and breeders developed many new varieties in addition to the Black, Buff, Blue, & White which are common in the U.S. Until very recently, none of these other color patterns had yet made their way over to the U.S. English-bred Orpingtons tend to have looser fitting feathers, shorter bodies, and shorter legs. They are broad across the back and have a more rounded shape compared to American-bred Orpingtons. Despite their differences, the English are still similar to the American-bred birds as they are good dual-purpose birds laying a good number of brown eggs and have a gentle temperament. We are excited to offer the following varieties of English Orpingtons: Silver, Blue, Chocolate, Jubilee, and Mottled. *No color is guaranteed in the assortment. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Chocolate Orpington is a Hoover’s Hatchery™ specialty. It is a cross between a Chocolate Orpington male and a Black Orpington female. The pullets are a rich chocolate brown color. This cross combines the beautiful chocolate color of the Orpington with the superb laying capabilities of the Australorp. These birds make a great dual-purpose bird for any flock as they combine unique plumage color and high egg production with a well-fleshed carcass. This cross also has a docile temperament much like both of its parent breeds. Only pullets are available. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Calm, Gentle Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Mystic Onyx® were originally developed as a meat bird for a market similar to the Asian Blacks, but upon seeing their beauty, we decided to make these available to the public. These birds were developed from Silkies by crossing with meat birds and selecting for size, and their dark skin and meat. They resemble a Svart Hona or Ayam Cemani in color but typically feature orange-red flares in their plumage, creating a beautiful contrast with their iridescent green plumage and mulberry or black combs, and the occasional tuft on their head. They do come in a variety of colors from orange to red to the more typical black with red flares. These have easily become one of our favorites at the hatchery, as they are also good egg layers of light brown eggs. If you are looking for a standout in your flock, these are a great addition! Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Light Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Energetic Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

These lacy girls are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers. They are also great egg layers! Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and are one of the most winter-hardy breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Rose Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They are more athletic and take to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The French Copper Marans lay dark brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Buff Plymouth Rocks, also known as Buff Rocks, are a less common variety of Plymouth Rocks. They have a buff coloration, and are, like other varieties of the Plymouth Rock, a good egg layer, docile, friendly, and an easy bird to keep.

Blue Wyandottes have slate blue plumage that can sometimes be laced with shades of black. They have a rose comb and tend to be fast maturing. Blue Wyandottes are very good producers of brown eggs and a very cold hardy bird. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: Approx. 150-180 Large, Brown Eggs/Yr. Nature: Friendly Broodiness: Rarely Cold and Heat Hardy: No, Yes Mature Weight: Approx. 6-7 Lbs

The Marans breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They tend to be more athletic, taking to foraging, and free ranging more often than other breeds. Marans lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy But Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Mottled Javas are a large bird, displaying black plumage with white mottling. The Mottled Java is an old breed, developed in the United States in the early 1800s. They are hardy, good layers and an ideal dual-purpose chicken.

The Production Blue is a cross between a Rhode Island Red and a Blue Australorp. This cross is an efficient layer of brown eggs as well as a distinctive bird in appearance. Both males and females exhibit blue to gray coloration with some red in the neck. Production Blues are a good chicken for egg production with a striking appearance.

The Welbar is a cross between the Welsummer and the Barred Plymouth Rock. Welbars exhibit unusual crele coloration. They are docile birds, very good egg layers, are a great choice for a dark brown egg layer.

White Rocks are large birds which were used to develop many of the modern varieties of White Broilers. They are good layers of brown eggs and dual-purpose birds with a docile Plymouth Rock temperament.

Silkies are named for their unique fluffy plumage, which feels like silk. They have several unusual qualities, such as black skin and bones, blue earlobes, and five toes on each foot (although not all of our silkies will hatch out with five toes). Calm and friendly and the most docile of poultry, they make an ideal pet. Hens are broody and make good mothers. Though they are fair layers themselves, they are commonly used to hatch eggs from other breeds. Silkies are only sold in assorted colors, and we do not guarantee any colors in assortments. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Light Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily Tamed, Great Pets Mature Weight: 2-3 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often, Good Mothers Comb Type: Rose Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**

The Silver Duckwing Old English Bantam is one of the varieties of Old English Bantam we offer. They originated in England and were used for cockfighting. The sport was banned in 1849 and today the birds are raised for exhibition. The upright appearance and confidence in this breed sets it apart and makes it noticeable. *Sold as straight run only. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Extremely Active, Flighty Mature Weight: 2-2.5 lbs. Hardiness: Are NOT Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**

The striking colors, alertness, and upright stance and confident personality make this breed very popular pets. They are entertaining with the certain "cockiness" their stance and stature portrays in such a small bird. *Sold as straight run only. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Extremely Active, Flighty Mature Weight: 2-2.5 lbs. Hardiness: Are NOT Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**

Mille Fleur D'Uccle bantams generally have great temperaments, making them easy birds to handle for the novice chicken keeper or for kids. It is because of this that they make excellent pet chickens. Their mahogany feathers with speckles get more and more beautiful after each molt. Mille Fleur in French translates to "thousand flowers". *Sold as straight run only. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily Tamed, Great Pets Mature Weight: 1-2 lbs. Hardiness: NOT Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**

The Porcelain D'Uccle originates in Belgium. They have beards, feathered legs, and their plumage is a beautiful blueish-white that almost seems iridescent and all feathers are tipped in white. They have good temperaments and friendly dispositions. *Sold as straight run only. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily Tamed, Great Pets Mature Weight: 1 lb Hardiness: NOT Cold but is Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**

One of the most stunning breeds of chickens in the world. The breed originated in England in the 19th century. The Sebright breed has black lacing with either gold or silver base color. They lay very small, tinted eggs, but do not lay well and are not setters. They are kept primarily for pleasure and exhibition. Sebrights have clean legs with slate blue skin, and their beaks are a dark horn color. *Sold as straight run only. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily Tamed, Great Pets Mature Weight: 1.5 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Rose Comb **Minimum Order Requirements – 20 Bantams For Safe Shipping**