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

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.

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. 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. 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

Hampbars were originally developed in Canada in the 1950s to be an autosexing, dual-purpose breed. They were developed by crossing a Redbar into New Hampshires. Hampbars were beneficial over the other autosexing and dual-purpose breeds because of their light pin feathers which produced a cleaner carcass for the table. This is a very unique breed that is extremely rare. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Somewhat Comb Type: Single Comb

The French Blue Copper Marans is an extremely rare and beautiful chicken. They are feather-legged, medium large birds that lay a dark brown egg. They will have a blue-grey body with some orange on the neck.

Rustic Rocks are a dual-purpose breed with a unique charm. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, Rustic Rocks thrive in various environments while offering a steady supply of brown eggs and quality meat. With their friendly disposition and striking feather patterns, they make delightful additions to any backyard flock.

Discover the enchanting Pearl Onyx Chicken, a striking breed that combines beauty and personality! With their shimmering pearl-like feathers interspersed with rich onyx hues, these birds are a visual delight, making them a standout addition to any flock. Known for their friendly and curious nature, Pearl Onyx Chickens are not only stunning but also great companions. They thrive in social environments and are excellent layers, producing medium-sized brown eggs that are perfect for any kitchen. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for families, ensuring a delightful experience for both seasoned farmers and newcomers alike.

Blue Jersey Giants, like their Black counterparts, are one of the largest and most impressive breeds of chicken. Their large, imposing size combined with their beautiful blue feathers makes the Blue Jersey Giant truly a one-of-a-kind bird. They are slow maturing, taking about 6 months to reach their full size and are moderate layers of brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Our Blue Plymouths are a cross of a Blue Australorp male and a Barred Plymouth Rock hen. They have a unique and stunning appearance; the females are blue-gray and the males are barred with blue undertones. Blue Plymouths are excellent layers of brown eggs. They are hardy with good temperaments and make excellent dual-purpose birds.

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.

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.

Red Stars are a cross between a Rhode Island Red male and a Delaware female. Adult males are similar to the Delawares with red highlights, while adult females are mostly red with some black in the tail feathers and neck. Red Stars are excellent egg layers, sometimes used for commercial brown egg production. This breed is hardy in all conditions and is a prolific egg producing bird. Type: Layer Eggs/Year: 300-340 Egg Size & Color: Medium, Brown Nature: Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Cold & Heat Hardy: Yes Mature Weight: Approx. 5-6 lbs.

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.

This will be an assortment of our standard brown egg layers based on availability. This assortment will not include meat birds of any kind, or white egg layers. You will receive a mix and variety of any of the following breeds: Sapphire Gem®, ISA Brown, Amberlink, Production Red, Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, Buff Orpington, and more! Purpose: Brown Egg Layers. Production: 200-300 Medium to Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Varies By Breed Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies By Breed Comb Type: Varies By Breed

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 one of the most winter-hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 245 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose Comb

Wyandottes 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 of the most winter hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 245 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose 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

Smokey Pearl™ tend to be very beautifully colored with some having what we describe as ghost barring. These friendly birds tend to be a calmer brown egg layers. They are very hardy, and great year round egg layers. If you are looking for unique birds that are still good layers, these would be a great addition to your flock. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: Approx. 280 Large Brown Eggs/Year Nature: Docile, Friendly, Calm Mature Weight: 4-6 Lbs.

This Brahma assortment offers a stunning variety of Buff, Black, and Light Brahmas. Named after India's Brahmaputra River, these birds likely arrived in the U.S. on 19th-century sailing ships. Known for their massive size and feathered legs, Brahmas thrive in cold weather. Their calm, gentle temperament makes them ideal for families with children. Whether it's the Buff's golden tones, the Dark's striking contrast, or the Light's elegant appearance, each Brahma in this assortment brings beauty and personality to your flock. These birds sometimes go broody and are attentive mothers.