Chicks

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

The Welsummer hen lays large eggs which are a terracotta dark brown, often with dark speckles. It is a light, friendly, and intelligent breed, with rustic-red and orange color. Like the Marans the Welsummer tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Speckled Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Active, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 5-6 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 Dominique is considered a “heritage” bird because it is considered America's oldest breed of chicken. Dominique hens tend to be calm and personable. Their calm, steady demeanor makes them successful as show birds or family pets. At first glance, Dominiques and Barred Rocks appear strikingly similar. The strongest difference is the Dominiques possess a rose comb while Barred Rocks possess a single comb. Purpose: brown egg layer Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 245 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose Comb

A beloved breed that takes the best qualities from its parents, a Rhode Island Red rooster, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte hen. The Cinnamon Queens are wonderful egg layers and can take the cold hardiness of winter, ensuring that you will have eggs all year long. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose or Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Either way, Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Pea Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Hens weigh about 5-6 pounds with loose fluffy feathers that make them look bigger. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Another great sex-link chicken that has great egg laying qualities, making this another top red sex-link choice for your backyard flock. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 260 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Developed in 1940 by George Ellis in the state of Delaware, these hardy birds make great dual-purpose breeds to add to any flock. They have white plumage with some black barring on the feather ends of their hackles. This breed matures quickly, and the hens make great egg layers. The Delaware breed does well in free- range environments and this should be kept in mind when selecting these birds for your backyard or farm. This breed also tends to be calm, friendly, and docile. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 260 Large Brown Eggs/Year. Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Calico Princess® is topaz colored and its feathers alternate in color between the light red-orange and white making it seem like a glimmering topaz stone. They are great egg layers and do well in many different environments. They are also robust and can adapt well to different climates. This bird is a specialty hybrid that was created by a breeder in the Czech Republic. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 290 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named after India's Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on 19th Century sailing ships, these Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. They sometimes go broody and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Somewhat Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Our Sapphire Gem® will amaze you with its grey to light grey plumage. This Czech breed is an excellent egg layer and a great forager. It does well in hot and cold climates and is a breed very close to the Old Andalusians. Please note that grey to light grey plumage is referred to as blue or lavender feathering in the chicken industry. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 290 X-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

We are so proud of our meat birds here at Hoover’s that we just had to name one after our little town of Rudd, Iowa. This "haus" loves to free-range and finishes out slower than the Cornish Cross Broiler, but the wait is worth it! The Rudd Ranger® is a versatile bird that can be raised in more confined areas or free-range environments but prefers the latter. Just like our wonderful Rudd residents, these birds are docile and get along with most other breeds. They have red plumage with dark tails and wing feathers. When dressed, the Rudd Ranger’s® body is more proportional compared to a broiler, making the dark meat almost equal the breast meat. Purpose: Meat Bird Production: Matures Between 12-14 Weeks Temperament: Docile, Active Mature Weigh t: 8-11 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy

Our Easter Eggers will supply you with colorful eggs. They are a hybrid that will come in a variety of colors, which will provide a wide variety of color variations in your flock. Due to the breeds they are crossed with, up to 15% of the time you will have one that will lay brown or cream eggs. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 240 Medium Colored Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Active Mature Weight: 4-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy, Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single or Pea Comb

The Partridge Plymouth Rock is an American creation developed by mixing Partridge Cochin, Dark Cornish, and Golden Wyandotte. Other reports suggest that Brown Leghorns and Golden Penciled Hamburgs were also used to create this beautiful variety of Plymouth Rock. The Partridge Plymouth Rock combines all the excellent utility traits and hardiness of other Plymouth Rocks with the intricate pattern known as Partridge. The males feature dark red hackle and saddle feathers with a black tail and breast. While the female’s feathers are a rich mahogany brown delicately marked with two to three concentric black bands known as penciling. The feather pattern is even more stunning upon close examination. Like other Plymouth Rocks, they have a gentle temperament and are not only good egg layers, but also grow to a large size, making them excellent dual-purpose chickens. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Buckeye was created in Ohio by crossing Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, and Malay chicken breeds. They are a Dual-Purpose breed that features rich, brilliant red plumage, yellow legs, and a pea comb. They are good egg layers and grow rapidly making them a true dual-purpose farm chicken. Buckeyes are very hardy that resist frostbite very well thanks to their small comb and wattles. Furthermore, due to their Malay ancestry they are very rugged and excellent foragers. They have an easy-going demeanor and are not inclined to be flighty. The Buckeye is the ultimate combination of beautiful plumage, utility, and hardiness for the backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Gentle, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

The Lakenvelder is an old German breed that is famous for its unique color pattern. The neck, saddle, and tail feathers of the Lakenvelder are black, while the wings, back, and breast are white. The pattern gives them a belted look similar to Dutch Belted cattle and Hampshire hogs. The sharp contrast of black and white feathers makes them an interesting bird to have and admire. In addition to their unique color, they are also very good egg layers. They are a lightweight active breed that is well adapted to free-ranging. The Lakenvelder is a unique and rare breed that would add interest to any flock, all while producing lots of eggs for the table. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 240 Medium White Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Energetic Mature Weight: 4-5 lbs. Hardiness: Heat Hardy But Not Cold 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.

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.

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.

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

Our Assorted Colored Egg Layer Pack is a great assortment of different breeds that will fill your egg basket with a variety of color! "Eggscapes" are all the rage! Filling your egg carton with many different colors adds fun and interest when cooking. Only the best neighbors give these colored eggs away or use them as hostess gifts. We have a full lineup of brown, blue, dark brown, green, and olive eggers in this assortment, giving you plenty of "eggscape" options! You may receive any of the following breeds in this assortment: Americana, Olive Egger, Prairie Bluebell Egger®, Sapphire Olive Egger™, Starlight Green Egger™, Midnight Majesty Marans®, French Black Copper Marans, or Cuckoo Marans. Purpose: Colored Egg Layers Production: 200-290 Medium to X-Large Colored Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Active Foragers, Friendly Mature Weight: 4-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies By Breed Comb Type: Varies By Breed

The Marans breed originated from 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. If you love brown eggs and beautiful birds, this assortment is for you! Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200-250 Medium to Large Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily Handled, Calm Mature Weight: 5-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

A mixture of all our Crested breeds, this assortment is based on availability and may include the Buff Laced Polish, Crevecoeur, Silver Laced Polish, Gold Laced Polish, Spitzhauben, White Crested Blue Polish and/or the White Crested Black Polish. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100-155 Small to Medium White Eggs/Year Temperament: Gentle, Active Mature Weight: 4-5 lbs. Hardiness: Heat Hardy But Not Cold Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: V Comb

The Assorted White Egg Layer assortment is based on availability and will not include meat birds of any kind, or brown egg layers. The breeds may be a mixture of the following: Ancona, Brown Leghorn, Andalusian, California White, White Leghorn, Silver Lakenvelder. Purpose: White Egg Layer Production: 240-325 Medium to Large White Eggs/Year Temperament: Social, Active, Alert, Vocal Mature Weight: 4-6 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. Included in this assortment could be: Columbian, Blue Laced Red, Blue Laced Gold, Golden Laced, or Silver Laced Wyandottes.

Our BBQ Special is an assortment of any male dual-purpose chickens. If you want a variety of birds to raise for the dinner table this assortment is for you! They will take a few weeks longer than the Rudd Rangers® and Cornish Cross Broilers to mature but will produce wonderful meat for your table!

In the late 1800s New Jersey breeders created a chicken designed to rival the meatiness of the turkeys back then. The massive Black Jersey Giant was the result of merging the genetics of several large breeds. Later the White Jersey Giant was created. They grow slowly but eventually are a third larger than most other heavy breeds. These birds are ideal for anyone wanting an impressive hen that lays about 240 extra-large eggs annually. When younger, the birds will mature relatively quickly, but they tend to reach a marketable meat weight slower than other breeds. It can take up to nine months for this bird to fill out its meat proportions. 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.

California Greys were developed in the state of California from White Leghorns and Barred Plymouth Rocks. This cross yielded a bird with favorable characteristics, including small body size and excellent white egg production from the White Leghorn, and the barred plumage from the Barred Plymouth Rock. California Greys are active, alert, and good foragers that double as an excellent egg producing bird.

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”. Buff Chanteclers are a beautiful golden buff color, similar to the coloring of the Buff Orpington. 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 these traits make them very well suited to cold northern climates. We offer Buff and Partridge Chanteclers with no guarantee in the number of colors of each. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Small Cushion Comb