Dual Purpose

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.

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.

The Blue Plymouth Tint is a cross of the Plymouth Rock similar to the Blue Plymouth. They share the mixed blue, gray, and white barring but are smaller and have white earlobes. They lay tinted eggs and are excellent layers. Blue Plymouth Tints are foragers and will do well in hotter climates.

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 Russian Orloff is a unique bird with the rare walnut comb and is bearded. The Russian Orloff is spangled brown and white that can vary between shades of orange and black as well. They have an upright carriage with a slightly sloping back that gives them a distinctive appearance. They make a good dual-purpose chicken and are very winter hardy owing to their Russian origin.

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.

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

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 assortment may include any bird in the Dual-Purpose category or that has a Dual-Purpose label and it is based on availability. You will love the flexibility that most of these breeds offer, they are all great egg layers and make great additions to your dinner table. Breeds that may be included in your assortment may be Barred Rock, Black Australorp, Black Jersey Giant, Buff Orpington, Delaware, New Hampshire, or Rainbow depending on the availability on your chosen hatch day. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250-325 Brown Medium to X-Large Eggs/Year Temperament: Varies by Breed Mature Weight: 5-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies by Breed Comb Type: Varies by Breed