- Feb 11, 2014
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I purchased 5 of these from Stromberg's a little over a year ago; they started laying in the fall and laid throughout the winter, but it wasn't until this past Spring that they started laying prodigiously. Honestly, these guys are prolific! And some of the eggs are just huge.
About their temperament: they are alert, rather quick, and vigilant; they fit in with my flock and, despite being a small bird, can handle themselves well while not being disruptive. They don't provoke or bully and seem to keep themselves a little bit apart from their flock mates. They like higher places and seem to remember that they can fly, though they don't ever fly off or venture far from their coop and yard. They are great foragers but don't seem to mind being confined. (a run would definitely have to have a roof, though.) Mine are very friendly, but I don't handle them, and they never fail to run up to me for food. Unlike some other breeds, they are never aggressive when it comes to feeding. Some would call them aloof, but I find mine to be polite and respectful. Very very sweet birds, not at all overbearing, maybe more easily startled than others.
Mine have been quite vigorous and hardy, as you might expect of a hybrid; they are trim, light on their feet, and not prone to the bumblefoot some of my heavier birds get. Their combs are big, but they are the only birds that weren't touched by frostbite last winter.
I just cannot say enough good things about California Whites; I think they have to be one of the best-kept secrets of the chicken world. I have Sussex, RIR, BR, Silkies, Cochin, BSL, RSL, Production Reds, and Mutts - and I am comparing the CWs to these.
If you want a cuddly hen, though, these may not be for you. They are not for eating, and if you have a heavy predator load, they might not be the best for you. They will not breed true in case you want to increase their flock number. Ask me in a few years how well they are still laying.
About their temperament: they are alert, rather quick, and vigilant; they fit in with my flock and, despite being a small bird, can handle themselves well while not being disruptive. They don't provoke or bully and seem to keep themselves a little bit apart from their flock mates. They like higher places and seem to remember that they can fly, though they don't ever fly off or venture far from their coop and yard. They are great foragers but don't seem to mind being confined. (a run would definitely have to have a roof, though.) Mine are very friendly, but I don't handle them, and they never fail to run up to me for food. Unlike some other breeds, they are never aggressive when it comes to feeding. Some would call them aloof, but I find mine to be polite and respectful. Very very sweet birds, not at all overbearing, maybe more easily startled than others.
Mine have been quite vigorous and hardy, as you might expect of a hybrid; they are trim, light on their feet, and not prone to the bumblefoot some of my heavier birds get. Their combs are big, but they are the only birds that weren't touched by frostbite last winter.
I just cannot say enough good things about California Whites; I think they have to be one of the best-kept secrets of the chicken world. I have Sussex, RIR, BR, Silkies, Cochin, BSL, RSL, Production Reds, and Mutts - and I am comparing the CWs to these.
If you want a cuddly hen, though, these may not be for you. They are not for eating, and if you have a heavy predator load, they might not be the best for you. They will not breed true in case you want to increase their flock number. Ask me in a few years how well they are still laying.
