Some background- I have had chickens my whole life but I only ever had sex links, red stars, RIR, Rocks and broilers(oh and a Light Brahma rooster that we got a light Brahma hen out of-funny story!). Only in the last several years have I started getting other breeds. I just recently had to start my flock over, I now have Blue Cochins, Dominiques, BLR Wyandottes, a Salmon Faverolle and an Araucana(sp?). I got them all from Murray McMurray and was planning on getting more next year. Even though I am somewhat limited on the number of chickens I can have, I still want to have a variety of chickens between feather colors and egg colors.
I was originally going to get some Cuckoo Marans from McMurray but just started reading about how not only are the Cuckoos not very reliable for the dark color but neither is McMurray. I also read that Welsummers also have the dark color. So the thing is I am looking for a chicken who lays dark colored eggs and where can I get them. Roosters are out of the question as I live in town. I also do not want to hatch eggs so I am looking to buying day olds. I read that Meyer Hatchery has the Black Copper Marans which are more reliable for egg color- is this right? After being disappointed with some of the chicks I got from McMurray I really don't feel like going through that disappointment again and would like to get more info on what to expect or by the least what to ask for.
Or should I just try my luck with McMurray and get a whole bunch and keep them until they lay eggs and cull everything that doesn't have dark eggs?
Edited by wife2abirdman - 8/20/12 at 4:39pm
I have 40 chickens, 10 cats, 4 horses, 3 young rambunctious very busy and very beautiful daughters, 2 CRAZY German Shepherds and one husband who sometime deals with it all!
I have 40 chickens, 10 cats, 4 horses, 3 young rambunctious very busy and very beautiful daughters, 2 CRAZY German Shepherds and one husband who sometime deals with it all!
