Like Royce, I have not noticed any correlation between too-yellow a leg and egg laying ability (but I must admit, I have not really looked for one). What I have noticed is that all free range birds have better leg color (brighter yellow) & mine eat a good bit of green grass this time of year. Of course, an older bird has less coloration in their legs. So together with genetics, I have noticed diet plays a role.
Exactly. This was one of the topics that was covered during our training as Livestock Leaders during my 4-H certification. It is more noticeable in production breeds, especially the White Leghorns and production brown egg layer strains, but the concept still applies to all breeds of chickens. It's one of the ways you can determine if a hen is a good layer or not, along with the other methods, including moist vent, width of pubic bones, and so on. See this link for specifics: http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/AG_Poultry_2009-01pr.pdf
The importance of hens in a flock can't be repeated often enough. It's all very well to admire a pullet in the bloom of her first eggs, but the hens that make it past the second year cull are the jewels of your flock. Those that maintain type, color, size , as well as laying ability , are the ones to breed from.
I agree. The hen is often ignored, but she is responsible for giving type. I like breeding from old, big Buckeye hens -- they have also proven they are healthy and can make it through our summers. Likewise, I never cull hens for color.
Truer words were never said! But oh, there is something just so delicious about a pullet just at the point of lay. The dewiness, the perfect feathers, the spring in her step and the gleam in her eye as she seeks the best place to lay those first eggs. I adore those little girls, I do. I especially miss my Dutch Bantams when I think of such pullets... (sigh)
