It is a plan/goal for the furture. Might as well start with the proper breed and go for it. I have 5 legbars. I do like them but I wanted a brown or cream or white layer to add to my flock. I was thinking astralorps or orphingtons. I really want a bird who lays 5+ eggs a week but could be used in show.
My Silkies must be anomalies, I swear. They lay all the time when they aren't trying to be mamas. They are laying right now. And aren't particularly dumb.We hit -54 that week. My one silkie lived inside. My heated and insulated coop still couldn't keep her warm. I will never own another silkie, cute but DUMB and doesn't lay well, continually tries to die.
I honestly have no idea. Mine nest in hidden spots and just appear with a dozen or so babies. But it's definitely more than 50 if you don't let them sit. I would say at least 3 a week, probably more at least the first year or two.
I suppose number of eggs a year is the 1st priority for me. Followed by breeding true.
Nice, both are great breeds! Pretty much any standardbred breed that strikes your fancy should be able to match them in laying, but definitely don't expect production leghorn-like laying from a heavy standardbred dual purpose breed! That's just not realistic. They'll also easily eat double or more than a light breed, but this may not be a concern.
