Rusty, the 10 week old probable Rhode island Red - hoping for brown eggs, but comb and wattles larger and redder than sleepy sister Goldie, and Rusty's tail HAD a downturn. Tail feathers uneven and not as round either. From Meyer Hatchery Brown layer Assortment. (Week 20 - BOTH are laying!)
These were production reds, great foragers, flock buddies and very sweet with me. Both died thru reproductive system emergencies. Sorry but I probably will not get a hen again bred for production that shortens their lifespans and causes suffering. Both my Black Jersey Giants (bred for meat and egg production) dies after laying an egg in the first hot week of Spring. All of these were from Meyer in Ohio farms. Wonderful birds, and I'm glad i knew them, but over-breeding is reported to cause these issues...and I wish i had tenacious survivors instead, since they became friends - even if smaller or fewer eggs per week.
