2026 breeding plans! (Meaties, egg/feather color)

[DemeterAD9]

Now that I’m down to my breeder hens and personal favorites the feed consumption is easier on my wallet and it is so much easier to tell who laid what. Here’s the current collection of egg colors though I am missing 2 brown ones from the LB and barnevelder.

I would love it if someone went brooder sooner rather than later. While my colored egg and pattern project isn’t my main focus this year I still want to hatch some pretty eggs and raise some pretty birds. One focus will be on darker brown eggs. For that I have 2 main candidates being a crested blue and golden cuckoo maran. If the blue copper maran fathers their chicks I’m sure some will lay a darker brown.

Though I could also just use my dark olives as any of their non-colored daughters should also lay a darker brown. This is all assuming the blue EE cockerel doesn’t father any of their chicks. If he does I expect lighter browns and greens. Good thing he’s well mannered or he’s be out of here.

I’ve also got some heavy bloom layers like the black dark brahma daughter, Lacy (B/L daughter) and I believe the barnevelder as well. They may be a side quest if you will. Depends on how many hens go broody.

 

[DemeterAD9]

Officially on chick watch. 2 barred rock eggs are internally pipped. I expect black chicks, white head spot of they are boys. The third one looks questionable.

Depending on what hatches I might grab a few spares from the feed store IF they have something I want. No more impulse buys.

 

[DemeterAD9]

First baby of the year! I thought for sure they’d be black but looks like this one is blue and yellow. Hard to tell if there’s a head spot but I’m guessing so. Pea comb and clean legs says the blue EE is the father. Other egg is pipped, while the questionable one appears like a late quitter.

 

[Slothinc]

First baby of the year! I thought for sure they’d be black but looks like this one is blue and yellow. Hard to tell if there’s a head spot but I’m guessing so. Pea comb and clean legs says the blue EE is the father. Other egg is pipped, while the questionable one appears like a late quitter.
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Beautiful baby!!! Almost looks lavender!

 

[DemeterAD9]

Went to TSC to get some feed and maple tapping supplies with half a mind to get a couple chicks to keep my 2 company. Brought back 2 little pullets. An Isbar and a royal sussex.

Checked on the eggs and wouldn’t ya know it the questionable egg has pipped at the pointy end with a bit of blood. The other egg is about half zipped as well.

 

[DemeterAD9]

The first two to hatch. Second one is most certainly a male with his hot spot, single comb this time but no feathered legs so blue EE roo strikes again. Still not sure on the first but I would guess male if the head spot is yellow and harder to distinguish.

I’ve moved the two into the brooder with the quail and two new pullet chicks, I’m sure the older ones will show the babies what food and water is. Last one is still chewing but the dried blood makes me think it will be a little stuck. If no progress by morning I’ll help it out. From what I can see it looks black.