Ameraucanas, Delawares, Marans or Orpingtons?

[IroquoisEgg]

I would definetly go with the Ameraucanas, and then the Delawares. My Dellie is the sweetest thing and a classic breed that needs to be saved!

 

[draye]

You don't care for Marans in particular, or you don't care for dark eggs?

I just don't care for the Marans breed of chicken. But you know I might would change my mind if I had any, I've really had no experience with them it's just the look of them, they seem so close to a Brahma but yet not quite.

And really I do like lighter greenish eggs but would like some eggs that are a little bluier. And don't take me wrong I am not really downing Marans because as I said I do not have any experience with them, just what my eye is seeing.

Also I do not care personally for the Welsummer either, but my dad has some and he really likes them.​

 

[joletabey]

Jeremy, you have something rare and special in the English Orps- KEEP THEM. They will be good stock for anyone looking to raise the tail on their BBS Orps, so you could potentially make a few dollars with those bloodlines.
And Delawares - you KNOW I am going to say keep them - what would life be like without those personalities?

So, that is my vote- Orps and Dels.

 

[pinkchick]

Jeremy~

You know I have to say definately Marans

!!!!!!!!!!! I also have to say Delawares, now that I have them I will never be without them. Don't know why it took me so long to add them to my flocks, they are sweeter than my Marans and beautiful even now at the tender age of 5 weeks. I just love them.

 

[punky rooster]

what do you want them for if showing then not marans
I like Delaware and the Ameraucanas

 

[speckledhen]

jeremy, of that list, I'd go with Blue Wheaten Ameraucanas and the imported type Orpingtons (they're all English). I personally prefer the American standard Orp to the imported ones, but that's just a personal thing. (yes, I know, you're surprised that I chose Orps over Dels)

I adore my Delawares, I really do, and they need more serious breeders, but as you are quite aware, they are extremely challenging! Your frustration levels will be lower if you skip the Dels, IMO. I think Delawares need breeders who only breed Delawares, in order to truly contribute to their resurgence in a quality way. JMHO. Color on both Ameraucanas and Orps is less trouble than the Delawares. But, the Orps' personality cannot hold a candle to the personality of a Delaware! I still have my Blue Orpingtons. Suede is a sweetheart, but the girls are not super friendly, never have been-I've had some from different lines and they are all the same, personality-wise. Still, they are very handsome birds. If I was going to seriously get back into Delawares, I would slowly let my others go and do only Dels due to the challenging nature of breeding a proper Delaware.

I have no interest in Marans, personally. They can't be great layers and have fabulous egg color at the same time, plus, I just don't like the looks of them, but that's just me.

You know me, I love my Barred and Blue Rocks, but I also love my BBS Ameraucanas--very sweet, personable, friendly and when they aren't in molt, fabulous layers.

 

[jeremy]

So... the tally currently stands at...

Blue Wheaten Ameraucanas- 6
Wheaten Marans- 3
Delawares- 5
English Blue & Splash Orpingtons- 2

You all make very wonderful points. Cyn, I especially agree with a lot of what you mentioned, I wish Dels weren't such a headache when it comes to breeding...

I love love love them, but I don't know if I want them to be my only breed.

I don't plan on showing, for my own personal reasons, so that won't be a factor in the decision making...

Kathy, I sold a black pair of my English babies, that's all the down sizing I plan on doing for now!

 

[pips&peeps]

ameraucanas and orps

 

[speckledhen]

Jeremy, it's entirely up to you. If you'd rather keep Dels, do so! I think everyone should keep the breeds that they love the most.

 

[PepsNick]

Blue wheaten ameraucanas and delawares! Blue wheatens are GORGEOUS, especially the roosters, and I love my Delawares, why not?