Better layer: Welsummer or BCM?

[javaferret]

Hi all,

I am intersted in having a couple very dark brown layers, and was wondering from your collective experience which hen lays the best, and approx what egg size they generally lay. I been going back and forth on wether to get welsummers or black copper marans. I have been reading on the forums under both breeds, and hence the back and forth on my decision making
From what I have gathered, the Welsummers are nicer, and the Marans lay more as well as darker eggs. Looks like the BCM are also a lil bit smaller.

Any input will help my ever changing mind

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Very similar production between the two. This may not be a problem for you but the only bird I've lost to heat was a welsummer. Loved that bird though and she laid beautiful eggs.

My personal preference for dark eggs is Penedesenca.
IMHO, they lay better than either, the eggs rival the best of the Marans and they're the best foraging/predator proof bird I've raised.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The Penedesenca standard calls for 65+ gram eggs.

 

[javaferret]

Beautiful eggs! Forgeability would be a plus, not sure on heat being an issue, Oregon tends to be kind of wet and chilly for the most part. I am moving to Oregon from SoCal, so I am really looking fwd to some cooler weather myself!

I will check these girls out on the forum! Oh no now 3 to choose from

 

[allpeepedout]

Hi. I also wanted some dark eggs so just added a Welsumer and Partridge Penedesenca to my flock. Since they are only 8 weeks old, I can't speak to their egg size or productivity but I'm happy to have both. The Wellie is very low key and friendly, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how sensible the Penedesenca is. She's also very beautiful, with a gorgeous pumpkin face and neck and brown tweed ensemble.

Since I don't plan to kill my birds when they slow down laying, I choose lighter weight birds that will use less feed, rather than the heavier BCM. Both the Wellie and Penedesenca stand out as being active foragers, in contrast to some of my other breeds.

Perhaps you need one of each?

 

[javaferret]

I think I may have to go with one of each You bring up a good point with the feed, I also was not one to get rid of my girls, and have always kept them on (hence only getting a couple of newbies at a time).
I am planning my first flock since having been somewhere I couldn't have chickens for past 10 years, so I am very excited to get 4-5 interesting breeds with a head count of no more than 15 girls as I decide who works for us.

 

[allpeepedout]

That is exciting! I really expanded the breed selection with my last batch of chicks; each breed is interesting and has merit. In addition to the dark egg layers, I also added some white layers, again going with smaller birds. The Exchequer Leghorns have a very nice temperament and are also beautiful. But I'll have to protect some combs from frostbite.

Good luck with your picks! And chicks.