BMC/Australorp

[DirtLaneFarm]

I have been searching for quite some time for a couple of BCM laying hens. I have a rooster and he is one of the best chickens I have ever had. He is not for showing as he has too much color on his chest, but you could not ask for a better guy for the girls. I have 5 Australorp hens that lay the nicest large brown eggs. I am planning on crossing my 5 Australorp hens with my BCM rooster. Hopefully, I can get me some darker brown eggs from their offspring. My poor husband thought he had done me a great favor and bought me an EE hen only to find out that he got me another rooster which puts me with 5 in a yard with 22 hens of various ethnicities. But, the BCM was to be my small project to play around with.
What I am wondering is if anyone has had a cross of these two breeds and, if so, how was the outcome? Thanks

 

[hdowden]

you will probably get chicks in either all black or black with copper leakage. as for egg color i have no clue marans lay brown and aussies lay tinted eggs and i don't know enough to make a good guess on that though but if you want a guess heres mine lol i say a light brown. the offspring should lay well

 

[DirtLaneFarm]

My Australorps lay nice, large eggs that are a pretty light brown color now. I am hoping that mixing with the BCM, I might be able to darken the eggs some. I really like the Australorps, they are gentle, soft and low maintenance. My rooster is great. If he is an indication of his breed, then I can't go wrong with getting more of the BCMs (If I can find them). I do not plan on hatching any until Spring. I am just trying to work out some ideas and a possible breeding plan. I appreciate your input.

 

[crazyhen]

I mixed a Bl.ORP. with a BLCM and she lays a wonderful rich milk choc. colored egg. She lays an egg bigger than my ORPS. or BCM. I really love her and the personality is something else. I call her Sassy, she is constantly talking to me. She is solid black with a higher tail than her Dad or Mom. Gloria Jean

 

[DirtLaneFarm]

Well, that's sounding more like a plan to me. I do really like those hens and they lay some really nice eggs. It would be good to have some that lay even darker eggs.