1) California Grays were developed in the 1930s by Professor Dryden after his retirement; it was a continuation of his earlier work with crosses of Barred Rock and White Leghorns. Professor Dryden bred the first documented 300 egg per year hen, Lady McDuff, and the first hen with a laying career of over 1,000 eggs, Oregona.
2) They are a true autosexing breed. They were never bred for anything other than production, so the APA never recognized them. They breed true.
3) They are calmer and less noisy than a Leghorn; but stil more active than many American class breeds.
4) They are active foragers and used in some commercial free range operations.
5) Robert Plamondon has written about them and uses them in his commercial free range operation. See www.plamondon.com.
6) If you want to try a white egg layer, I'd suggest getting a few and seeing if they work out for you.
2) They are a true autosexing breed. They were never bred for anything other than production, so the APA never recognized them. They breed true.
3) They are calmer and less noisy than a Leghorn; but stil more active than many American class breeds.
4) They are active foragers and used in some commercial free range operations.
5) Robert Plamondon has written about them and uses them in his commercial free range operation. See www.plamondon.com.
6) If you want to try a white egg layer, I'd suggest getting a few and seeing if they work out for you.