California Greys???

[Chicken116]

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread...but as a new 'chicken person' (I had one as a pet in high school and next year I get to have chickens again--yay!!) I've been doing some research into the breeds. I have found a family connection to James Dryden and would LOVE to get a couple California Grays...but ones derived from his lines. That would be too cool. In case anyone is following this thread (and one other I've posted in), is there a good 2013 source for this breed? If not I'll return to my brown-egg layer-docile breed dreams for next year.

Thanks for any info!

 

[free burd]

Quote:
dear friend,

read the end of post #11 on this thread.
oldtimeway is a world class expert and has informed us in another thread that
the 2 lines are combined and offered by
http://www.privetthatchery.com/Home/prdDetails.aspx?id=CGS
as the only hatchery source at the present time.
fortunately they are a high quality hatchery...their birds are sold through
the tractor supply company TSC also if you wish to have a smaller number of them than 25.

i'm so sorry i didn't reply ealier - i travel a lot.
i hope you are still able to get them this year.

an experienced woman in WA state is trying to convince to get the gray instead of jaerhons
she is an alum of the OR university where professor dryden started his work.
(i would be quite proud of a family connection with him!)
have only heard praise for the end results of his work.

best wishes,
robert braun [email protected]

 

[Chickluver2012]

I finally was able to see today the difference between my California grey, and my barred rock...they look almost the same...

 

[Michael Apple]

Today many hatcheries are selling "calif whites" that are not true cal whites but actually Austra WHites which are a cross between a black Australorp and a white leghorn. These birds look similar but you'll see the result when they start laying as they will lay a cream egg unlike the pure white egg of the california white.

A few hatcheries still produce a true calif white by buying their roosters from one of a couple of true Dryden flocks left in the US, that being Privett and Rockin Rooster Ranch. They have true Calif Grey stock.

The Calif. Grey never became popular because things moved on to caged layers which required smaller birds in the commercial industry and for the hobbyist, Dryden frowned on birds that he called "Fluff and feathers" so he never attempted to have the bird put in the Standard of Perfection.

Interesting post. Thank you. You know I've wondered about these small sex link breeds and the physical stress imposed due to producing such large eggs. I've had some get prolapse or damage the vent due to this, which makes me afraid to purchase sex links again. I'm speaking specifically of those given the title, Golden Comet or Gold Sex Links.

 

[Michael Apple]

Cal Grays from Privett will be in my hands on March 22. After insuring their healthy growth I will hopefully have a cockerel and pullet available to anyone who desires this breed in Northern California.

 

[free burd]

I finally was able to see today the difference between my California grey, and my barred rock...they look almost the same...

what was the difference ?
and at what age did you see it ?
is it their weight ?

 

[free burd]

Interesting post. Thank you. You know I've wondered about these small sex link breeds and the physical stress imposed due to producing such large eggs. I've had some get prolapse or damage the vent due to this, which makes me afraid to purchase sex links again. I'm speaking specifically of those given the title, Golden Comet or Gold Sex Links.

professor dryden worked hard to make this one of the ultimate back yard / farm chickens in a time way before factory type production birds.
a couple of the characteristics should be:
layer longevity (in years) - the opposite of prolapse problems.
and a calm bird, with the intention of being good with children.
among others.
i hope his years of dedication still prove to be of value to you,

robert braun [email protected]

 

[Chickluver2012]

I googled it, it seems the greys' tail sticks almost straight up, and comes together more...also the defining of the colors are more crisp..if that makes any sence but I had my two girls right next to each other before I could tell the difference

 

[Chickluver2012]

also they lay white eggs, smaller than the brown ones...but if you are like me, it is hard to tell, I work during the day, and eggs are already there when I get home...

 

[tommysgirl]

I created a California Grey Breed page here on BYC.. Chickluver and anyone else with CA greys in your flock can you post pics of yours and write a review? Michael if you can do the same when you get yours it will be great and I will do the same.

I have never been drawn to barred birds but I am super excited about my CA Grey girls!