cross-breeding to get the dark egg color?

[GrizzlyAdam]

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has crossed their Marans with another breed and gotten the same egg color? I have some Blue-Copper Marans and was wondering if I could cross them but keep the dark egg color. Thanks!

 

[Habibs Hens]

cross with white egg layers

 

[3riverschick]

Quote: Usually folk lose color when they cross breeds. More often they pic up foreign characteristics they don't like. Check the egg show stats for the 2 Marans Clubs. Find someone who is winning repeatedly with the color you have. Then get a rooster from them which was hatched from a hen which laid dark eggs. Cross it to your hens and take the daughters back to this cock. You should see improvement you like.
Best,
Karen