Easter eggers

[No Coop No Problem]

If I understand correctly crossbeak is a very commonly carried genetic defect, however it only shows up typically with extreme inbreeding. Ironically this inbreeding is the only way to expose the gene and eliminate it from the genepool

 

[Ridgerunner]

If I understand correctly crossbeak is a very commonly carried genetic defect, however it only shows up typically with extreme inbreeding. Ironically this inbreeding is the only way to expose the gene and eliminate it from the genepool

I agree. It is not limited to one breed or type. Any flock of any breed can develop a problem if the person selecting which chickens get to breed does not carefully select against it. Whether that is cross-beak, crooked toes, or something else.

 

[texsuze]

I'm on my 6th EE in 15 years of chicken-keeping. Some were sweet and docile, some were sprightly, some were confident, all were delightful. Bertha, who passed in 2022 at age 7, was a good buddy. Her eggs won the blue ribbon in our county fair in 2015--a BIG deal around these parts! Blanche, coming 3 y.o., has been my only crossbeak and is very bossy towards her BA sisters, since her EE sister (my little Bonita) was killed by a hawk a few months ago. Blanche's cross beak is managed by providing deep cups of feed, both crumbles and mash, and dicing up fruit for her. She receives beak trims about every 4-6 weeks at the vet (husband and I never could manage trims ). This spring I hope to add one more EE hen and one more BA hen to my little flock.

 

[Delphene]

I see a lot of folks, here and other sites, that really like these birds. Never really got a clear understanding of the attraction so I’m asking, what is it about these birds that people enjoy so much?

Friendly, egg color, healthy, hardy, BEAUTIFULL, coloration, not fat and more- I've been wanting this breed for a long time now.

 

[fargosmom]

Mine have come mostly from Privet but also other places. Consistently curious and friendly. Especially if you hand raise. Very healthy. I had a 12 year old hen who was still laying . . . when my dog got her. I will always have 50% EE’s in my flock. My other faves are blue (laced?) Barnevelders. Ee’s forever!

 

[Delphene]

Over the years I've probably had over 100 EE and never had a crossbeaked one. I've only recently even heard about it. They've all been very healthy, sturdy little birds.

Agreed! This is the first time I've heard this, too. Even reviews on Easter eggers never mention this.

 

[Delphene]

The egg color...thats it. Lol

There are many things people like about EE's honestly for me the egg color is a nice extra.

 

[FrostRanger]

Agreed! This is the first time I've heard this, too. Even reviews on Easter eggers never mention this.

I've heard it but fortunately all of the easter eggers I've owned have been fine