Easter eggers

[Mrs. K]

I like a mixed flock. For the birds to look a little different, and I like good laying birds. We eat a lot of eggs. I like a little color in the basket. I have been very happy with mine.

 

[RojoMarz]

Cost...I've had BO and Brahma's. Both are big breeds. They eat more and lay less than my EE does. The BO and Brahma's also cost more as chicks, than the EE did.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The egg color...thats it. Lol

Nope! Far more to it than that, although that was the initial attraction. If they were jerks, I wouldn't keep going back to them even if they laid eggs of purest gold.

Good to know. I never seem to get a sense of their temperament. Any thoughts on that? I have BO’s and was questioning how they’d get along.

I've had EEs snd BOs and they got along great. Both breeds* were very chill, laid back, no problems. Good "neighbors." They seldom, if ever go broody, which means they produce more than birds that do. They're not skittish or flighty, a calm, sensible bird.

So many other breeds are attractive, but my practical side says I should really just have a flock of EEs, I like them that much

I did have all EEs for years, have experimented with other breeds, but I keep going back! Most of my birds are EEs again and eventually they all will be. You just can't beat 'em, IME.

like them because they lay well, are good at free-ranging, cold & heat hardy, and like most mutts they're far healthier than most purebreeds

What they said! ^^^

and I will always have EEs in my flock

Agreed. They are the social foundation of my flock, upon whom all others reside.

*yes, I called them a "breed" although I know this is a misnomer. Right now I have 5 lavender EEs from a backyard breeder and 5 Prairie Bluebell Eggers from Hoovers. They all get along great with each other, 5 Sapphire Gems, two SS, my BCM, two older EEs and their BOx rooster.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Multiple reasons. The surprise factor - you don't know what color they'll grow into, what color they'll lay. And they're generally smaller birds that still produce decent sized eggs - as much as a "fat" hen might look appealing (and I have my share of puffy birds), lighter birds are less prone to foot and leg issues.

Temperament can be anything. I've had 3, currently 1 remains. The 2 that passed were both very skittish and remained that way through their lives. They also both had mild crossbeak. My remaining EE is the only chicken that has no qualms about being picked up, however her relationship with the other birds in the flock is a little more contentious. And she keeps pecking hubby in the rear so he's not happy about that.

 

[Lola Chick]

I have an assortment of birds in my flock, 2 of them were EE. One of them ended up being a roo so we had to rehome him but my other EE is so docile and gentle. She used to fly on to my back and ride around with me when she was younger. She waits for me to put her to bed every night off the coop roof (the other girls go into the solar door) and she lets me cuddle her and kiss her beak and she’s so gentle and kind. I would say she’s the top of the flock because she’s a leader but she’s not a bully and doesn’t peck the other girls. She is a Blue EE (her feathers) but also her eggs and she’s my only one that didn’t do a hard molt and had kept laying consistently through the winter. She’s my reliable egg layer and emotional support chicken

 

[svbergie]

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?

We personally got into them for the eggs, but when we watched them and interacted with them, each has their own personality. They are entertaining, affectionate and talkative. One Leghorn hen, Bevus, ALWAYS has a lot to say. She is nosey and will let you know how she feels…lol Her hatch mate, Butt Head, is pretty quiet unless she’s singing her egg song. I’m learning as they’re growing. It’s just as fun to watch and interact with each as it is good to eat flavorful fresh eggs.

 

[Rick589]

How prevalent is this crossbeak issue you folks have mentioned? I get the sense this is a fairly common issue with EE’s.

 

[StinkyAcres]

How prevalent is this crossbeak issue you folks have mentioned? I get the sense this is a fairly common issue with EE’s.

Out of the 19 EEs I've had 1 had a crossbeak.

 

[Fluffybutts2]

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?

Mine happen to be very sweet and definitely lay good eggs. I just like that they are very calm. I've raised them all from peeps and have never upset them in any way. They all free range during the day and up at night, these 2 girls are first in and last out and have not a care in the world. The others act like there's a meteor heading to earth have a few seconds to live. haha

 

[Rick589]

Mine happen to be very sweet and definitely lay good eggs. I just like that they are very calm. I've raised them all from peeps and have never upset them in any way. They all free range during the day and up at night, these 2 girls are first in and last out and have not a care in the world. The others act like there's a meteor heading to earth have a few seconds to live. haha

That’s funny!