from southern ohio, NEW to BYC

[henessy]

To all you pros out there, I'm looking to acquire some type of maran that lays deep chocolate eggs (something like 7 or better on color scale). I'm new to this so I an looming for help. I would also like to acquired some Ameraucana and would like to know if there is anything special to selecting ones to get green blue and pink eggs. Thank for any help.

 

[drumstick diva]

I think it is the black copper marans that have the darkest eggs - don't quote me on that.

 

[henessy]

I've be doing a bit of research and heard of people having marans that were only laying a 3-5 on the color scale but were supposed to be 7+. I've heard you have to get good pure stock to get the deep chocolate color. Unfortunately, I know no one around who has any. I'm hoping someone on here can help.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, henessy, and

! Glad to have you here! I agree with drumstick - BCMs are reckoned to lay the darkest egg. You can check the links below to see if you can locate some. Hatcheries often require a minumum number when ordering. I didn't want to order that many as I only wanted a couple hens so I am incubating some BCM eggs right now. Good luck to you!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/67/buy-sell-trade

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16/chicken-breeders-hatcheries

 

[Kevin565]

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Many Maran hens when first laying will lay a very dark colored egg, but the longer they lay the eggs get lighter as they use up the pigments needed for dark coloration. Selecting for only a very dark egg can lead to selecting for birds that don't lay as many eggs, so therefore have more pigment available. Color is complicated in dark layers! You might visit a few of the Maran threads for more information - look in the Breeds section of the Forum.

If you are looking for blue/pink egg layers, you are likely thinking of Easter Eggers, mixed breed birds that lay a variety of colors. Ameraucanas are purebreds of specific color and type that are supposed to lay only blue or blue-green eggs.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!

Glad you joined us!!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - good luck in your search.

 

[henessy]

Thanks guys!
I received my 10 araucanas and 10 black astralorpes pullets today. I couldn't resist so I ended up taking 4 extra araucanas and 4 partridge rocks.
I was able to get a twice used hovabator 2362n, Candler, 100+ egg cartons, 7 gallon waterer, 10kg hanging feeder, homemade 40lb feeder, 5 roosters (2 araucana, a red Brahma, and 2 mixed), and a hen that looks about like a crow (not sure What the heck it is, Lol); all for $90. Looks like I'm about to have some fun.