Isa Brown cross Isa Brown - Dud egg layers?

[SkyAJK]

I have had many ISA Brown pullets and hens since 2014. In recent years I have also purchased ISA brown cockerels to intentionally make the cross you are asking about.

First of all, when some people say the crosses are "duds", I think maybe they refer to the fact the resulting chicks are not sex-linked, the eggs are not uniformly that rich golden brown color (varying shades of brown), the eggs are not quite as huge, and the lay rate is not quite as high as with the original ISA Browns. But by No means is the cross a dud.

My f2, f3 and f4 generation ISA's have laid well and lived longer than the original ISA's. I sadly usually lose ISA Brown hens to various reproductive issues around age three. But most of their offspring are still healthy and laying at age 4-5.

Seeing your question caused me to remember an old thread I read on BYC years ago. That thread was the reason I decided to make my own crosses. Here it is.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/breeding-sex-links-third-generation.660815/

The info about crossing ISA Browns starts with post 7. I think after you read the thread, you will rest easier knowing your new chicks will work out just fine.

I had a 10 week old chick from parents Isa Brown X Isa Brown. I read your post a few months back and the link you provided. Thank you. Here is my offspring of Isa Brown X Isa Brown.