Marans or Welsumer?

[wife2abirdman]

Some background- I have had chickens my whole life but I only ever had sex links, red stars, RIR, Rocks and broilers(oh and a Light Brahma rooster that we got a light Brahma hen out of-funny story!). Only in the last several years have I started getting other breeds. I just recently had to start my flock over, I now have Blue Cochins, Dominiques, BLR Wyandottes, a Salmon Faverolle and an Araucana(sp?). I got them all from Murray McMurray and was planning on getting more next year. Even though I am somewhat limited on the number of chickens I can have, I still want to have a variety of chickens between feather colors and egg colors.

I was originally going to get some Cuckoo Marans from McMurray but just started reading about how not only are the Cuckoos not very reliable for the dark color but neither is McMurray. I also read that Welsummers also have the dark color. So the thing is I am looking for a chicken who lays dark colored eggs and where can I get them. Roosters are out of the question as I live in town. I also do not want to hatch eggs so I am looking to buying day olds. I read that Meyer Hatchery has the Black Copper Marans which are more reliable for egg color- is this right? After being disappointed with some of the chicks I got from McMurray I really don't feel like going through that disappointment again and would like to get more info on what to expect or by the least what to ask for.

Or should I just try my luck with McMurray and get a whole bunch and keep them until they lay eggs and cull everything that doesn't have dark eggs?

 

[Choco Maran]

I have had good luck with McMurray. I have my first batch of Cuckoo Maram from them right now. They are only two months old so have not gotten eggs yet. In my research the egg color is related to how pure they are. The darker the egg the more true to breed they are. I do not think any hatchery can quarrenty the egg color. Chickens are going lay what they lay. I have also heard if they are hatched from a dark egg the more likly they are to lay a dark egg. I new to the colored eggs so not an expert. I have gone with brown and Ameracana eggs for the last couple of years.

I'm ordering from a Maran farm for next spring. They have all kinds of marans I can get there web site if you would like. They will not be aking orders for next spring until Nov. and I know you have to order at least 15 for shipping.

 

[wife2abirdman]

Yes if you could send me the name of that Marans farm website I would appreciate it. Thank you Alycia

 

[devora]

I've had great luck w/ mypetchicken.com (they get some stock from another hatchery, maybe McMurray??). I've had Marans and Wellies from there and they always produced dark, gorgeous eggs.

 

[BeulahBreezes]

I have two CuckooMarans that I ordered from my local feed store. They purchased them from Privette Hatchery in New Mexico. They are beautiful birds, 21 weeks old. One has just started laying. Nothing from the 2nd CM yet. I was told it is common for the CM's not to lay until around 24 weeks of age. Lucy has been laying very dark eggs and I believe that they continue to darken as she matures........~Beulah

 

[Cindy in PA]

My Pet Chicken ships from Meyer Hatchery I believe. I am real happy to hear you got some dark eggs, as I am waiting on 8 Welsummers to lay right now & they are from Meyer. They are only 18 1/2 weeks old, so I have to wait!

 

[devora]

My Pet Chicken ships from Meyer Hatchery I believe. I am real happy to hear you got some dark eggs, as I am waiting on 8 Welsummers to lay right now & they are from Meyer. They are only 18 1/2 weeks old, so I have to wait!

Meyer, thanks for reminding me. Well, I got them "M" correct. Fuzzy brain.

Don't know if this is true of the breed but I had to wait forever for mine to begin laying. I think the shortest was 8 mos and the longest wait 9! But so worth it.

Hope yours are faster!

 

[wife2abirdman]

Thank you so much I appreciate it. Now I just have to decide which one Meyer or MPC! Can't wait.