My local feed store will have some of these as well and I found the following info on them:
White brown-egg layer proving popular with free-range farmers
18/02/2009 06:22:00
Poultry World
A reverse-cross white layer breed with exceptional feathering qualities is finding favour among some free-range producers, especially where the birds are on view to the public.
If you're searching for a brown egg layer that looks good, ranges freely and offers the chance for an extended laying period, then the Dekalb Amberlink could be just what you're looking for.
Producers who farmed in the 1970s will remember the Amberlink, which originated in the USA. But in Europe, the breed was eventually replaced by smaller, cage-orientated strains in the 1980s, although it remained widespread in South Africa and other countries with a requirement for large, robust birds.
The first Amberlink parent stock were reintroduced to the UK in 2007, says Peter Cumbers, of the breed's sole distributor, Joice and Hill. He believes that the secret of the Amberlink's excellent feather retention lies in its colour.
"Even with the best management, birds can lose feather cover and start to look scruffy," says Mr Cumbers. "On a brown bird with white under-feathers, any slight loss of feathering will reveal the white feathers below. The contrasting colours encourage other birds to peck at its feathers, making the situation worse. This is less likely to happen with the Amberlink, because it's an all-white bird."
The Dekalb Amberlink ranges away from its housing in all weathers
Mr Cumbers accepts that eggs from the Amberlink are smaller than average, but points out that the bird has other traits that make up for it.
"Feedback suggests that producers with Amberlinks will see fewer seconds in the packing station," he says. "The birds have excellent ranging abilities, and will also maintain a good level of production, laying for up to 80 weeks without loss of efficiency. And their solid feathering gives a thick coverage, which can be an advantage in naturally-ventilated housing, especially during the winter."
The average consumer is likely to judge the standard of care provided by a free-range egg producer according to the look of the birds, and that includes feathering, says Mr Cumbers. The public also expects to see free-range hens spread over the entire area of available grassland.
As the number of free-range egg sales rises, and at a time when the industry is being subjected to ever-increasing scrutiny, the Amberlink's good feathering and ranging traits will become more important, he adds.
Although there are only a small number of flocks in this country, Mr Cumbers sees a bright future ahead for the breed.
"Where producers want to combine good visual impact with dark brown eggs and long-lasting shell quality, the Dekalb Amberlink offers an interesting alternative to the mainstream breeds," he concludes.
