The best chocolate egg chickens

[happymorrows]

I am looking to add a few chocolate eggs to the basket this spring. Which of these three breeds would you recommend and why.

Barnevelder
Welsummer
Marans (I like the Black Copper ones)

 

[Chick Charm]

Personal preference here is Black Copper Maran's. Although I don't think you can go wrong with any of those three.

 

[Illia]

Barnevelders don't give "chocolate" eggs at all. They're hardly even any darker than the average brown, sadly.

Welsummers usually give a decent orangey terra-cotta color. They're a nice addition for some variety.

French Marans are an excellent choice for a deep chocolate, practically blood red color that sometimes verges towards black. Stay away from Cuckoo, Blue, Splash, and Black though. Go for Black Copper, Wheaten, Blue Wheaten, and Blue Copper. Most Cuckoos, Golden Cuckoos, and the other sort lay just as good as a Welsummer.

 

[wolftracks]

I love Wellies and Marans!

When they're laying, my BCMs have really dark eggs. I only have bantam Wellies right now and no eggs yet, so have no idea how dark these will be.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I have French Black Copper Marans and I LOVE their eggs. Beautiful large dark brown eggs!