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Actually at this stage, from my perspective, the egg shell colour is unappealing. They look like eggs that have been left in the egg box too long and have gone rotten. That said, there is quite a lot to work with. The depth of colour is hard to beat. The consistency of the hue is nothing short of beautiful. It just hasn't been selected to the level that it might otherwise be. You asked. I'm being candid. We all have these conversations about marans, barnesvelder, and araucanian eggs- selectionists do at any rate.
I've been warned that the demographic here does not appreciate or want to hear my opinion or at least my "slant" on topics. I tend to disagree because I never underestimate the intelligence or intellectual curiosity of forum members. This is not intended as a condescending missive.
http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab316/Maahes_2010/olivenegg1.jpg
To each her and his own. Oliven eggs are awesome as are glowing white eggs, dark russet eggs, bright blue eggs, pink taupe, tea yellow- they all make for a unique basket and if you are selling eggs to ameliorate your income- and contribute to your local communities food basket- good for you!
If you get smart about it- disciplined about it you can end up selling your new heirloom strains. I assumed that is what this exciting new group was up to.
TO get to the glowing green egg you'll need to select for specific traits even with the best genetics. This is true of all the specialty breeds we keep for egg colour.
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I'm not complaining. I agree with you about some of the hatchery stock. Where do you suppose the hatcheries buy their stock from?
It's a free market economy. The hatcheries are encouraging their egg producers (from which they incubate and sell chicks) Go ahead and produce your hardy strains consistently and we will market your purebred "mutts". Does it make any of less accountable where they end up?
I don't see mutts, but rather valuable genetic material. I hope in my lifetime to see breed registries created by backyard hobbyists who have finally realised that it's always been backyard hobbyists that have produced the best strains- the best breeds- the best heirlooms.
I realized I asked, and you are most certainly entitled to your opinion. In actuality, I was more trying to get the thread back on track
I agree, though; I've seen prettier olive eggs before.
