What breed is this rooster (pic) and what would be a good cross?

[Jerome Reid]

This unexpected rooster's life was spared because he's beautiful, but I don't know exactly what breed(s) he is. Now I want chicks. I have some Reds, cuckoo marans, Wellsummers, a black giant, and a Barred Rock. Suggestions?

 

[keesmom]

He looks like an Easter Egger.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

X2

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I voted Marans cross just for the olive egg potential of offspring. If you can tell what eggs are from whom then I'd go for the crosses that produce most eggs. Likely that's your Red and Rock then the Marans eggs just for the color potential. My reds always gave a reddish brown egg, Rocks a light brown/tan. Those higher producers and the dark Marans cross would provide a colorful basket crossed with the EE Cock.

By the way, your red looks like a sex link which is a hybrid not a RIR.

 

[Jerome Reid]

I wondered about the RIRs. They weren't advertised as pure-bred, but just judging from image searches, I thought maybe it was close enough. They produce well at least.

Thanks to everyone for the input!

 

[donrae]

He's an Easter egger. Unfortunately, you can't be sure if he carries a blue or green egg gene until you breed him and see what his female offspring lay. I'm going to assume he has some colored egg genes for this post.

Crossing him with the Marans or Welsummer will give you Olive Eggers
Crossing him with the Marans or Barred Rock will give you sex link chicks. Males will hatch with a white spot on their heads and be barred like momma, females will hatch with a solid head and be dark with silver or gold leakage.
Crossing him with your reds, giant or Rocks will give chicks that may lay green or brown eggs, depending on his make-up.


Are you going to incubate? Personally, with my mixed breeds, I just use everyone's eggs and get surprises!