What breed to get???

[Illia]

Quote:
Hatcheries like Murray McMurray offer Marans, yes, but their Cuckoo variety lay some very pale, disappointing color of eggs. I would never recommend them.

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

Wow. Good to know. I already have brown eggs from my black australorps so ... I'll search for copper marans. Thanks.

 

[Muggsmagee]

Quote:
LOVE your avatar. Was wondering about the dark ones. McMurray has cuckoo marans ... they'll give the chocolate eggs too, right? I'd love a source nearby (in Colorado, 1 hr SE of Denver) for chicks or pullets if any breeders are listening! Er, reading.

I'm chick-addicted!

The BCM's generally lay the darkest. The Wheaten Marans are close. My understanding is the Cuckoos lay a dark egg, but not a deep, dark, rich brown like the BCM's. Also, hatchery birds are fine to have, but if you want the best, go through a breeder. I just got GORGEOUS Wheaten Marans from Lisa Cree...the eggs are surprisingly dark.

To the original poster...you can't go wrong with the options available. I don't have RIR, but the BCM's and Ameraucanas are wonderful to raise!

Woodmort said it best...5 of each!

 

[mermeg]

How long would you keep the chicks indoors? I live in the San Juan islands (Same weather as Seattle) and it can get cold at night! Is there a certain age when I can keep them in their coop overnight?

 

[Judy]

Quote:
They'll all have a big rich yellow yolk -- the variation is in shell color, not inside the egg.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I love my RIRs - all friendly and VERY personable. (I can't tell you how many times I handled them as Day olds!) Big brown eggs too. I would get the BCMs and the Ameraucanas though! (If the Amerauncanas are real, though)

 

[mermeg]

Yes, the americanas are real They are all black too. I used to have araucana chickens and I LOVED them!!! I hope americanas are as much fun! I love their little blue eggs!