winter layers ?

[ben is a terror]

What are the best winter layers? I miss fresh eggs at baking season.

 

[ben is a terror]

o I was asking the best breeds to have.

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,
Historically, the Sussex breed was bred to be winter layers. (My avatar is a 10 month old Light Sussex pullet). They are also a great eating fowl. In Britian, a huge Holiday of Springtime is Derby Day. Roast Sussex fowl is a huge treat then. In order for the Sussex fatteners to fill their orders for Derby Day fowl, the hens needed to start laying in the winter. In Sussex fowl, the best winter layers are hatched in March. So you want to get your chicks this month. There are several lists on Sussex here on BYC as well as the parent club, The American Sussex Association. (website and breeders Directory). All the Sussex color varieties are good eating, however the Light Sussex is historically the best layer of all the color varieties. Here is an online book about the breed. Written by Sharpe, a legendary Sussex breeder and the originator of the Light Sussex.
http://archive.org/search.php?query=sussex fowl AND mediatype:texts
The Sussex fowl - Sharpe, S. C
History of the Sussex fowl containing the English and American standard of perfection - Bratt, William H
Best Regards,
Karen
Waterford English Light Sussex
in western PA, USA

 

[clayhillfarm]

My RIR and golden comets laid all winter here in No. vermont. They were outside free range if the temps were above 15F and locked in at night with light if temps were below 10F.