Wanted Please - Harrogate / York / Leeds area

[fujcube]

Hi all,

 

I will be heading off to Lanark Poultry Auction on the 26th May in search of half a dozen hybrid hens to boost my egg production. At the moment we have 9 different pure breeds and the laying is eratic to say the least.

 

Ideally, I would like a hybrid that lays dark brown eggs but would consider others. Would also like to try and avoid ISA Browns if I can help it, would like something a little different if available.

 

All comments & suggestions appreciated.

 

Regards

[migsy]

Since you are in Scotland what about a truly Scottish bird? Black Rocks are great layers, although mine does not lay dark eggs, they are quite large.

[percy049]

My rhode rock lays mid brown speckled eggs, and black rocks apparently have a better resistance to diseases than other breeds. I hear that speckledy and and maran hybrids lay dark brown eggs

[surfer_chicken]

I can confirm that marans lay lovely chocolate-brown eggs. However I can't tell you about the size and quantity as my girl has only been laying a couple of weeks and is still doing her baby sized eggs. We were told they are supposed to lay 180ish eggs a year, and so far I have had an egg a day from her. They are also known to be good meat birds too if you were interested in that area.

 

I hope you get some lovely new girls

[laurmurf]

I would recommend black rocks, - dark eggs and very hardy! I would wonder why you're getting them at an auction though... the birds i usually see at auctions are often well passed their laying best, particularly the hybrids. Any poultry sellers near you?

[JanTheDiver]

I have a Black Rock who lays dark brown rough shelled eggs and lots of them. She is great but a bit pecky.

[fujcube]

Think I may give the auction a miss this time round as I have found a local breeder/supplier who should be able to supply me with a half dozen hybrids for laying. At the moment, I am considering getting 3 White Star and 3 Black Rock.

 

Regards

[migsy]

That will be good - a nice mix of white and brown eggs

[fujcube]

Just been looking up Black Rocks on the web. Looks like there may be some difficulty in sourcing pur Black Rock Hybrids as they are all hatched on the West Coast and sold on to growers. You cannot get true Black Rock hatching eggs or Black Rock Cockerels. same as with the Wernlas Olive we have.

There are numerous sellers out there claiming to have Black Rocks for sale that are in fact, rogue species bred to look like Black Rocks. Who would have thought you could ever buy a fake hen from eBay!!

[billathome65]

I have a black rock and a white Sussex Star both I believe are good layers and the BR are hardy birds with a great immune system. Another to look at are the Specklied ( spelt wrong )

 

that's a few to start with.

 

Bill