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Spring 2024 Breeds & Varieties

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New Hampshire
Delaware
Barred Plymouth Rock
Black Copper Marans

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New Hampshire

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined / Lays Well
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – 4.5-5 lbs Live @ 16 weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 180+ annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Large/XL Brown 
  • Feather Color – Red
  • Pin Feathers – Red
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 6.5/7.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster – 8.0/9.5 lbs 
*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average and achieving these specs is not guaranteed

More About the New Hampshire

The New Hampshire is a beautifully red-feathered and fast-growing breed that epitomizes American innovation and quality. Originally derived from RIR lines, this bird was prized for its rapid early growth, and solid egg-laying ability. Due to these strengths, the NH was able to dethrone the Barred Rock as America’s #1 broiler in the 1930s. Our line of New Hampshires is a true old-style meat-focused line, much better conforming and meatier than the egg-laying focused lines found at most hatcheries but still a very consistent layer in its own right.

Please also note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

Delaware

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – 4-5 lbs Live @ 17 weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 180 Annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Medium/Large Brown 
  • Feathers – White (With Barred Areas)
  • Pin Feathers – White
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 5.5/6.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster 7.5/8.5 lbs 
*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average, none are guaranteed.

About the Delaware

Created in the 1940s, the Delaware is the youngest breed in our preservation program. Originating from the state that provides its name, it is the result of crossing a Barred Rock rooster and a New Hampshire hen. This bird carries many of the benefits that make Barred Rocks and New Hampshires favored and also sports a fully white under-fluff and pin feathers. Our Delawares were created by mixing our own BR and NH lines, creating a bird that’s a little faster growing than our BRs and a bit slower than our NHs.

Please note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

Barred Plymouth Rock

 
  • Class – American
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Meat Inclined
  • APA Certified – Yes
  • Optimal Growth* – 4-5 lbs Avg. Live @ 18 Weeks
  • Avg. Egg Production* – 180 Annually
  • Egg Size & Color – Medium/Large Brown 
  • Skin Color – Yellow
  • Feather Color – Black & White
  • Pin Feathers – Black
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 6.0/7.5 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster – 8.0/9.5 lbs 

*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate represent an optimal average and achieving these specs is not guaranteed

About the Plymouth Rock

The Plymouth Rock, America’s first APA recognized breed of chicken, reigned as king of the United States’ broiler industry for over 50 years. Its reliability, adaptability, health, and quality kept it immensely popular until the rise of the Cornish cross hybrid in the mid-1900s. Our BPRs are our most storied and sought-after line. The flock is mostly traced back to the Ralph Sturgeon stock acquired by Frank 60+ years ago but also has some E.B. Thompson-linked stock in the line.

Please note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

Black Copper Marans

  
  • Class – Continental
  • Utility – Dual Purpose / Quality Meat / Beautiful Eggs / Breed Olive Eggers
  • Optimal Growth* – 4lbs+ avg live @ 16 Weeks
  • Egg Size & Color – M/L, Dark Brown
  • Feathers – Black, Copper, Reddish Bay 
  • Pin Feathers – Black
  • Optimal Weight
    • Pullet/Hen – 5.5/7 lbs 
    • Cockerel/Rooster 6.5/8 lbs 
*Optimal growth rate, size, and egg lay rate not guaranteed.

About The Black Copper Maran

Named after the port of Maran in France, BCMs are beautiful dual-purpose birds prized for their dark brown eggs. (left below)  While the Marans’ eggs are the main reason for the breed’s growing popularity, Maran meat is also top-notch and almost as plentiful as in our American breeds. This newest addition to our flock was sourced from a stupendous local breeder located near our Good Shepherd East location.

Please note that while our birds can win shows sometimes, our breeding is more utility than show-focused. Getting show-quality stock cannot be guaranteed to those purchasing chicks or eggs.

If you like these eggs, also be sure to purchase some of our Olive Egger crosses (right below) for a rainbow layer assortment.

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