[NorthEssexsmallholding]

I am still undecided in which hybrid breed to go for as there are so many, I just wondered if anyone has any recommendations.  Im looking for a good hardy free ranger and a decent layer, but one that will keep laying well into the 2nd year.  I have looked at Black rocks, but I like the look of the cuckoo maran but do not know a lot about them.

Any advice is welcome.

[NorthEssexsmallholding]

I should add that I know Marans lay dark brown eggs, could this be a problem if selling them?

[katie]

People love dark brown eggs! Cuckoo Maran are nice birds.

[cluckingnuts]

Don't expect as many eggs from the Marans either. Why not get a few different breeds + have brown, white + blue eggs.

[CameronS]

Light Sussex do well free rangeing, an look different due to th white and balck colourings

[Andt]

I have 6 blackrocks and a few of the guys in the allotments around me have quite a few as well, they're great birds, cheeky little characters and great layers. Mine have been laying all through the winter including through the bad snow we've had ,they seem to love being out in bad weather.

They are far better layers than my Rhode Islands or Welsummers, I intend to get a few white leghorn chicks when the weather warms up, to see if they are as good at laying as people say!

[NorthEssexsmallholding]

thanks for the replies so far.

[TheGirlsMum]

I have been looking to try and get some Black Rocks as my field is at Black Rock but haven't found any this far south west. Why can't I buy any eggs to hatch?

Can anybody help? Please?

[faith0504]

what about bluebelles, we have 4 of them, they are lovely and very good layers

[Rosemary]

I have 6 blackrocks and a few of the guys in the allotments around me have quite a few as well, they're great birds, cheeky little characters and great layers. Mine have been laying all through the winter including through the bad snow we've had ,they seem to love being out in bad weather.

They are far better layers than my Rhode Islands or Welsummers, I intend to get a few white leghorn chicks when the weather warms up, to see if they are as good at laying as people say!

I have one White Leghorn - Snowy  - and she is a fabulous layer. She's just come out the moult and is laying 6 huge white eggs a week. And she's teeny.

[Andt]

I have 6 blackrocks and a few of the guys in the allotments around me have quite a few as well, they're great birds, cheeky little characters and great layers. Mine have been laying all through the winter including through the bad snow we've had ,they seem to love being out in bad weather.

They are far better layers than my Rhode Islands or Welsummers, I intend to get a few white leghorn chicks when the weather warms up, to see if they are as good at laying as people say!

I have one White Leghorn - Snowy  - and she is a fabulous layer. She's just come out the moult and is laying 6 huge white eggs a week. And she's teeny.

Thanks Rosemary that's really good to know, I've heard off the dealer that they are expecting Leghorn chicks in around 2 weeks, really looking forward to picking some up now. And to cap it off I've just been offered some silkie's, 2 hens for £15. Is this a good price?

[CameronS]

how old are the silkies, around here i have seen them advertised for up to £15 per bird for POL or young birds. so if they are young then yes they are a good offer, if not then i wouldn't be to keen on taking them. They are nicebirds though(good mums)

[plumseverywhere]

I have black rocks (well only 1 left now thanks mr fox) and she's a fab layer.  we also have a cuckoo maran who does lay gorgeous brown eggs - and these are really popular with those who buy our eggs.  our bluebelles are pretty, funny and lay reasonably well - one is a bossy madam though. the speckeldy's lay well, quite dark eggs, but are not particularly interactive with us. white stars (leghorns) are laying brilliantly - very white eggs. quite flighty birds though 
rhode rocks are quite nice - we have 2 of them and they are really tame, calm and laywell.

[Andt]

how old are the silkies, around here i have seen them advertised for up to £15 per bird for POL or young birds. so if they are young then yes they are a good offer, if not then i wouldn't be to keen on taking them. They are nicebirds though(good mums)

I know they were hatched around last summer, so would be under a year old?

[faith0504]

hi im no expert but from the prices ive seen in local papers  it is a good price