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Experiences in Layer Breeds – Year 2

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As we approach the end of our 2nd year with layer chickens, it’s worth reviewing the layer breeds we have

  1. Black Australorp- Absolute champs in our book. They lay light brown eggs that are sometimes speckled, ranging from large to extra large in size. These hens lay regularly and do so through Midwest U.S. winters without supplemental light. If you can get them from a reputable hatchery they are very vigorous and healthy. They have a friendly disposition and have been great around little homestead helpers. (Technically dual purpose- the roos are tasty but a bit scrawny.)
  2. White Leghorn
  3. ISA Brown- A hybrid breed that will start laying early and keep going during their prime. Eggs are large to extra large and a darker brown (not quite as dark our Marans). We’ve had some MONSTER eggs that were double yolk from these girls. They have a lean body that appears bigger than Leghorns. Our stock seem to be active foragers and are more inquisitive than our other breeds. They’re pretty docile and agreeable with being handled. Because they’re a hybrid they don’t breed true and aren’t really a sustainable breed. If you’re looking for one of the best feed to egg ration this is it!
  4. Americauna
  5. Olive Egger
  6. Orpington (Buff)
  7. Mystic Maran
  8. Sussex (Speckled)- Decent layers of medium-sized, light brown eggs, unassuming and unremarkable birds. Mild temperament and not interested in people. They do well in a mixed flock and, aside from losses as chicks, they’ve given us no difficulties.
  9. Salmon Faverolles
  10. Easter Egger
  11. Red Island Red
  12. Jersey Giant
  13. Wyandotte (Silver Laced)

Processing Chickens (Intro)

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When we initially started with chickens it was for eggs, manure and a bit of entertainment. With two years down we have more eggs than we can eat. We sell our surplus eggs to offset feed costs and preserve those we don’t sell (ie: freezing liquid eggs, water-glassing).

Our first year of layers included a pair Black Australorp roosters who spent their time bullying the hens and chasing the little folk. After trying everything to break them of this we ended up taking them to a local processor. They ended up becoming the most delicious chicken tacos and soup!

Last year our layer flock grew and we branched out into Buff Orpingtons. We ended up with another pair of roosters that reached maturity. While not bullies like last pair, these buffs did display aggression toward the littlest workers. We tried everything to break them of the habit to no avail so they had to go. Rather than going with a processor we ended up researching a ton and processing the two Buff roosters ourselves.

We started with some basic knowledge of breaking down whole chickens in the kitchen. We supplemented with books (see links below) and lots of YouTube videos (embedded below [GRAPHIC BUT HELPFUL]).

Reading List:

Get these used if you can! I found some great deals on these books on sites like Goodwill Books.

  • “Butchering Chickens: A Guide to Humane, Small-Scale Processing” by Adam Danforth
  • “The Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering: How to Prepare Any Animal or Bird for the Table or Freezer” by Monte Burch
  • “Basic Butchering of Livestock & Game: Beef, Veal, Pork, Lamb, Poultry, Rabbit, Venison” by John J. Mettler Jr., DVM

GRAPHIC VIDEOS OF CHICKEN PROCESSING BELOW!