What I was
trying to tell Barry before....well...before. Was that upon a little more research once the new hens arrived, we now know what kind of chickens they are. The new hens came from the same home as Barry and the other rooster. We have determined that they are Cuckoo Marans, not Dominiques. Jon of course can't tell the difference but he hasn't spent hours researching breeds either. The difference between Cukcoo Marnans and Dominiques is, most notably, their combs. Marans have single combs (
click here to see an image of the Cuckoo Maran). Dominiques have rose combs (
click here to see an image of the Dominique). Also the Maran has white legs (which can be feathered) and beak, where the Dominique had yellow legs and beak. There are also subtle differences in body build. I've already mentioned in previous posts the unique characteristics of the Dominique; foundational American stock, hearty foragers, and endangered species. One thing that is unique about the Maran is it's egg color, which is what put the final nail in the coffin for determining our new chickens breed. Marans lay the darkest eggs of any chicken breed (
click here to see comparisons) Here is our chicken eggs:
(yes that's lard melting...don't you judge me)
Mystery solved.
On a more economical note, I'm getting 1-2 eggs a day consistently from 4 hens!! I was getting maybe 1 a day with the previous 17. I can't
tell you the amount of feed I'm saving. I think I won't have to buy another bag for a year at this rate. And the taste? Superb!!!! It is very interesting but these hens eggs are so much more rich and hearty than the others. I think I may be becoming an egg connoisseur. I can't wait to taste Dominique eggs!! If they don't compare....I may have to change breeds.
One more thing I like more about the Marans than the Red Stars I had previously, is how much more personality they have. They are more daring, more curious, more....well....personable. Compared to the new girls, the Red Stars were zombies.
Wait!
Should I care about chicken personalities?!
I think I'm traveling down a dark road here that there will be no turning back from.
Farmer Beware!
Maybe it's cooking the eggs in a skillet full of lard that makes them taste better. have you tried cooking a store bought egg that way? By the way, I don't think you have to worry about your relationship with the chickens until you talk to them and they start talking back.
ReplyDeleteYes, I cook store bought eggs with lard. There is a definite differnece in the taste.
ReplyDeleteBarry talks back......I think.