Dual Purpose

Mystic Onyx® were originally developed as a meat bird for a market similar to the Asian Blacks, but upon seeing their beauty, we decided to make these available to the public. These birds were developed from Silkies by crossing with meat birds and selecting for size, and their dark skin and meat. They resemble a Svart Hona or Ayam Cemani in color but typically feature orange-red flares in their plumage, creating a beautiful contrast with their iridescent green plumage and mulberry or black combs, and the occasional tuft on their head. They do come in a variety of colors from orange to red to the more typical black with red flares. These have easily become one of our favorites at the hatchery, as they are also good egg layers of light brown eggs. If you are looking for a standout in your flock, these are a great addition! Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Light Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Energetic Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

These lacy girls are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers. They are also great egg layers! Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and are one of the most winter-hardy breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Rose Comb

The French Blue Copper Marans is an extremely rare and beautiful chicken. They are feather-legged, medium large birds that lay a dark brown egg. They will have a blue-grey body with some orange on the neck.

Discover the enchanting Pearl Onyx Chicken, a striking breed that combines beauty and personality! With their shimmering pearl-like feathers interspersed with rich onyx hues, these birds are a visual delight, making them a standout addition to any flock. Known for their friendly and curious nature, Pearl Onyx Chickens are not only stunning but also great companions. They thrive in social environments and are excellent layers, producing medium-sized brown eggs that are perfect for any kitchen. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for families, ensuring a delightful experience for both seasoned farmers and newcomers alike.

The Polish breed was named for the Polish army's feathered caps because it resembled their feathered crests. They originated in Spain and were brought to Holland where the Dutch perfected their coloring. They became popular in France, then started appearing in the U.S. around the 1830s. A great breed, very docile and even tempered. They are easily surprised due to their feathers limiting their eyesight, making them vulnerable to predators. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 100 Small White Eggs/Year Temperament: Gentle, Active Mature Weight: 4-5 lbs. Hardiness: Heat Hardy But Not Cold Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: V Comb

Blue Jersey Giants, like their Black counterparts, are one of the largest and most impressive breeds of chicken. Their large, imposing size combined with their beautiful blue feathers makes the Blue Jersey Giant truly a one-of-a-kind bird. They are slow maturing, taking about 6 months to reach their full size and are moderate layers of brown eggs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Buff Plymouth Rocks, also known as Buff Rocks, are a less common variety of Plymouth Rocks. They have a buff coloration, and are, like other varieties of the Plymouth Rock, a good egg layer, docile, friendly, and an easy bird to keep.

Blue Wyandottes have slate blue plumage that can sometimes be laced with shades of black. They have a rose comb and tend to be fast maturing. Blue Wyandottes are very good producers of brown eggs and a very cold hardy bird. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: Approx. 150-180 Large, Brown Eggs/Yr. Nature: Friendly Broodiness: Rarely Cold and Heat Hardy: No, Yes Mature Weight: Approx. 6-7 Lbs

The Marans breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They tend to be more athletic, taking to foraging, and free ranging more often than other breeds. Marans lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy But Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Mottled Javas are a large bird, displaying black plumage with white mottling. The Mottled Java is an old breed, developed in the United States in the early 1800s. They are hardy, good layers and an ideal dual-purpose chicken.

White Rocks are large birds which were used to develop many of the modern varieties of White Broilers. They are good layers of brown eggs and dual-purpose birds with a docile Plymouth Rock temperament.

These lacy girls are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers. They are also great egg layers. Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and one of the most winter-hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 245 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose Comb

Wyandottes are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers. They are also great egg layers. Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and are of the most winter hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 245 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose Comb

Rustic Rocks are a dual-purpose breed with a unique charm. Known for their hardiness and adaptability, Rustic Rocks thrive in various environments while offering a steady supply of brown eggs and quality meat. With their friendly disposition and striking feather patterns, they make delightful additions to any backyard flock.

This assortment may include any bird in the Dual-Purpose category or that has a Dual-Purpose label and it is based on availability. You will love the flexibility that most of these breeds offer, they are all great egg layers and make great additions to your dinner table. Breeds that may be included in your assortment may be Barred Rock, Black Australorp, Black Jersey Giant, Buff Orpington, Delaware, New Hampshire, or Rainbow depending on the availability on your chosen hatch day. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250-325 Brown Medium to X-Large Eggs/Year Temperament: Varies by Breed Mature Weight: 5-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies by Breed Comb Type: Varies by Breed