Our Breeds
At MeansFarmsLLC, we carefully select and raise breeds known for their beauty, productivity, and unique qualities. Here’s a look at the flock:
Breed comparison
This comparison combines information documented in our breed spotlights with general breed estimates for Cream Legbars, Heritage Welsummers, Black Copper Marans, and Blue Copper Marans. These estimates are not farm-verified results or guarantees. “Not yet verified” means we have not documented that detail for our flock; it does not mean a breed lacks that trait. Adult sizes are recorded where provided; our flock’s numerical laying rates have not yet been verified.
| Breed | Egg color | Temperament | Lay rate | Broodiness / mothering | Adult size | Climate fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Legbar | Pastel blue to teal (general breed range, not farm-verified) | Active, curious, and generally friendly | Estimated 180–250 eggs per year (general breed estimate, not farm-verified) | Not broody | Small | Heat tolerant; susceptible to frostbite in cold weather due to their large single combs |
| Heritage Welsummer | Farm-verified: heavily speckled terracotta eggs, with some carrying heavy splotches | Docile, intelligent, curious, and friendly | Estimated 160–250 eggs per year (general breed estimate, not farm-verified) | Not broody | Not yet verified | Highly adaptable to cold weather and hot summers |
| Black Copper Marans | Dark chocolate-brown; large eggs (general breed description, not farm-verified) | Not yet verified | Estimated 150–200 eggs per year (general breed estimate, not farm-verified) | Not broody | Large | Not yet verified |
| Golden Cuckoo Marans x Cream Crested Legbar | F1 olive eggers are the breeding goal; offspring color not yet verified | Offspring not yet verified; Golden Cuckoo parent described as sweet | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Forest Eggers | Soft sage to deep olive, with possible moss green | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Silkie | Cream | Gentle | Not yet verified | Broody; excellent mothers; used to hatch other breeds’ eggs | Petite | Not yet verified |
| Rhode Island Red | Brown | Independent; excellent foragers | Described as exceptional and consistent; numerical rate not yet verified | Not yet verified | Large | Adapts well to various climates |
| Lavender Orpington | Cream-brown | Calm, friendly, gentle | Not yet verified | Broody | Large | Not yet verified |
| Blue Copper Marans | Dark brown | Calm, docile, and steady | Estimated 150–250 eggs per year (general breed estimate, not farm-verified) | Not yet verified | Large | Hardy and adapt well to most climates, performing reliably in both cold and moderate regions |
Looking for a hen to hatch eggs and raise chicks? Our Silkie spotlight documents broodiness and excellent mothering. Lavender Orpingtons are also described as broody, but chick-raising performance is not yet documented. Cream Legbars, Heritage Welsummers, and Black Copper Marans are recorded as not broody in our flock comparison.
🐓 Cream Legbar
Cream Legbars are a rare and sought-after autosexing breed, meaning you can tell males from females at hatch. They are homozygous for the blue egg gene, producing stunning sky-blue eggs consistently. A beautiful and practical addition to any flock.
🐓 Heritage Welsummer
Known for their striking golden neck plumage and rich, warm coloring, Welsummers are a classic farmyard breed. Farm-verified: heavily speckled terracotta eggs, with some carrying heavy splotches.
🐓 Black Copper Marans
One of the most stunning breeds in our flock, Black Copper Marans feature striking black feathering with a gorgeous green sheen and rich copper neck lacing. They are prized for laying deep chocolate mahogany eggs — some of the darkest eggs you’ll find.
🐓 Golden Cuckoo Marans x Cream Crested Legbar
The Golden Cuckoo Maran is a showstopper with beautiful golden barring, feathered legs, and a sweet disposition. They lay pretty speckled eggs and are a wonderful dual-purpose breed that turns heads in any flock / now under a Cream Legbar male to produce F1 self sexing olive eggers
🐓 Forest Eggers
Our Forest Eggers are specifically bred for egg color, laying a beautiful variety of green hues ranging from soft sage to deep olive, with possible moss green. Every egg is a surprise and a work of art. If you love a colorful egg basket, these are the birds for you.
🐓 Silkie
Silkies are beloved for their unique fluffy plumage that feels like silk to the touch, along with their gentle, broody temperament. They have blue earlobes, dark skin, and feathered feet, making them instantly recognizable. Silkies are excellent mothers and are often used to hatch eggs from other breeds. They lay cream eggs and are a wonderful ornamental breed
🐓 Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are a classic American breed known for their deep mahogany-red plumage and exceptional egg-laying ability. They are hardy, independent, and productive birds that lay large brown eggs consistently. Reds are excellent foragers and adapt well to various climates, making them a reliable choice for any flock.
🐓 Lavender Orpington
Lavender Orpingtons are a stunning variety of the Orpington breed, featuring soft lavender-gray plumage that is truly eye-catching. They are calm, friendly, and broody birds that lay cream brown eggs. Orpingtons are a dual-purpose breed with excellent meat quality and gentle dispositions, making them perfect for families and small farms.
🐓 Blue Copper Marans
Blue Copper Marans are a striking variation of the Maran family, featuring beautiful blue feathering with copper accents on the neck and shoulders. They share the Maran's reputation for laying exceptionally dark, chocolate-brown eggs. Blue Coppers are calm, friendly birds with a wonderful temperament, making them an excellent choice for those seeking both beauty and productivity in their flock.