This will be an assortment of our standard brown egg layers based on availability. This assortment will not include meat birds of any kind, or white egg layers. You will receive a mix and variety of any of the following breeds: Sapphire Gem®, ISA Brown, Amberlink, Production Red, Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock, Buff Orpington, and more!

Purpose: Brown Egg Layers. Production: 200-300 Medium to Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Varies By Breed Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies By Breed Comb Type: Varies By Breed

The Australorp is an Australian breed, was selected for its high egg production, and was developed primarily from Black Orpingtons that were exported from England in the 1890s to early 1900. Australian breeders selected large Black Orpingtons because of their efficient egg production and Orpington shape. Today, the Australorp is still a favorite egg producer in small and backyard flocks. Despite their record-breaking egg production, they are still considered a dual-purpose breed that grows at a good rate and has a well-fleshed carcass. The plumage is pure black with an intense beetle-green sheen that is breathtaking when seen in the sunlight. Their legs and toes are also black while the bottoms of the feet are white.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Energetic Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. Buff Orpingtons are the most common color and lay about 200 brown eggs a year.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Partridge Chantecler males have brilliant rich red plumage on the neck and saddle with black tails and breasts while the females are a rich mahogany brown with each feather having intricate black markings known as “penciling”. Buff Chanteclers are a beautiful golden buff color, similar to the coloring of the Buff Orpington. The Chantecler is a cold-hardy, Dual-Purpose breed that was originally developed in Canada in the early 1900s. The first Chanteclers were created by crossing Wyandottes, Cochins, Cornish, and Leghorns. The goal was to create a hardy, Dual-Purpose bird that could withstand the harsh Canadian winters, lay a good number of eggs, and produce a good carcass for the table. Chanteclers feature small cushion combs along with small, practically non-existent, wattles and dense feathering. All these traits make them very well suited to cold northern climates. We offer Buff and Partridge Chanteclers with no guarantee in the number of colors of each.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Small Cushion Comb

The Chocolate Orpington is a Hoover’s Hatchery™ specialty. It is a cross between a Chocolate Orpington male and a Black Orpington female. The pullets are a rich chocolate brown color. This cross combines the beautiful chocolate color of the Orpington with the superb laying capabilities of the Australorp. These birds make a great dual-purpose bird for any flock as they combine unique plumage color and high egg production with a well-fleshed carcass. This cross also has a docile temperament much like both of its parent breeds. Only pullets are available.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Calm, Gentle Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Orpingtons were first imported to the U.S in 1900 and have been a favorite farm-flock and exhibition chicken since. In England, their popularity sky-rocketed and breeders developed many new varieties in addition to the Black, Buff, Blue, & White which are common in the U.S. Until very recently, none of these other color patterns had yet made their way over to the U.S. English-bred Orpingtons tend to have looser fitting feathers, shorter bodies, and shorter legs. They are broad across the back and have a more rounded shape compared to American-bred Orpingtons. Despite their differences, the English are still similar to the American-bred birds as they are good dual-purpose birds laying a good number of brown eggs and have a gentle temperament. We are excited to offer the following varieties of English Orpingtons: Silver, Blue, Chocolate, Jubilee, and Mottled. *No color is guaranteed in the assortment.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

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

Hatchery Choice Rare will be any assortment of rare breeds based on availability. Breeds that could be included in this assortment: Partridge Plymouth Rock, Midnight Majesty Marans®, Sapphire Olive Egger™, Speckled Sussex, Blue Andalusian, Silver Lakenvelder, Cuckoo Marans, French Black Copper Marans, French Cuckoo Marans, French Wheaten Marans, Welsummer, Barnevelder, Prairie Bluebell Egger®, Starlight Green Egger™, Olive Egger, Salmon Faverolles, Cochins, Turkens, Blue Laced Red Wyandotte, Columbian Wyandotte, Light Brahma, Buff Brahma, Dark Brahma, Lavender Orpington.

There is no guarantee which breeds will be included. This is based on availability on the day of the hatch.

Purpose: Variety For The Flock and Egg Basket Production: 175-265 Medium to Large Cream/Brown/Colored Eggs/Year Temperament: Varies by Breed Mature Weight: 4-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Varies by Breed Comb Type: Varies by Breed

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and for families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather.

Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly, Good with Children Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb