All these birds have excellent temperaments and ranging abilities. The performance objectives set out here in no way constitute a guarantee. They are merely a guide as to what can be achieved.

Calder Ranger

Docile and adaptable to any management system. The temperament of this bird is one of docility and will adapt well to any management systems. Bred specifically for free range producers.
Egg quality - Strong brown shells, with excellent internal and external qualities combined with good egg size and numbers.
Growing Period - (0 - 18 weeks)
Livability - 98-99%
Body weight at 18 weeks - 1560-1580g
 Feed consumption to 18 weeks - 7.1kg
Egg numbers - 300-310
Laying Period - (19-76 weeks)
Livability - 96-98%
Days to 50% production - 148-152
Peak Production - 94--96%
Average egg weight - 63.2-64.2g
Hen housed production - 315-321

 

Hebden Black

Very docile and hardy, suited to free range or barn systems. Another bird which lays dark brown eggs and has the ability to produce eggs of quality under most farming systems.
Egg quality - Strong dark brown shells, with excellent internal qualities.
Growing Period - (0 - 18 weeks)
Livability - 98-99%
Body weight at 18 weeks - 1560-1590g
Feed consumption to 18 weeks - 7.3kg
Egg numbers - 280-290
Laying Period - (19-76 weeks)
Livability - 96-98%
Days to 50% production - 150-154
Peak Production - 92-93%
Average egg weight - 62-63g
Hen housed production - 305-312

 

Speckledy

Very Docile and easy to manage. Ideal for people looking for something a little special. This bird is more suited for free range or barn, and where a premium can be obtained for very dark eggs.
Egg quality - Strong very dark brown shells, with excellent internal qualities.
Growing Period - (0 - 18 weeks)
Livability - 98-99%
Body weight at 18 weeks - 1560-1590g
Feed consumption to 18 weeks - 7.3kg
Egg numbers - 260-270
Laying Period - (19-76 weeks)
Livability - 98-99%
Days to 50% production - 155-160
Peak Production - 88-89%
Average egg weight - 61-62g
Hen housed production - 260-270

 

Black Rock (sex-link)

For top quality large brown eggs. The ideal free range layer. The only commercial brown egg hybrid proven for over 25 years to be genetically suitable for free range. The Black Rock (sex-link) is a sex-linked hybrid from two specific strains of natural breeds of birds, the Rhode Island (male line) and Barred Plymouth Rock. Hardiness - Their rich plumage protects them from all weather conditions. This, together with their highly developed natural immune system means they have the potential to have a long productive life. Being very docile, they are not easily stressed and do not need de-beaking. Outside shelters are unnecessary as specified in welfare regulations.
Production - 280+ in the first year and persistently good throughout life. Egg, shell, and shell colour quality is persistently good throughout lay and life; this means most eggs are Grade A throughout life. Vaccinations - All chicks are vaccinated at 1 day old and for I.B. with H120 but due to an influx of some very nasty continental strains of I.B. local conditions will determine the level of additional vaccinations necessary. Salmonella Vaccines in Black Rocks are out. Their use is nothing more than a commercial due diligence exercise and causes nothing but suffering and cruelty.
Feed Conversion - is excellent and is less affected by weather conditions than other hybrid because of the thick plumage.
End of lay - There is a bonus of good white fleshed carcass.

 
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