Our Breeds
Silver Deathlayers
We are constantly amazed by our Silver Deathlayers, a breed of chicken that's as captivating as its name suggests! Originating in Germany, these birds carry a name that might raise a few eyebrows. "Deathlayer," a translation of the German "Totleger," paints a vivid picture. But it’s not as grim as it sounds. The name is a tribute to these chickens' phenomenal egg-laying prowess. Unbelievably, they continue laying eggs throughout their whole lives, defying the usual poultry norms. That's right, these feathery wonders don't let age slow them down!
But their egg-laying capabilities aren't the only thing that sets them apart. The Silver Deathlayers are a sight to behold! They sport a mesmerizing silver-white plumage that glistens in the sunlight, often appearing like tiny little white hearts all over their chests. The roosters strut around flaunting a more vibrant color palette, with black, white, and even green adorning their spectacular iridescent tail feathers. With their dark red-orange eyes standing out against their white earlobes, they're a living, breathing work of art!
Deathlayers are not large birds, with hens measuring up to around 4.5 pounds and roosters going up to about 6 pounds. But don't let their size fool you! These are hardy little warriors that can forage like no other, making the most out of their surroundings.
Known for their friendly and calm temperament, they're neither flighty nor aggressive, making them perfect companions for those backyard poultry enthusiasts. And the hens? They're not just great layers but also excellent mothers, often going broody.
So, there you have it! The Silver Deathlayers, with their intriguing name, dazzling looks, unrivaled egg-laying abilities, and pleasant demeanor, are truly a treasure in the world of poultry. A breed that's not just a pretty face but a life-long egg provider, a hardy survivor, and a friendly pet. A breed that's nothing short of extraordinary!
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Heritage Breed
Silver Deathlayers were originally imported to the United States from Germany in 2016, by Greenfire Farms. Some of our flock originates from this original line. Greenfire farms (and others) have imported deathlayers several additional times in the last decade, which has created the genetic diversity of the Silver deathlayers we have today.
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Silver VS Gold
Silver deathlayers hatch with a set of distinctive white stripes along their back. The silver gene in chickens is one of the key genes that affect feather color in these birds. This gene acts on the base color of the chicken, altering the expression of pigments in the feathers.
In chickens, the color of feathers is primarily determined by two pigments: eumelanin, which produces black or dark brown coloration, and pheomelanin, which gives a red or yellow color. These pigments can be modified by various genes, including the silver gene, to produce a wide variety of feather colors and patterns.
The silver gene, scientifically known as the S-locus, is primarily responsible for restricting the expression of pheomelanin (the red/yellow pigment). When a chicken has the silver gene, any areas of the feather that would normally be red or gold due to the expression of pheomelanin are instead silver or white. -
The silver gene is dominant, which means that only one copy of the gene is needed for the effect to show up in the chicken's feathers. This means if a chicken inherits the silver gene from either parent, it will express the silver feather color.
The Silver Deathlayer, to bring this back to the topic, gets its name from the expression of the silver gene which gives these chickens their distinctive silver-white coloration. The silver gene is also responsible for the coloration of other chicken breeds like the Silver Laced Wyandotte and the Silver Spangled Hamburg.
Malaysian Micro Seramas
Have you ever laid eyes on a chicken so tiny that it could fit in the palm of your hand? Enter the world of Malaysian micro Seramas, where these miniature chickens reign supreme with cuteness and grace.
Originating from Malaysia, the Serama breed has captivated poultry enthusiasts around the globe with its unique characteristics. Known as the smallest breed of chicken in the world, these little darlings have stolen hearts with their petite size, upright posture, and captivating personalities.
One of the defining features of Malaysian Seramas is their exceptional carriage. With their heads held high, chests puffed out, and wings neatly tucked, these birds exude an air of confidence and regality. Their upright stance and wings pointed straight down they are an amazing sight to see!
But don't let their small stature fool you - Seramas are big on personality! They are the ideal “picket chicken”, they possess an abundance of energy and spunk but are also cuddle-bugs. These feathered bundles of joy are known for their sweet and inquisitive nature, making them delightful pets and perfect additions to any backyard flock.
Our Seramas showcase a variety of colors and feather patterns. From solid black to striking gold, wheaten, mottled, laced, and even frizzled feathers, you never know what color will hatch. Their plumage is often intricate and beautifully detailed, with each bird possessing its own unique combination of colors and markings.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, Malaysian Seramas are also popular for their ability to lay an abundance of tiny eggs, adding a touch of practicality to their charm. They are perfect for one-bite hard boiled eggs!
Whether you're a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just beginning your chicken-keeping journey, Malaysian Seramas are a breed worth considering. Their compact size makes them suitable for urban environments, and their friendly nature makes them great companions for both adults and children alike.
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Tolbunt Polish
Meet the Tolbunt Polish Chicken, a breed that is sure to captivate anyone with its unique and enchanting appearance. With its striking plumage and distinctive crested head, this breed is a true beauty to behold.
The first thing that catches your eye is the stunning array of colors on the Tolbunt Polish. Its feathers are a mesmerizing blend of black, gold, and white, creating a mosaic-like pattern. The contrast between the dark and light colors gives these chickens an elegant and regal look that is sure to turn heads. Younger birds should be born with more black plumage which will whiten with age through molts. But what truly sets the Tolbunt Polish Chicken apart is its majestic crest and beard.
Beyond their captivating appearance, Tolbunt Polish Chickens are known for their friendly and docile nature. They have a gentle temperament, making them a pleasure to interact with and handle. Whether you're a seasoned poultry keeper or a beginner venturing into the world of chicken-keeping, the Tolbunt Polish Chicken's easy-going personality makes them a joy to care for.
Despite their ornate appearance, Tolbunt Polish Chickens are surprisingly adaptable to various environments. They can thrive in both urban and rural settings, making them suitable for backyard coops or larger poultry operations. Their adaptability, combined with their low maintenance requirements, makes them an excellent choice for chicken enthusiasts of all levels of experience.
If you're looking to add a touch of elegance and charm to your flock, the Tolbunt Polish Chicken is the perfect choice. Not only will they enhance the visual appeal of your poultry yard, but they will also bring joy and fascination with their unique personality. So why wait? Embrace the enchantment of the Tolbunt Polish Chicken and watch your flock come to life with beauty and grace.
Tolbunt Polish Genetics
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Mottled plus Gold-Laced
Tolbunt Polish should be approximately 50% black (or reddish black due to the Gold gene), 25% reddish-brown and 25% white.
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Breed back to Gold-Laced
Breeding your Tolbunt back to Gold-laced produces splits which keeps the lacing crisp in the resulting offspring.
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Frizzled/Smooth
Our Tolbunt polish rooster is a frizzle and all of our hens are smooth. This results in approximately 25% frizzled offspring.
White American Bresse
A white American Bresse, also known as the American Bresse or Bresse Gauloise, is a breed of chicken that has been developed in the United States, through the importation of French Bresse from their meat production lines. The American version of the Bresse is inspired by the traditional French Bresse chicken but has been selectively bred to suit American farming conditions and preferences.
The white American Bresse is a medium-sized chicken with a sturdy build and an elegant appearance. It has a white plumage that is typically clean and free of any markings, which is ideal for a clean table bird. The breed is known for its sleek and muscular body, with a well-developed breast and compact shape. The legs of the white American Bresse are usually dark slate blue in color and are well-suited for free-ranging and foraging.
In terms of temperament, the white American Bresse is known to be active, alert, and curious. They are typically docile and friendly, making them suitable for backyard enthusiasts and small-scale farmers.
The white American Bresse is highly regarded for its meat quality. It is known for its tender and flavorful meat, which is often described as succulent and juicy. The breed's meat is sought after by chefs and food enthusiasts for its excellent taste and texture. Truly a dual purpose breed, American Bresse lay medium-large sized cream-tan colored eggs almost daily.
Overall, the white American Bresse is a breed that combines the elegance of the traditional French Bresse with adaptations to suit American farming conditions. It offers a balance of beauty, temperament, and exceptional meat quality, making it a desirable choice for those looking to raise chickens for both eggs laying and meat production purposes. American Bresse are truly a sustainable breed.
Blue/Black/Splash Partridge Brahma
Brahma chickens, originating in the United States during the mid-1800s, are a distinctive and substantial breed of domestic poultry.
Renowned for their impressive size, Brahma roosters can weigh between 12 to 18 pounds, while hens typically range from 9 to 12 pounds, making them one of the heaviest chicken breeds, recognized by the APA.
Their unique personalities set them apart from other domestic breeds, with inquisitive nature and sweet demeanor. Known for their gentle and friendly temperament, Brahmas are often recommended as pets for families.
Their feathered shanks and toes contributing to their distinctive appearance, creating a "pantaloon" look, which is quite amusing to observe in your chicken yard.
Brahma chickens come in various color varieties, including Light, Dark and Buff, each with specific color patterns. Our Brahmas are a PROJECT color and are a work in progress. We offer our project breeds to further their projects, hoping that you will love BBS Brahmas just as much as we do!
While they may not be the most prolific egg layers, they do produce a respectable number of large brown eggs. Their hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures, coupled with their suitability for colder climates, make them popular choices for poultry enthusiasts.
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Blue/Black/Splash Genetics
The blue-black splash gene in chickens refers to a specific genetic trait that influences the color of a chicken's feathers. This gene affects the expression of pigments, particularly in the melanin pathway, leading to distinct plumage colors.
Understanding this gene involves knowing how it interacts with other color genes in chickens.
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Learn more about BBS Genetics here
When these genes interact, the blue-black splash gene combination results in a chicken with a distinctive appearance. The blue gene dilutes the black pigment, giving the feathers a blue hue, and the splash gene creates a mottled or splashed pattern. The overall effect is a chicken with blue and white splashed feathers, creating a visually striking and unique appearance.
It's important to note that understanding chicken feather color genetics involves considering multiple genes and their interactions. Different combinations of genes can result in a wide variety of plumage colors and patterns in chickens. The blue-black splash gene combination is just one example of how genetic factors contribute to the diversity of chicken colors observed in various breeds.
