California Gray
"Gandy," a California Grey cockerel
Photo courtesy of Gary Lawrence
The California Gray was developed around 1940 by Professor
James Dryden. The goal was a dual purpose breed that laid large white eggs, as
that was what the market wanted at that time. The birds have a body type heavier
than a Leghorn but not as "clunky" as a Rock. Unlike most of the white egg
breeds, Grays are not flighty birds and are excellent winter layers in cold
climates.
When California Gray roosters are put on White Leghorn hens, a
sex-linked hybrid, the California White,
is produced. This hybrid is popular in
the northern midwest and Canada. It is a white bird with occasional black
feathers and can be feather-sexed at hatching.
California Links:
Another shot of "Gandy" This is "Martha," a four-month-old California White pullet Sarah collecting eggs from a flock of California Grays
A California White chick or
Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments
Photo courtesy of Gary Lawrence
Photo courtesy of Natalie King
Photo courtesy of Dan Flyger Freeman
Photo courtesy of Natalie King
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