How dark are Meyer hatchery marans eggs?/What’s the best hatchery for marans?

[BigBlueHen53]

I had two FBCM and two Blue CM's a few years back. I don't remember where I got them. The FBCM laid significantly darker eggs than the BCMs, although I had asked if that was the case and was assured that both breeds "laid really dark eggs." To me it was like the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate and I was a little disappointed.

I also wish I had known in advance that eggs with that much pigment have a tendency to get the nest bedding more stuck to them than regular brown eggs. They required more cleaning to get them ready to sell. We use shredded paper but I imagine the same would be true if one used straw, sawdust, fine wood chips, pine needles or hay. So ... just a word to the wise.

 

[My Three Chicks]

My Steele Egger is one of my favorite chickens I’ve ever had! She lays gorgeous large blue eggs super consistently, she’s friendly though she’s not always super keen about being held and while she’s my smallest chicken she’s also on top of our pecking order. If you’re looking for a blue egger I highly recommend them!

I’ve worked with a few of the Meyer exclusive breeds (green queens, LS cookies and cream, lakeside egger, etc) so if you have any questions about any of the others feel free to ask!

Oh wow is you Steele Egger splash or blue? If I knew I'd get a splash i would order one for sure! Is she on the small side?
I also love the coloring of the Cookies and Cream but they seem to have heavily feathered feet which I worry about. Gonna start with the Splash Marans feet first!