California Gray
"Gandy," a California Grey cockerel
Photo courtesy of Gary Lawrence
The California Gray was developed around 1930 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. And he was also striving for a bird that would lay well for more than 2 years. 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:
The head of a 6-month-old cockerel
A Cal Gray cockerel
Another shot of "Gandy"
California Grey hens
A flock of California Grays
This is "Martha," a four-month-old California White pullet
Cal Gray pullets
A California Grey rooster and his hens
Another California Gray cockerel
Sarah collecting eggs from a flock of California Grays
A California White hen
A California Gray hen
Juveniles
California Gray chicks
A California White chick
By 3 weeks you can often tell the sexes apart -- that's a cockerel on the right or
Direct questions and comments to Barry at FeatherSite -- questions and comments
Photo courtesy of Michael Apple
Photos courtesy of Elisa Robertson
Photo courtesy of Gary Lawrence
Photo courtesy of Michael Apple
Photo courtesy of Elisa Robertson
Photo courtesy of Natalie King
Photos courtesy of Elisa Robertson
Photo courtesy of Michael Apple
Photo courtesy of Elisa Robertson
Photo courtesy of Dan Flyger Freeman
Photo courtesy of Jason C.
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Smith
Photo courtesy of Michael Apple
Photos courtesy of Elisa Robertson
Photo courtesy of Natalie King
Photo courtesy of Elisa Robertson