To avoid disappointment, beware of rogue dealers using our breed names to offer ‘look-a-like’ but inferior birds or hatching eggs!

The idea of egg brands would have seemed ridiculous a few decades ago,” says Lori Meakin, co-founder of branding agency Joint. “Eggs were just eggs, a pure generic that gave rise to expressions such as ‘sure as eggs are eggs’”. But as demand soared and customers became more discerning, manufacturers attempted to distinguish themselves with claims about welfare, carbon footprint, provenance, quality and safety – plus aspirational shell colours and improbably amber yolks. Their excellent quality makes them the first choice for poaching, cooking, and making delicious cakes. The latest data for eggs produced in this country shows that 28 per cent come from caged birds; 7 per cent from barn birds; 61 per cent from free-range; and 4 per cent from organic conditions. The countrywide AIPZ (Avian Influenza Protection Zone) was lifted on July 4, so there are no longer any bird-flu-related restrictions on free-ranging birds in the UK.

By only 21–25 weeks, they have reached full maturity and can begin laying eggs. In their first year, they can produce between 220 and 240 high-quality eggs, each of which weighs roughly 60 grams. So it’s clear that price alone is not always the best welfare indicator. Soil Association Organic offers the highest welfare standards, even if organic eggs are often cheaper than their free-range counterparts.

They will supplement their diet with grass, clover, and other greens, as well as insects and bugs from all the foraging they love to do. The Burford Brown is a wonderful addition to any garden. As they are friendly and easy to train around kids, they make great pets for families. The burford brown is a mix of 4 grandparents , therefore has two crossbred parents producing a hybrid. just a plain old Commercial hybrid. Historically commercial hybrids are not "breeds" . In 1989, Philip and wife Janet, formed the Clarence Court egg business, at Millhampost Farm, Winchcombe. The business name was coined from the Queen Mother’s home, Clarence House, because rumour had it, that the Queen Mother enjoyed a blue egg for breakfast. Their stunning new eggs were to bring a touch of elegance and refinement to what had become a boring utility product.In those days, coloured eggs were something of a mystery, so it’s no wonder that this little hen from the Cotswolds, took the market by storm. The word spread, and within a short time, the multiples were demanding to get in on the act, and the eggs went nationwide, bringing a welcome flare and colour to supermarket shelves across the UK. As a rule, grit isn’t necessary if free ranging is permitted, yet it ought to be made available if they are confined due to avian flu regulations. In 1980, Mr. Lee-Woolf (the grandson of Mabel Pearman) began commercially farming Burford Browns at the Millhampost farm in the Winchcombe area. Some hens may have more dark brown colored feathers over their bodies, and some may have feathered feet and legs.