NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR 2024
DEATHLAYER
(WESTFALISCHE TOTLEGER)
The Silver Westfalische Totleger, aka Silver “Deathlayer" hen is said to “lay an egg each day” until the day she dies—but there is a slight misconception in that statement. This beautiful breed molts and takes breaks from their laying cycle to regrow their feathers just like all other chicken breeds, but statement that they 'lay an egg each day' is true because there seems to be no laying difference between the amount of eggs that a young hen will lay compared to much older hens, hence appropriately giving these birds the proper name, “Deathlayer”.
The Silver Deathlayer is a very rare and fragile breed of bird which can make finding them difficult. This beautiful bird has only recently come over to the United States. Even in their native country of Germany, they are rare. Hens lay a medium white egg.
AYAM CEMANI
ALL BLACK CHICKEN
Ayam Cemani is an uncommon and relatively modern breed of chicken from Indonesia related to their Indian cousins the Kadaknath. They have a dominant gene that causes hyperpigmentation (fibromelanosis), making the chickens black, including feathers, beak, and internal organs.
The Ayam Cemani are a very docile, sweet breed of bird. The hens go broody often. You will have no trouble creating a second generation from your eggs.
WHITE-FACED BLACK SPANISH
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED PRIZE-WINNING LINE
White-faced Black Spanish (aka Farm Clowns) are listed as critically endangered by Livestock Conservancy. These birds are in need of some dedicated breeders to help re-establish their numbers. The White-faced Black Spanish is thought to be the oldest breed in the Mediterranean class of poultry and fowl. It seems certain that they date back to at least the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, but likely much earlier.
FRENCH BLACK COPPER MARANS
PRIZE-WINNING LINE
French Black Copper Marans lay the darkest egg of any chicken breed. The darkest eggs can range from a chocolate brown to almost burgundy in color. This beautiful breed has a copper-colored feathers on the neck and lightly feathered legs.
The original Marans (poule de Marans) comes from La Rochelle’s area in south western France. It is said that there has never been a known case of Salmonella in the Marans egg due to the molecular structure of the shell. James Bond made the Maran egg famous in his early movie From Russia with Love.
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Black Witch Farm Prize-Winning Line
LA FLÈCHE
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
NOW TAKING LIVE CHICK ORDERS FOR SPRING 2024
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The words “la flèche” translates in French as “the arrow”, but this critically endangered bird actually gets its name from its origins in the town of La Flèche in France. This medium-sized bird has black plumage, white earlobes, and a distinct v-shaped comb. It is deceptive in size, being much heavier than it appears. Males weigh 8 lbs and females weigh an average of 6.5 lbs. This super rare and hard-to-find breed has an active temperament and is an excellent forager. Of all the French chicken breeds, it is said that the La Flèche stands at the head for its table qualities.
BLUE COPPER MARANS
Originating in France, the Blue Copper Marans lay a dark brown egg. As their name suggests they have beautiful slate blue feathers and copper hackles, and have lightly feathered shanks and feet.
Hatching eggs will result most likely result in Blue Cooper Marans offspring but there is also a chance of French Black Copper Marans as well because of the way this chicken has been bred. Hens lay around 150- 200 eggs per year.
BANTAM CALICO COCHIN
Bantam Calico Cochins are a mix of Bantam Mille Fleur and Calico Cochins. They are fluffy, friendly, and full of personality! Bantam Cochins are a favorite of children and adults everywhere for their easygoing nature. They lay small, tinted or cream eggs, are great mothers. They do well in both hot weather and in cooler climates.
OLIVE EGGER
COMING SOON
Olive Egger hens lay a beautiful olive green egg. The Olive Eggers at Black Witch Farm are bred from Ameraucana hens and our prize-winning line of French Black Copper Marans rooster, resulting in lovely olive-colored eggs. The original line of hens was then bred back to a French Black Copper Marans rooster, creating a deeper olive shade egg. Those eggs are known as the F2 generation of Olive Eggers.