Bovan Browns - Prolific Brown Egg Layers for Small Flocks

An Introduction to Bovan Browns

Bovan Browns are a popular breed of chicken used for egg production. They are a brown-feathered strain of the Leghorn breed known for their high egg production capabilities. Bovan Browns are a favorite among small farm owners and backyard chicken keepers looking to maximize their egg yields. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins, characteristics, and egg laying abilities of Bovan Browns.

History of Bovan Browns

Bovan Browns were first developed in the 1970s by crossing White Leghorns with the New Hampshire breed. The goal was to create a productive brown egg layer that had the excellent production qualities of the Leghorn with the larger brown eggs of the New Hampshire. After years of selective breeding, the Bovan strain was introduced by breeders in England. Their name comes from the BOVans company that helped popularize them.

Bovan Browns were brought to the United States in the 1980s and since then have become a favorite of small flocks across the country. They are known for being hardy, active foragers, and prolific layers of large brown eggs. Their excellent productivity quickly made them a top choice for backyard flocks and small farms.

Characteristics of Bovan Browns

Bovan Browns have maintained many of the physical traits of their Leghorn ancestors. They are a lightweight active breed with a stylish carriage. Their plumage is a rich reddish-brown color. Their comb, wattles, and face are bright red. They have small heads with full orange eyes.

One of the key advantages of Bovan Browns is their hardiness. They are athletic birds adapted to free-range environments. Their activity level also makes them voracious foragers able to find much of their own food. Bovan Browns are alert but docile in temperament. They also tolerate weather extremes quite well.

Bovan hens tend to be excellent, dedicated mothers. They will often go broody and make great natural incubators of eggs. The hens are also attentive mothers that are fiercely protective of chicks. For those wanting a hen to raise a clutch of chicks, Bovan Browns are an ideal choice.

Egg Production of Bovan Browns

Without a doubt, egg laying is the main virtue of the Bovan Brown. They are phenomenally productive layers that can produce up to 300 eggs per year. This compares very favorably to the average output of 200-250 eggs from most heritage chicken breeds.

Bovan Browns tend to come into lay early at around 16-18 weeks of age. They will quickly ramp up production, often laying an egg nearly each day at their peak. Persistency of lay is also excellent. The hens continue laying at a strong pace through 2-3 years of age before gradually declining.

The eggs themselves are a medium to large size with a light brown color. Eggs weigh 55-65 grams on average. The hens lay exceptionally well across all seasons though may dip a bit during the shorter days of winter.

Raising Bovan Browns

Bovan Browns are very easy chickens to keep and care for. Here are some tips for raising them successfully:

• Provide plenty of space - Give 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run if confined.
• Free-range when possible - Bovan Browns thrive on free-ranging and will find most of their diet naturally.
• Supplement feed - Layer ration, grains, greens, fruits, veggies, and scraps will round out their diet.
• Supply calcium - Provide oyster shell or layer crumbles to support egg shell strength.
• Discourage broodiness - Limit a broody hen's time on the nest to keep egg laying.
• Watch for predators - Their watchful nature helps avoid attacks but secure housing is still a must.

With the excellent laying ability, hardiness, and friendly personality, it's easy to see why Bovan Browns have become a favorite brown egg layer for small flocks. Their high productivity can generously supply a family with an abundance of brown-shelled eggs. For those wanting maximum eggs from a backyard flock, Bovan Browns are sure to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs do Bovan Browns lay per year?

Bovan Browns are exceptionally productive layers, capable of producing 270-300 eggs annually. This compares very favorably to an average of 200-250 eggs from other breeds.

What color eggs do Bovan Browns lay?

Bovan Browns lay large to extra large brown eggs. The shell color ranges from light tan to dark chocolate brown.

Are Bovan Browns good foragers?

Yes, Bovan Browns are active foragers well-suited to free-range environments. They are constantly on the move while ranging which helps them find natural food sources.

Are Bovan Browns cold hardy?

Bovan Browns handle cold winter weather very well. Their active nature helps maintain body heat. As long as they have a draft-free coop, they tolerate winter nicely.

Do Bovan Browns go broody?

Bovan Brown hens make great broody mothers and will often try to set a clutch. It's best to limit their time brooding so they restart laying eggs faster.

Conclusion

For those wanting a high-performing and low-maintenance brown egg layer, Bovan Browns are an excellent choice. Their laidback personality and hardiness allow them to thrive in small backyard flocks. And their incredible egg production will keep a family well supplied with delicious homegrown brown eggs. Bovan Browns have certainly earned their reputation as a premier homestead chicken breed.

FAQs

How long do Bovan Browns live?

Bovan Browns generally live 5-8 years with proper care and management. Their productive laying years are usually the first 2-3.

What is the temperament of Bovan Browns?

Bovan Browns have a calm, docile temperament that makes them a joy to raise. They are active foragers but not flighty or easily spooked.

How big do Bovan Browns get?

Bovan Brown hens weigh 4-5 lbs and roosters 5-6 lbs. They have a slender build typical of egg-laying chicken breeds.

Are Bovan Browns good in cold or hot weather?

Bovan Browns handle temperature extremes very well. Their hardy nature allows them to thrive in cold winters or hot summers.

What is the rooster to hen ratio for Bovan Browns?

A ratio of 1 rooster to 8-10 hens works well for Bovan Browns. Too many roosters leads to fighting and stressed hens.