Description
Chocolate Egger™ Chickens
Breeding Focus and Genetics
The Cackle Hatchery™ “Chocolate Egger™” is a specialized breeding line developed with one clear goal: producing hens that lay very dark brown eggs. Unlike traditional breeds, this program does not focus on uniform feather color or body type. Instead, selection is centered on eggshell strength and deep, rich shell color.
As a result, appearance can vary, but most birds will display:
- Shades of brown feathering
- Some feathering on the legs
This variation reflects the intentional focus on performance rather than visual standardization.
Egg Production and Color
Chocolate Egger™ hens are strong, consistent layers, producing approximately 180–260 medium to large eggs per year.
Their standout feature is the dark brown eggshell, often ranging from #7 to #9 on the Marans color scale, giving them a rich, chocolate-toned appearance.
Temperament and Suitability
These birds are well-suited for backyard flocks and general egg production setups. Their mixed genetics contribute to a hardy and adaptable bird that performs well in a variety of environments.
Breeding and Management Notes
Fertility typically ranges around standard levels, with a recommended mating ratio of 8 females to 1 male. They prefer roosting heights between 2 to 4 feet and integrate well into mixed flocks.
Important Notes
- Not a Standardized Breed: Chocolate Egger™ is a proprietary hybrid line and is not APA recognized.
- Appearance Will Vary: Feather color and body type are not consistent due to the breeding focus on egg traits.
- Egg Color Focused: Selection is heavily weighted toward darker egg color rather than uniform bird characteristics.
FAQ
What makes Chocolate Egger™ chickens unique?
Their ability to lay very dark brown eggs with strong shell quality.
Are they a pure breed?
No, they are a hybrid line developed specifically for egg color and production.
How many eggs do they lay?
Approximately 180–260 eggs per year.
Will all eggs be very dark?
Most will be dark brown, though shade can vary slightly between hens.
Are they good for backyard flocks?
Yes, they are hardy and adaptable, making them a practical choice for egg production.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
| Date |
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| 2026-05-13 |
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| 2026-05-18 |
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| 2026-05-19 |
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| 2026-05-20 |
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| 2026-05-25 |
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| 2026-05-26 |
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| 2026-05-27 |
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| 2026-06-01 |
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| 2026-06-02 |
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| 2026-06-03 |
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| 2026-06-08 |
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| 2026-06-09 |
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| 2026-06-10 |
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| 2026-06-15 |
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| 2026-06-16 |
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| 2026-06-17 |
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| 2026-06-22 |
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| 2026-06-23 |
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| 2026-06-24 |
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| 2026-06-29 |
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| 2026-06-30 |
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| 2026-07-01 |
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| 2026-07-06 |
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| 2026-07-07 |
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| 2026-07-08 |
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| 2026-07-13 |
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| 2026-07-14 |
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| 2026-07-15 |
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| 2026-07-20 |
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| 2026-07-21 |
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| 2026-07-22 |
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| 2026-07-27 |
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| 2026-07-28 |
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| 2026-07-29 |
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| 2026-08-03 |
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| 2026-08-04 |
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| 2026-08-05 |
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| 2026-08-10 |
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| 2026-08-11 |
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| 2026-08-12 |
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| 2026-08-17 |
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| 2026-08-18 |
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| 2026-08-19 |
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| 2026-08-24 |
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| 2026-08-25 |
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| 2026-08-26 |
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| 2026-08-31 |
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| 2026-09-01 |
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| 2026-09-02 |
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| 2026-09-07 |
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| 2026-09-08 |
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| 2026-09-09 |
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| 2026-09-14 |
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| 2026-09-15 |
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| 2026-09-16 |
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| 2026-09-21 |
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| 2026-09-22 |
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| 2026-09-23 |
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| 2026-10-05 |
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| 2026-10-06 |
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| 2026-10-07 |
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| 2026-10-12 |
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| 2026-10-13 |
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| 2026-10-14 |
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| 2026-10-19 |
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| 2026-10-20 |
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| 2026-10-21 |
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hallie.galbreath –
I ordered 5 chocolate Eggers in June of 2024. One was victim to a predator at no fault of Cackle. However, only 2 of 4 remaining are laying almost a year later and one of them consistently lays soft shelled eggs despite proper nutrition. I’ve gleaned from several resources that’s it’s likely genetic. I’ve been so happy with my other chicks from Cackle but wouldn’t order these again. The eggs are beautiful though.
Lyon McCandless –
All the eggs pictured are from Cackle’s birds. But I ordered Chocolate Eggers and Red Cooper Marans at the same time so I don’t know who is laying what but I definitely got a variety of colors. I live in upstate NY so a cold and dark climate so even though I got these girls in Spring 2024, it’s always takes them until January/February to really come into full maturity with laying eggs.
The Chocolate Egg and Red Cooper Maran roosters are both really chill and gorgeous!!
janebcolangelo –
I ordered straight run and kept the pullets. Clean legged, heavy boned and nether friendly not flighty as adults. No aggression to other chickens or people.
Hearty eaters with big Marans appetites. Ok foragers.
Very happy with the eggs—they are extra large with a good heavy shell and probably around #8-9 in darkness, like the color of a melted chocolate bar.
I plan on ordering these again.
Great laying chicken!
plumcrazy1469 –
VERY HAPPY WITH THE CHOCOLATE EGGERS. I HAVE A ROOSTER AND TWO HENS…DID NOT START LAYING TILL ALMOST 7 MONTHS OLD BUT THE EGGS ARE BEAUTFUL DARK BROWN. THEY GROW RATHER FAST AND ARE NICE SIZE. MY ROOSTER IS NOT AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS ME AND PROTECTS MY FLOCK WELL.
Meshelle Baggerman –
I couldn’t be happier that I ordered them. I bought 20 unsexed and the ratio was 50/50. I regret selling all of the roosters because I am so happy with the hens I want more. The egg color is as dark as they say and darker than my FBCM eggs. Super sweet and calm personalities. They all have feathered legs and the roosters were very dark black and gold, not light like the ones pictured. They won’t disappoint.
Erika Bontrager –
These are the sweetest birds! We are not super hands on with our chickens but these pullets are docile, calm and sweet, even when moving them from their enclosure to the main part of the run & coop. Looking forward to chocolate-colored eggs in greater numbers than Marans lay.
Hope Major –
I ordered 5 female Chocolate Eggers along with 10 Dark Brown Egg Female Surplus in June 2024 – I always order specifically females unless I need a male to keep a 1:8 hen-to-rooster ratio in our flock. We received several extra chicks (19 total) with our order. Unfortunately, 1 chick did die within a day of receiving them (understand that the stress of shipping has risks and can happen, although in the years I’ve been ordering from Cackle Hatchery, we’ve always received live healthy chicks). From the remaining 18 chicks they are all happy and healthy and should be starting to lay eggs soon. They have all grown into beautiful colors and are quite friendly. I also ordered the Dark Brown Female Surplus last year and received a good mix; French Cuckoo Maran, French Wheaton Marans, Barnevelder, and French Black Copper Maran. They lay beautiful dark brown chocolate-colored eggs and some are speckled. I am excited to see the eggs that come from this year’s Chocolate Egger chicks!
Stephanie Posch –
Ordered 10, ended up with 7 roosters. First and last time I order un sexed.
maritimearcheology –
So happy to see this breed offered! I received a black tailed red marans in a 2022 Surprise Box and he looks just like the fellow in the group shot. He’s been an awesome roo and we started our own line of “chocolate eggers” using him and two marans pullets (wheaten and french black) from the same box, in 2022. The next year we back crossed the chicks, selecting for the darkest speckled eggs. Couldn’t be happier with this year’s chicks!