California White chickens lay large, white eggs, making them popular for commercial egg production due to their consistent output.
California White chickens are prized for their prolific egg production and adaptability to urban settings. These hybrid birds consistently lay white eggs, making them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. Let’s explore their egg-laying habits, care requirements, and unique characteristics.
Egg Color and Production
California Whites reliably produce white eggs, typically 5-6 per week. Their parent breeds (White Leghorn hens and California Grey roosters) both lay white eggs, ensuring this trait carries through.
Egg Production Details
- Begin laying at 17-20 weeks old
- Average 250-300 eggs annually
- Eggs are medium to large size
- Consistent production even in winter
Occasionally, some California Whites may lay light brown eggs due to genetic variations. This isn’t a health concern but rather a quirk of hybrid breeding. As noted in our egg quality article, shell color doesn’t affect nutritional value.
Breed Characteristics
California Whites combine the best traits of their parent breeds:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 4-5 lbs (small to medium) |
| Color | White with occasional black flecks |
| Comb | Large single comb (develops early) |
| Temperament | More docile than Leghorns |
Flight Tendencies
These birds can fly higher than many breeds. Owners often clip primary flight feathers on one wing to prevent fence-hopping. Learn more about containing chickens in our detailed guide.
Care Requirements
Housing Needs
- 4 sq ft coop space per bird
- 10 sq ft run space per bird
- Nesting boxes: 12″x12″ (one per 3-4 hens)
Diet
Feed a balanced layer ration with:
- 16-18% protein
- Calcium supplement (oyster shell)
- Grit for digestion
Common Questions
Why might my California White lay brown eggs?
While rare, some may lay light brown eggs if there’s genetic mixing in their lineage. The brown egg gene is dominant, so even distant ancestry can sometimes manifest.
How long do they live?
With proper care, California Whites typically live 5-7 years, though egg production declines after 2-3 years. Compare this to Rhode Island Reds’ lifespan in our breed comparison.
Are they noisy?
California Whites are relatively quiet, making them good urban chickens. They vocalize less than Mediterranean breeds like Leghorns.
Breeding Considerations
As hybrids, California Whites don’t breed true. Their offspring may not retain the same desirable traits. For consistent production, purchase new chicks from reputable hatcheries rather than breeding your own.
According to Urban Overalls, these chickens excel in small spaces while maintaining high productivity. Their winter hardiness makes them suitable for various climates.
The Backyard Chickens forum notes that occasional brown eggs from California Whites typically indicate mixed ancestry rather than health issues.