California Tan Chickens | Pics and Guide

Have you ever heard of a chicken nicknamed the “Eggs Machine“? California Tan chicken is among the top chicken breeds, laying the most eggs annually. A breed with a high egg production rate is hard to find, but not now.

Let me share what makes these chickens special, sprinkle in some personal insights, and give you all the details you need to raise them successfully.

What Is A California Tan Chicken?

California Tan chickens are a mix hybrid breed, created by crossing Production Reds and White Leghorns. This cross blends the best egg-laying genes from both parent breeds, resulting in a chicken that’s both productive and friendly.

They’re not a traditional breed like Rhode Island Red or Plymouth Rock, but a hybrid variety designed for high egg production and durability.

The California Tan is a relatively new breed, possibly bred for Tractor Supply (TSC) to meet the needs of backyard chicken keepers. Unlike the California Gray, which was developed in the 1930s by a professor for white egg production, California Tans focus on tan/brown eggs.

Limited information exists about their origins, but since their introduction, they’ve gained popularity through hatcheries like Hoover’s and TSC.

I first heard about them when browsing TSC. The staff raved about their egg producer qualities, and I was hooked. If you’re curious, check out Tractor Supply’s breed directory for more on available poultry.

Physical Characteristics

California Tan chickens are feathered beauties. They’re mostly white with tan feathers, black flecks, or red highlights, giving them a pretty look. Their feathers are sleek, and they sport a single pinkish-red comb.

Hens are leaner with short tail feathers pointing backward, while roosters (or roos) are muscular with broader chests and upward-pointing tail feathers.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Type	Weight
Hen	~4 lbs
Rooster	~6 lbs

They’re medium-sized, not as hefty as a New Jersey Giant but sturdier than some Leghorns. This makes them a dual-purpose bird, suitable as both an egg producer and a meat bird, though they shine more for eggs.

Temperament and Behavior

I think California Tan chickens are some of the friendliest birds around. They’re docile, cuddly, and even playful. In my flock, they follow around, pecking curiously and seeming to listen to me chatter.

They’re less skittish than White Leghorns but more active than Buff Orpingtons.

These chickens love to move. They’re active foragers, scratching for bugs and seeds. They’re not as flighty as pure Leghorns but enjoy exploring. This makes them excellent for free-range setups, though they adapt to confinement with enough space.

Their temperament and hardiness make them great for backyard flocks. They get along with other breeds like Marans or Barred Rock, observing the pecking order without much fuss. They’re a sustainable project for anyone wanting fresh eggs and friendly chickens.

Egg Laying Capabilities

California Tans are among the best egg layers. They can lay up to 300 or x-large eggs annually, often producing an egg daily. The egg size is impressive, rivaling store-bought eggs, and the egg color ranges from brown/tinted to tan eggs.

Pullets typically begin laying eggs at around 17 weeks old, though some, like one I got at 21 weeks old, start a bit later. They’re regular producers, even throughout the winter, unlike some breeds that slow down in colder months.

Most sources, like Flockjourney, confirm California Tans lay brown/tinted eggs. However, an X post reported a California Tan laying blue-green egg color eggs, suggesting possible mislabeling at TSC.

You might need a different breed if you want blue egg layers or green eggs like those from Olive Eggers. However, California Tans are spot-on for tan/brown eggs.

Here’s how they stack up:

Breed	Eggs/Year	Egg Color	Temperament
California Tan	~300	Brown/Tinted	Friendly
White Leghorn	~280-325	White	Active, Nervous
Rhode Island Red	~150-200	Brown	Energetic
Olive Egger	~150-200	Olive/Green	Variable

California Tans outperform many heritage breeds in egg production while being easier to handle than Leghorns.

California Tan Rooster and Hen

The difference between the California Tan Hen and the California Tan Rooster is not much regarding their plumage. Sometimes, Hens and Roosters have white feathers with some black flecks on their plumage.

With a unique single-type comb that is bright red and wattle, the legs are short and stout, and their feet are yellow. There is not much difference in their feathers, but a distinctive difference separates Hens from roosters.

California Tan Hen weighs between 4 and 6 pounds and has a thin body, while California Tan Rooster weighs between 6 and 8 pounds and is broader and muscular.

You can easily tell the difference between Hens and Rooster chickens by looking at their tail feathers. Roosters have long tail feathers that gracefully point upwards, while hens have shorter feathers that point backward.

It’s a fascinating sight to behold, and you’ll surely impress your friends with this little-known chicken fact. Lastly, the California Tan Rooster is aggressive, protecting the flock from predators and other threats.

Can I breed California Tan Chicken?

They are not broody; you can’t create California Tan chicks by breeding California Tan chickens. This is the specialty of the hybrid breed; their parents are not the same, which makes them a unique and quality breed.

Breeding California Tan chickens is rare; only a few hatcheries will provide them. If you want California Tan chicks, the only way to get them is to breed Production Red with a White Leghorn.

You will also get a completely different breed with different characteristics.

BUT know this;

California Tans are a hybrid, so they don’t reproduce true. Breeding them requires crossing a Production Red with a White Leghorn each time.

For incubating chicks, maintain a ratio of 8-10 hens per rooster for fertile eggs. Their genes make them a cool mutant chicken, but you’ll need to source parent breeds from a hatchery.

Care for California Tan Chicken

Caring for these chickens is an important responsibility that requires attention and care. To ensure their well-being, here are some simple steps to follow:

Provide a Suitable Habitat: 

Create a comfortable living space for your California Tan Chickens. They need a clean and spacious coop with proper ventilation and protection from predators.

Nutritious Diet: 

Feed your chickens a balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, vegetables, and high-quality poultry feed. Make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks: 

Monitor your chickens’ health regularly by observing their behavior, checking for signs of illness or injury, and consulting with a veterinarian if needed.

Maintain Cleanliness: 

Keep their coop clean by regularly removing droppings and replacing bedding/flooring. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and keeps the environment hygienic.

Exercise and Social Interaction: 

Allow your California Tan Chickens to roam freely in a secure, fenced area where they can scratch and peck at the ground. They enjoy socializing with other chickens, so consider keeping them in a small flock.

Tips for New Owners:

• Space: Give them room to forage; they’re active and love it.

• Calcium: Ensure they get enough for strong eggs.

• Mixing: They blend well with breeds like Buff Orpingtons or Red Sex Links.

• Photos: Take pictures of the rest of the flock to track growth. More pics are needed to appreciate their pretty feathers!

Pros & Cons of Raising California Tan

PROS:

• Give a Lot of Eggs
• Live Well in Both Hot and Cold Weather
• Eggs are also Large
• Not Hard to Raise
• Good Foragers
• Calm Birds
• Along with Other Breeds

CONS:

• Not Suitable for Meat Production
• They are Not Broody

Is It Good for Beginners?

Some unique characteristics of California Tan chicken make it suitable for beginners or novices.

• Egg Production

First is First. They are excellent egg layers, laying around 300 eggs a year.

• Hardiness

Their bodies fight diseases naturally. It’s fascinating how they fight off illnesses.

• Easy to Care

These chickens are easy to care for and do not require special care or attention.

• Adaptability

They can live easily in any climate or environmental conditions.

• Good foragers

Also, they are good foragers and love to explore their environment for food.

Final Thoughts

I think California Tan chickens are a fantastic choice for any backyard flock. They’re excellent egg layers, producing large eggs consistently. Their friendly temperament and hardiness make them easy to care for, and their pretty feathers charm your flock.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned poultry keeper, these chickens offer a great experience. They’ve brought many eggs and smiles, and I bet they’ll do the same for you.

Ready to start? Head to Tractor Supply or Hoover’s Hatchery to find your California Tan chicks!

FAQs

Are California Tan chickens aggressive?

No, they are not aggressive; they are calm and docile birds, while California Tan Roosters are slightly aggressive.

How many eggs does a California Tan chicken lay?

On average, California Tan chicken lays 300 eggs per year.

Can I breed California Tan Chicken for California Tan Chicks?

You can, but you will not get California Tan Chicks; you will get a different breed. The only way to get California Tan Chicks is to breed Production Red with a White Leghorn.

At what age do California Tan hens start laying eggs?

California Tan Hens start laying eggs at 17 weeks (3.9 months).

Is California Tan Chicken easy to care for?

Yes, they are easy to care for and do not always require special care.

Is California Tan Chicken suitable for beginners?

Yes, in my opinion, they are suitable for beginners or novices because they are easy to care for, and their adaptability and hardness make them perfect for beginners.

How long does California Tan chicken live?

Their lifespan depends on nutrition, care, environment, predator safety, and other factors. They can live between 5 and 8 years.

What color of eggs does California tan chicken lay?

California Tan chicken is brown, light brown, tinted, or tan.

Is California tan chicken-friendly?

Yes, they are friendly and docile and love to play with humans, even children.