The industrious Harco
At De Meidoornhoeve, we welcome you to discover our beautiful Harco laying hens. These elegant black ladies with golden-brown neck hackles are true egg machines, and at the same time one of the tamest laying breeds you can keep in a garden. This chicken is the favorite of those who want to count on fresh eggs every day and want a pet-like chicken for the whole family.
Origin of the Harco
The Harco is a medium to large chicken weighing around 2 to 3 kg, with deep black plumage that shows a green sheen in the sunlight. Her great asset is the golden-brown or copper-colored neck hackle that makes her unmistakable. She has an upright red comb, red wattles, and yellow to gray legs, without feathering.
The latter is important: because of her color, the Harco is often confused with the Marans, but you can see the difference immediately by the legs. Marans have feathered legs, Harcos do not. Marans also lay much darker eggs than the Harco. Once you know the difference, confusion is impossible.
A social and winter-hardy companion
Anyone who wants to keep chickens and has never taken the step before could hardly make a better choice than a Harco. She is exceptionally calm and tame, is easily approached by children, and adapts quickly to an existing group. Tensions in the flock rarely occur.
Furthermore, the Harco is winter hardy. She does excellently in the changeable Belgian climate and continues to lay well during the colder months, a welcome trait for those who want fresh eggs all year round. She combines perfectly with other calm breeds such as the Bleu de Lande or the cuckoo-colored laying hen.
One important tip: as with most hybrid laying hens, the peak production is in the first 2 years. After that, she continues to lay for years, but at a slower pace. This is a characteristic of every high-production hybrid breed, including the Isa Brown or the Bleu de Lande.
A true egg machine
The Harco was developed with one main goal: to lay as many eggs as possible. And she does so with flying colors. A Harco lays up to 280 to 300 large brown eggs per year, averaging 5 to 6 per week in high season. She starts laying between 21 and 26 weeks old, earlier than many other breeds.
The eggs initially weigh about 45 grams and grow to 75 grams as the chicken matures. For comparison: a white Leghorn lays more eggs, but they are white; a Sussex lays fewer but combines laying with a friendly dual-purpose character. The Harco finds the balance between the number and size of the eggs, and adds an aesthetically beautiful plumage to the mix.
Harco laying hens at De Meidoornhoeve
At De Meidoornhoeve, we pay great attention to the care of our animals. Our Harco chickens receive the best living conditions and nutrition, so they arrive at your home in top condition. Visit us in Oostnieuwkerke for more information; we are happy to help you choose the right number and the right combination for your garden.
Frequently asked questions about the Harco laying hen
How many eggs does a Harco lay per year?
A Harco laying hen lays up to 280 to 300 large brown eggs per year, or an average of 5 to 6 eggs per week in high season. She starts laying between 21 and 26 weeks old.
How heavy is a Harco?
An adult Harco hen weighs between 2 and 3 kg. This makes her a medium to large chicken, slightly sturdier than the average brown laying hen.
What is the difference between a Harco and a Marans?
Both breeds have black plumage with copper accents, which is why they are often confused. There are two clear differences: Marans have feathered legs, Harcos have bare legs. Additionally, Marans lay much darker brown eggs, while the Harco lays standard brown eggs.
Is the Harco suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Harco is exceptionally calm and tame, easy to approach, and adapts quickly to an existing group. This makes her one of the most beginner-friendly laying hens.
How long does a Harco continue to lay eggs?
The Harco lays the most in her first 2 years. After that, she continues to lay for years, but at a slower pace. This is typical for all high-production hybrid laying hens.
Is the Harco winter hardy?
Yes. The Harco does excellently in the Belgian climate and continues to lay during the colder months, although production may drop slightly due to less daylight.
What color eggs does a Harco lay?
The Harco lays brown eggs. They start at about 45 grams and grow to approximately 75 grams as the chicken matures.
How many Harco chickens do I need?
For most families, 3 to 5 Harcos is a good number: enough eggs for daily use and a pleasant group. Combining them with other calm laying breeds such as the Bleu de Lande or Sussex is perfectly possible.
