“My Partridge Olive Eggers are now 4 years old. They are serious bullies. I believe that they have killed 3 of my other hens. I am currently in the process of rehoming the pair. That being said they are one of the best layers that I have.”
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Partridge Olive Eggers. While this breed is often celebrated for its hardiness and steady egg production, we know that every chicken has its own unique personality. We’re truly sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced and completely understand your choice to rehome them. It’s wonderful to hear they’ve been reliable layers for you despite the temperament issues. Many of our customers enjoy calm and productive Partridge Olive Eggers, so flock dynamics can really vary from one keeper to another. We appreciate you opening up about your journey and wish you all the best as you find the perfect match to keep your flock happy and harmonious.
“I love this hen, purchased one two years ago and she grew into a big beautiful bird. Her temperament is flighty, or skittish, to say the least. I can't come near her without her scramming away, and picking her up is really out of the question unless its night time. She's not too noisy and not aggressive towards the other hens beyond typical pecking order taps. At first I was frustrated because I like having cuddly friendly birds but I've grown to respect her queenly feral nature, she loves foraging and exploring and building nests outdoors, she seems to get stressed out if she has to use the box like the other girls. Lays really large, really beautiful olive green eggs, probably about 4 a week.”
Thank you for the review! It's great to hear that your Partridge Olive Egger has become a beloved part of your flock. Her unique personality, while a bit skittish, certainly adds a different charm to your chicken-keeping experience! And it's hard not to appreciate those gorgeous, extra large olive eggs!
As she continues to settle in and find her comfort zone, you may find that she warms up a bit more. Thank you for sharing your journey with her, and we wish you many more happy years together.
“Love this little girl! At first I thought she was a rooster because she would "charge" the cage every time I walked by, she was the first to come eat or check things out in the pen and generally more rambunctious. But I found out she is just confident and friendly! She loves to hop up on my hand or arm and doesn't mind pets or being picked up. Was an unexpected but pleasant surprise and will definitely be the family favorite for how friendly she is.”
Thank you so much for sharing the review of the Partridge Olive Egger! Confident, curious, and cuddly? Of course! Sounds like she’s already earned her spot as the family favorite. When those large olive green eggs start coming, you will have one reason to love her!
“I have two 3 yr old Partridge Olive Eggers that I bought in 2022. They are fairly consistent layers of large eggs, but only one of them lays an olive egg. The other is very light brown. The olive eggs are beautiful, but have a very thin and gritty shell, so they break easily and are more porous, so they don't keep as long.
Neither hen is friendly, and both bully the other hens in the flock, especially my little Mille Fleur d'Uccle (who is adorable and sweet!). Neither one will let me near, and they freak out when I pick them up (which I can only do in the dark). The one who lays a brown egg is a confident hen and the bigger bully; the one who lays a green egg is timid and very flighty.
In the future, I'll just get regular Olive Eggers.”
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We’re sorry to hear that only one of your Partridge Olive Eggers lays green eggs and that both hens have been less friendly than hoped. While this variety is bred to lay olive-colored eggs, a small percentage may lay brown instead, and we understand how disappointing that can be.
We also appreciate you noting the thinner shell quality—this can sometimes occur with age or high production, and we’re happy to offer tips if needed.
Thank you again for giving them a loving home, and we completely understand your choice to stick with regular Olive Eggers in the future!
“I got one of these in 2022. Good-looking bird, but her legs are such a weird color of yellow that they freak me out a little bit. Looks pretty much like the pictures, except less white areas on the head. And less fluffy - her feathers lay very flat and smooth. Lays medium-large olive green eggs. Sometimes with dark green/brown speckles. Good layer, probably 3-4 eggs/week. Takes a total vacation from laying mid-fall until early spring (this year she started laying again early February). Molts HARD and looks abused for a couple of months.
Personality is standoffish and she either doesn't trust me or hates my guts. Won't eat out of my hand (only bird I have who doesn't). Hasn't integrated into my flock as a whole (3+ years in). She made her own sub-flock with my EE silkies, who were raised together with her.
She is a good lookout for my flock, as she is the only un-crested bird I have at the moment. She has defended others in the flock (from me, mostly) when I do inspections. She doesn't seem to pick on any other birds, but she does get picked on my by polish meanie.
She has always been very healthy and a clean bird. Never had pasty butt as a chick. Never has crusty poopy butt or walks in poop or mud. She is a large bird in my flock (but they are mostly silkies and polish, so that's relative). Seems strong as she is hard to catch and hang onto! Absolutely does not tolerate handling. Fights to the point I worry she will injure herself.
Not sure if I would get another Partridge Oliver Egger. Love her eggs and consistency, but her temperament isn't quite what I want in a small backyard flock. I guess they can't all be nice and friendly or the local predators would have a field day! I would recommend to others looking for a good colored layer!”
It sounds like your Partridge Olive Egger is quite the independent spirit! While her personality may not be the cuddliest, it’s great to hear that she’s a consistent layer and a strong, vigilant member of your flock. Her role as a lookout and protector definitely adds value, especially in a mixed flock. The egg color and pattern sound absolutely stunning, and it’s helpful to know about her molting habits and seasonal laying pause.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review—this kind of firsthand experience is so valuable for others considering this breed! We appreciate you taking the time to provide insight into both the pros and quirks of your girl.
“We received our 25 chicks in great shape! The heat pack that was used to transport the chicks was still warm and All the birds were healthy and energetic! I have been a customer of My Pet Chicken for 13 years and I have no regrets buying from this company.”
“My Partridge Olive Egger is my favorite chicken. She jumps up to sit on my lap when I come near. Super friendly (if a little saucy from time to time)!”
We love hearing how much you adore your Partridge Olive Egger! She sounds like such a sweetheart—with just the right amount of sass! Thank you for sharing your experience, and we’re so glad she’s a favorite in your flock!
