What are Novogen Brown chickens?
The Novogen Brown is a commercial-style brown egg layer, a hybrid developed in France and sold both to egg farms and to backyard keepers. It is a red sex-link type, meaning chicks can usually be sexed by colour at hatch. Like other production hybrids it is not a standard breed recognised by poultry associations, and the offspring of two hybrids do not reliably match their parents, so most keepers buy new birds rather than breed their own.
Appearance
Hens are generally described as reddish-brown with lighter, whitish feathering underneath. Males tend to be mostly white, which is the colour difference that allows early sexing. Exact shades vary between strains and suppliers.
Temperament
Novogen Browns are usually described as calm, docile and easy to handle, which makes them a popular choice for beginners and families. As with any hen, temperament varies with how the birds were raised and handled, and some individuals are more assertive, especially around feeders or when new birds are added. Introduce newcomers gradually and give plenty of feeder and drinker space.
Egg production
Suppliers describe Novogen Browns as early starters, with first eggs often around 17 to 20 weeks, and as very productive, with figures of around 300 or more large to extra-large brown eggs in the first year of laying quoted for well-managed flocks. These are best-case numbers from commercial-style conditions. Backyard hens typically lay somewhat fewer, and output drops during winter, moulting, heat, stress, illness and as hens get older.
To support steady laying:
- Feed a complete layer feed once hens are laying, with free access to clean water.
- Provide oyster shell or another calcium source on the side if your feed supplier recommends it.
- Keep the coop dry, ventilated and predator-proof.
Care and lifespan
Their care is similar to other production hybrids. Heavy laying places demands on the body, and many keepers find that hybrids are most productive in their first two or three years, though some live considerably longer. Watch for signs such as lethargy, pale or swollen combs, laboured breathing, a swollen abdomen, soft or misshapen eggs for long periods, or an egg-bound hen straining. If you notice these, contact a vet with poultry experience; do not wait to see whether they pass.
Where to find point-of-lay hens
Point-of-lay pullets are young hens about to start laying, typically sold at around 16 to 20 weeks old. You can look at:
- Hatcheries that ship started pullets
- Local farm suppliers and feed stores
- Local poultry breeders and farm-gate sellers
Ask about vaccinations, where the birds were raised, and whether they were kept with other flocks. Quarantine new birds away from your existing flock for a few weeks. Availability of the Novogen Brown name varies by country; similar red sex-link hybrids may be sold under other names.
How many chickens should you start with?
Chickens are social, so avoid keeping a single bird. Many keepers start with at least three or four hens. If you want a steady supply of eggs for a family, see our guide on how many hens for two dozen eggs a week. Check local limits on flock size before you buy.
Novogen Brown vs similar brown egg hybrids
Novogen Browns are often compared with ISA Browns and Hy-Line Browns. They are all brown-egg production hybrids from commercial breeding companies and behave similarly in a backyard, so availability, price and local advice often decide between them. ISA Browns are generally the most widely sold of the three.
Pros and cons
Pros: early laying, large brown eggs, calm nature, adaptable.
Cons: may have a shorter productive life than heritage breeds, can’t be bred true, and laying demands can show up as health problems in some hens.
Next steps
If you are still choosing, see our overview of the best chickens for backyard eggs.