When I first decided to raise chickens I had no idea that the Easter Egger would quickly become my favorite breed. These chickens are not only incredibly hardy but they also bring a lot of character to the flock with their great personalities. What really makes them stand out though is their ability to lay eggs in all sorts of colors from blue to green olive and even aqua. Some even have a pinkish hue making them an eye catching addition to any chicken coop.
As I’ve spent more time with these remarkable birds I’ve come to appreciate how friendly and healthy they are. They tend to do well in both heat and cold unlike many other breeds that see a dip in egg production during extreme weather.
Not to mention their natural quiet nature makes them a great fit for a backyard chicken setup especially for families with kids. Whether they are free ranging or simply hanging out in the coop the Easter Egger is a wonderful versatile choice for anyone looking to add a little color and joy to their flock.
What are Easter Eggers?
Easter Eggers are not considered a standard breed but rather a catch all term for a type of chicken with specific characteristics. They are a mix of various breeds typically derived from the Araucana which is known for its ability to lay blue eggs. Easter Eggers can have a wide range of appearances but they often inherit features like poufy cheeks and beards from their parent breeds. They are particularly loved for their amusing personalities and are known for being friendly and hardy.
These chickens lay a wide variety of eggs in colors such as blue green pink blue-green and even yellow which makes them a popular choice among people looking for colorful eggs. They can be a fun addition to your flock especially for families with kids as they are easy to handle and delightful to watch.
Easter Eggers are also appreciated for their nutritious nitrogen-rich eggs which are great for the garden. While not always easy to find their mix of genes makes them a unique and reliable choice for any backyard chicken keeper.
History of the Easter Egger Chicken Breed
The Easter Egger is a hybrid chicken that became popular in America during the 1970s. While it’s not a recognized breed its unique origins trace back to the practice of cross breeding chickens like the Ameraucana Araucana and Legbar all known for producing blue eggs.
These chickens were crossed with other breeds that lay brown eggs creating a versatile and hardy hybrid. This mixing of breeds resulted in a bird that could produce a wide range of egg colors including green blue pink and multi-colored eggs.
What makes the Easter Egger even more fascinating is its appearance and personality which can vary wildly depending on the parents. These chickens are often considered a mutt by the farming community due to the diverse mix of genetics they carry.
Despite their varied looks they have earned a reputation for being docile and easy to handle. Their ability to tolerate both cold and heat combined with their egg laying abilities very good at producing x-large eggs makes them a popular choice for both homesteads and backyard life. Whether you’re in a warm climate or facing winter chills the Easter Egger proves to be a hardy and reliable bird.
Easter Egger Features and Egg Production
Easter Eggers are a special breed with many unique features that set them apart from other chickens. They are closely related to Araucanas and Ameraucanas but have their own distinctive qualities, such as poofy cheeks and beards.
These chickens can lay eggs in a wide variety of colors including blue green white pink tan and even dark brown. One of the most exciting things about Easter Eggers is that the egg color will stay the same throughout their lifetime so you’ll always know what to expect. Some even lay speckled or olive colored eggs which are both fun and unique.
When it comes to egg production Easter Eggers are great producers. They can lay up to 280 eggs per year making them reliable layers. Even in summer temperatures reaching hundred degrees these chickens hardly slow down and continue to produce a steady supply of eggs.
Hatcheries typically report 240-260 eggs per year for Americana or Easter Eggers but in my experience they’re often closer to the 260 range. With their ability to lay regularly and reliably throughout the year Easter Eggers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to have a steady supply of fresh eggs.
Easter Eggers are Hardy Birds
Easter Eggers and Sapphire Olive Eggers are known for being hardy birds that can handle both cold winters and the heat of summer. Their small combs make them less prone to frostbite during the cold months. Even on the coldest days, with temperatures as low as -22°C with wind chill, our Easter Eggers remain strong, living comfortably in an unheated chicken coop. Similarly, Sapphire Olive Eggers share this resilience and hybrid vigor, making them excellent layers even in harsh conditions.
These birds are not just tough; they’re also adaptable. In hot weather, they seek shade and can thrive with minimal intervention, such as a brooder or heater when necessary. Both Easter Eggers and Sapphire Olive Eggers demonstrate remarkable disease resistance and adaptability to various environments.
They are highly inquisitive and often find themselves perched high on the top roosts, at least 7 feet above the ground or even in the rafters of the barn. Their beautiful patterns, pretty faces, and easygoing nature make them a joy to have around, whether in a backyard flock or a larger coop setting.
Easter Eggers are Reliable layers
Easter Eggers are a medium sized breed of chicken weighing around 6-7 pounds and are considered a dedicated egg breed. While they may not lay as many eggs as commercial laying crosses they are still reliable layers. These chickens are good layers and from each hen you can expect around 200-280 eggs per year depending on various husbandry factors.
For example providing light in the coop during the winter can help improve their egg production. Easter Eggers are great at channeling their energy into egg laying which is why they tend to lay more eggs than many other breeds. In addition to being reliable layers Easter Eggers can also serve a dual purpose as they not only lay eggs but also have enough meat for the dinner table. Most of the eggs they produce are green and blue though sometimes you may also get brown or white eggs.
The lack of excess energy used to sustain a large body helps them produce more eggs. They are among the best layers I have and their eggs are a beautiful addition to any farm. Whether you’re raising them for their eggs or for their meat Easter Eggers are an excellent choice.
Easter Eggers are Beautiful Birds
Easter Eggers are known for their stunning variety in colors and patterns. Unlike other chicken breeds you’ll find a wide mix of unique features in their feathers making each bird one of a kind. Whether they are young pullets or full grown hens they can be distinguishable easily by their unique cheek poufs and beards.
These charming features make them stand out in the flock even from a distance. I remember seeing my Easter Eggers as chicks and immediately being impressed by their soft fluffy appearance and those adorable cheek poufs. As they grow Easter Eggers continue to amaze with their beauty. Their necks sometimes appear thicker than their heads giving them a slightly rooster like look though they are still hens.
They have a fun quirky appearance and you can’t help but smile when you see them roaming around the yard looking like little fluff balls. Whether you have just one or a mixed flock with different breeds like my Brahma ladies Easter Eggers add a wonderful touch of color and character to any yard or spring field.
Easter Eggers are an Easy Backyard Bird
When I first decided to raise Easter Eggers I knew they’d be a great addition to our backyard flock. These chickens are easy to care for and are perfect for anyone looking to start with chickens. They’re gentle docile and quiet making them a sweet choice for families with children or those living in suburban areas. Their calm nature and easy care make them a top choice for beginners. They also thrive in fenced or free range environments whether in a coop or roaming around your yard.
What’s even more exciting is that Easter Eggers lay such a variety of colored eggs. You can expect blue green and even olive eggs just like the beautiful sea glass blue egg I found one morning. I remember the excitement of our first order of chicks especially when we added a few Americanas to the mix for a splash of colored eggs.
Whether you’re raising them for the fun of their vibrant eggs or their friendly personalities, Easter Eggers make for a fantastic low maintenance pet. Plus watching them grow from little chipmunk striped chicks to full grown hens is a joy in itself.
Easter Eggers are Kid Friendly Hens
Easter Eggers are known for being incredibly kid friendly. From the moment they are three day old chicks they quickly associate hands with food and come running for a snack. My own Easter Eggers were always eager to be handled accepting touch without hesitation and even eating heartily from my hand. As they grew their calm nature made them perfect companions for visiting children.
Whether the kids are trying to chase or pet them the Easter Eggers stay relaxed and easygoing making them ideal for young ones who might not always know how to interact with animals.
These hens are also easy to catch and it’s not difficult to hand off one of them for a quick cuddle. They truly enjoy being around people and are always up for a little attention which is why I recommend them as great pets for families with children. Their affectionate and non aggressive demeanor makes them stand out as a perfect choice for those looking to raise kid friendly hens.
Easter Egger Colors
One of the most fun aspects of raising Easter Eggers is their wide variety of colors. These chickens can surprise you with their beautiful colored eggs which range from blue to green pink and even peach. When you first start with Easter Eggers you might expect one color but you could end up with a whole mix of shades. The colors of the eggs they lay depend on the genetics of the birds and can change with each one.
I’ve been lucky enough to see blue bluey green and even teal eggs from my flock. The green egg layers sometimes surprise me with speckles adding a unique touch to every egg. These chickens are not just known for their egg colors but also for their feather patterns. They can come in many shades, such as gray feathered buff black or brown with each bird having distinctive features that make them easy to tell apart.
I’ve even named all of my 37 chickens and their personalities combs and colors make it easy to recognize them from a mile away. Whether you’re raising them for their colorful eggs or their fun personalities Easter Eggers are definitely a joy to have in the flock.
Peach (Brown) Laying Easter Eggers
Peach and brown laying Easter Eggers are a beautiful and unique breed to have in any backyard. Their eggs are anything but ordinary ranging from a soft peachy cream color to a pinky brown tinted hue. Sometimes you may even get eggs in faint orange or pumpkin spice shades.
These colors add variety to your egg basket making every day of egg collection exciting. Unlike the standard brown eggs laid by other breeds like Orpingtons Barred Rocks or Wyandottes the Easter Eggers provide a refreshing change in color and appearance. What’s even more fascinating is that the egg color of Easter Eggers can shift throughout the year.
During the hottest summer months their eggs may become lighter colored while in the winter they might be darker. This change in egg color adds even more charm to these birds making them a delightful addition to any flock. Though you may feel disappointed if you’re expecting more vibrant colors every time the unique shades of Easter Eggs are always a surprise that makes them worth the wait.
Egg Sale Booster
There is a growing desire among consumers for free range eggs that are laid by hens eating a natural diet of grass seeds and bugs. These eggs especially the colored eggs are eye catching and stand out from the typical offerings in commercial stores. Since many commercial laying operations haven’t yet incorporated Easter Eggers their eggs are often a dead giveaway that they come from backyard hens with access to grass. The natural conditions and vibrant eggshell colors make them more appealing to customers who value fresh local and naturally raised produce.
Selling rainbow colored eggs from Easter Eggers can be a profitable venture. The unique pastel shades of these eggs can make them highly attractive to buyers driving interest and boosting sales. By offering eggs with a variety of colors such as blues greens and pinks you can distinguish your eggs from the common brown ones and tap into the niche market that’s eager for colored eggs. With the increasing demand for ethical farm fresh products this could be an excellent way to grow your egg sales.
How to Show Off Those Colored Eggs
To highlight the stunning gorgeous colors of your Easter Eggers’ eggs you can use clear egg cartons that showcase the natural beauty. As these hens are often at the bottom of the pecking order in the flock they tend to forage for their food which includes fresh greens resulting in yolks that can be a deep darkest orange.
These vibrant eggs collected from pasture raised hens will surely stand out in the egg basket making them an attractive addition to any collection. Even if some of your dominant hens are getting the best treats first the Easter Eggers’ eggs will still be one of the most unique in terms of color adding a splash of variety to your kitchen.
The First Blue Egg Changed My Mind
When I first got my Easter Eggers I was so excited about what color their eggs would be. As the chicks grew I was amazed by the different feather colors and patterns from the chipmunk striped babies to the gorgeous adults. But the moment that truly captivated me was when Miss Gorgeous our hen laid her very first blue egg. That’s when everything clicked for me the fun of seeing these unique chickens grow up was only surpassed by the beautiful eggs they laid.
The mix of blue green olive and speckled eggs quickly became part of our daily routine. The pink eggs though not from our Easter Eggers were laid by our Golden Lace Wyandotte hens. The excitement continued as I realized how much I enjoyed breeding these Pink Laying Easter Eggers. I learned so much about the variations in egg color and I was thrilled to see how fun it was watching them grow into such beautiful chickens. This experience truly changed the way I look at chickens and eggs.
Ameraucana, Americana or Easter Egger?
The names Ameraucana, Americana and Easter Egger can easily be confused but they represent different types of chickens. Ameraucanas are a purebred chicken breed famous for their distinctive muffs and beard and they only lay blue eggs. They come from Araucana parentage and are quite rare often expensive and usually bred by dedicated breeders.
On the other hand Americana chicks that you may find at a hatchery are often actually Easter Eggers which are a mixed breed. These chickens can lay a variety of egg colors including blue green olive pink peach brown and sometimes even cream or white eggs. While Easter Eggers often carry the blue egg gene they aren’t purebred like Ameraucanas making them more common and less expensive.
Easter Eggers are a mix of various chicken breeds and their egg colors can vary greatly. The blue egg gene carried by blue egg gene carrying roosters gives Easter Eggers their unique ability to lay eggs in shades of blue green and other colors. Ameraucanas however are much rarer and are considered purebred which is why they are often expensive. The chances of getting an Ameraucana chicken that lays blue eggs are higher when bred with specific purebred Ameraucanas but if you’re looking for a variety of egg colors Easter Eggers will give you a more diverse egg basket.
Are Easter Egger Chickens A Heritage or Hybrid Breed?
Easter Eggers are considered a hybrid breed rather than a heritage breed. They are cross bred from recognized breeds like Ameraucana Araucana and Legbar often combined with a chicken that lays brown eggs. Due to the mix of genetics and a wide range of potential parents these chickens do not meet the strict standards set by the APA.
As a result Easter Eggers are not recognized as a formal breed by the APA primarily because they lack consistent features such as a uniform color type of comb and coloring on ears. The variations in these features make them unique but they also explain why they’re not classified as a standardized breed.
Breeding Easter Egger Chickens
Easter Eggers are able to breed naturally and prolifically without much human intervention. However some may become protective of their eggs while on the nest but they don’t sit for extended periods like other breeds that might stay on the nest for weeks.
When it comes to breeding it’s important to note that heritage breeds can usually produce offspring of the same breed but hybrid breeds tend to create mixed breed chicks. To ensure pure bred Easter Eggers you’ll need to use a pure bred rooster and hen.
Be mindful that there can be health issues when breeding which could lead to unhealthy chicks due to certain genetics and characteristics passed on by their parent breeds. From my own experience I’ve found that maintaining a careful breeding plan helps avoid these complications.
Hidden Genetic Benefits of Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers are a mixed breed which gives them the advantage of Hybrid Vigor. Their genetic pool is so diverse that the chicks tend to be born strong and healthy. These chickens are typically the last to catch a cold or any illness and if they do get sick they recover the fastest. They are also clever with a hunter like instinct that makes them perfect free rangers and their feather patterning provides excellent camouflage in the wild.
This genetic strength allows them to thrive as a backyard bird minimizing heartache and inconvenience that comes with lost chickens. They are more resilient and better able to survive in various conditions which makes them an ideal choice for those who want to keep chickens with minimal worry. Their ability to handle challenges is a major reason they are favored by many chicken owners.
Common Easter Egger Health Risks
Easter Eggers are known for their hardiness but they are still susceptible to some notable illnesses that can affect chickens. One common issue is calcium deficiencies which can lead to brittle eggshells and weakened eggs.
Providing vitamins in their water as a precaution is important especially for younger birds still integrating into the flock. Without enough calcium prolonged deficiencies can result in health complications and even a shortened lifespan for the birds.
Parasites are another risk to watch for and keeping a watchful eye on your chickens can help prevent them from getting sick. Offering free choice oyster shells and grit can help strengthen eggs and support the overall health of your flock.
Easter Egger Personalities
Easter Eggers including Prairie, Bluebell Eggers are known for their sweet and relaxed personalities making them excellent choices for families and small flocks. These birds are typically hand raised which enhances their pet able nature.
They often enjoy running around the yard always returning to me with the gentlest of touches. Their behavior is calm and they tend to lay eggs quietly without a peep. After laying they’re quick to return to their favorite activities like scratching and pecking for bugs.
In terms of size Easter Eggers are some of the smallest chickens with my four pound hens being both reliable daily layers and exceptionally soft spoken. They thrive in a suburban backyard especially in areas where chickens are forbidden since they don’t make a lot of noise. Plus their fluffy faced and bearded appearance is a favorite among chicken enthusiasts.
Their stunning plumage along with the gorgeous hued eggs they lay whether blue gold or black make them truly show stoppers. These chickens are a true joy to raise not only for their temperament but also for their beautiful multi colored eggs.
Clever Birds
Easter Eggers are known for their intelligent and sharp eyed nature which makes them stand out in the flock. From a young age they are quick to understand how things work. For example they were the first to figure out how to use the nipple waterers in our coop. They are also quick to recognize danger like the new dogs that may appear unexpectedly.
Instead of running in circles they calmly run and hide keeping themselves safe. As they grow their intelligence becomes more apparent. Even the young Prairie Bluebell Egger cockerel at just seven weeks old was able to spot a coral snake and alert the rest of the flock with warning chirps.
Some Easter Eggers can be a bit too clever like Pecan Pie who noticed a rat snake in a nest box at dusk and refused to lay any eggs there for two months. Despite the occasional humorous story of dingbat birds most Easter Eggers are incredibly clever. Their ability to understand and react to situations whether it’s spotting a predator like hawks and snakes or avoiding danger makes them a joy to raise.
Easter Egger Chicken Housing Requirements
For your Easter Eggers providing the right space is crucial for their well being. These small breed chickens need at least 3 to 4 square feet per bird in the coop. It’s important that the coop is secure from drafts even if it is unheated this is usually enough to keep your girls comfortable.
In addition make sure they have easy access to a roofed run which should be shaded and have good airflow. A run of 10 square feet per bird is recommended for happy and healthy chickens ensuring they have room to move around freely.
During sunny days or hot weather it’s best to allow your chickens to enjoy the cooler areas of the coop while they also have free access to the roofed run for shade and fresh air. Even on days when the temperature reaches upwards of 90 degrees they’ll stay comfortable as long as the setup is well ventilated and protected from intense sunlight. Proper housing keeps your Easter Eggers happy and thriving ensuring a productive and safe environment for your flock.
Happy Easter Egger Hens
Keeping Easter Eggers is a fun and rewarding experience for any chicken lover. No matter if you prefer a specific breed or hybrid these hens bring a splash of color to your egg cartons. Their beautiful versatile and vigorous nature makes them a joy to care for.
You can expect blue green and even aqua eggs from these wonderful layers adding a unique touch to your collection. Raising Easter Eggers is truly a hobby that brightens your day.
FAQs:
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What are Easter Egger chickens?
Easter Egger chickens are a hybrid breed known for laying eggs in a variety of colors like blue, green and brown. They are friendly, hardy and great for backyard flocks.
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Do Easter Eggers lay colored eggs?
Yes Easter Egger hens are famous for laying beautiful colored eggs including blue, green olive and sometimes pink. These unique eggs are a highlight for backyard chicken keepers.
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Are Easter Egger chickens good for beginners?
Yes Easter Eggers are perfect for beginners due to their gentle nature and resilience. They adapt well to different environments and are easy to care for.
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How many eggs do Easter Egger chickens lay?
Easter Eggers typically lay 3 to 4 eggs per week. While they may not lay as many as other breeds their unique colored eggs make up for it.
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What kind of housing do Easter Egger chickens need?
Easter Eggers need a secure coop with 3 to 4 square feet per bird. They thrive in well ventilated spaces and appreciate a roofed run with access to fresh grass.
Conclusion
Easter Egger chickens are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a colorful and friendly breed to their flock. Known for their gentle nature resilience to disease and weather and ability to lay a variety of colored eggs they are perfect for both beginners and experienced chicken keepers alike.
Their strong egg production and vibrant eggs in shades of blue, green and olive make them a standout addition to any backyard farm or smallholding. Whether you’re after a reliable egg layer or simply want to enjoy the unique colors they produce Easter Eggers are a great fit for your poultry family.
With their low maintenance care and friendly temperament Easter Eggers are not only great for families with children but also an attractive option for those looking to add visual interest to their egg cartons. As long as they have enough space to roam access to fresh greens and a secure well ventilated coop they will thrive and bring joy to your home.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in raising chickens the Easter Egger is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
