When I first started raising chickens in my backyard, I didn’t give much thought to egg colors. All I cared about was getting fresh, healthy eggs for my family and enjoying the company of friendly, docile hens. But that quickly changed once I saw photos of colorful egg collections. Suddenly I was chasing the dream of filling my egg basket with different types of vibrant eggs! I never imagined that some chickens could even lay eggs with a green shell but yes, it’s true!
Today, many chicken keepers are just as fascinated by egg colors as I was. What’s amazing is that the color of the shell has no impact on the quality of the egg inside. It’s still just as delicious and nutritious as any other. Having a mix of chickens that lay white, brown, blue, and even green eggs adds charm to your morning collection. Plus, it makes the whole experience of keeping chickens even more rewarding and fun!
Different Colors of Chicken Eggs
Many breeds of chickens are known for laying eggs in a variety of shades. While white and brown eggs are the most common, you can also find pink, blue, green, tan, and even speckled eggs. The eggshell color depends on the chicken’s genetics and breed. For example, Ameraucana and Easter Egger chickens often lay blue or green eggs, while Olive Egger chickens lay olive-colored eggs. Interestingly, a chicken’s earlobe color might predict the egg color, though there are some exceptions to these rules.
Recently, colorful eggs have become very popular among consumers, leading to a boom in the demand for unique egg colors like chocolate and olive. Many farms and backyard chicken keepers have started adding these specialty breeds to their flock to increase interest and profitability. The variety in egg colors can make your breakfast table more exciting while supporting farmers’ income. Whether you choose striking blue eggs from Araucana hens or deep brown eggs from Marans, these chickens bring a whole new palette of colors and personalities to explore.
Araucana Chickens: Renowned for Laying Green Eggs
The Araucana is a distinct breed of chicken known for laying beautiful green and blue eggs. Originating in South America, specifically Chile, this prized breed carries a gene for colored eggs that traces back to a retrovirus embedded in their DNA many years ago. These medium-sized birds have unique tufts of feathers on their cheeks and are often described as friendly and sociable with a hardy nature that allows them to adapt well to various climates. They are also known for being rumpless, meaning they lack a tail, giving them a distinct look.
Araucanas are excellent layers, producing around 250 eggs per year, which can range from pale to bright, vibrant colors. Their popularity grew after they were imported to the United States in the 1930s from crosses between Northern Chilean breeds like the Colloncas and Quetros. Unlike their Ameraucana counterpart, Araucanas are harder to find, often sourced from specialized breeders. They may fly easily, so safe accommodations are recommended. With colors such as white, red, black and even golden duckwing or silver duckwing, these chickens add both charm and practicality to any farm focused on egg production and exhibition purposes.
Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers: Additional Green Egg Layers
Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers are hybrid breeds of chickens known for laying colorful green and blue eggs. These hybrids are quite popular because of the stunning shades their eggs come in. Easter Eggers can lay eggs in various colors, including pink, brown, and even olive-colored.
They have a mix of traits due to being a cross between different chicken breeds. With their friendly nature, they are often chosen by backyard chicken keepers and make an excellent choice for first-time owners, especially children. These chickens are not only sweet but also hardy able to withstand various conditions.
On the other hand, Olive Eggers produce olive-green eggs due to the crossing of a blue egg layer, like an Ameraucana, with a dark brown egg layer such as a Marans. The color of the eggs can depend on the depth of the brown in the pairing. Like Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers also come in many combinations of feather colors and appearances. Some may have crests feathered legs or pea combs while others have single combs. These hens are great producers, typically laying around four eggs per week and rarely going broody.
Both Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers add beauty to your egg basket and are valuable additions to a farm or flock. They thrive in a free-range environment, where they can scratch for food in the yard. Their large, medium-large eggs and friendly dispositions make them favorites for both hatching enthusiasts and experienced chicken owners alike.
How Do Green Eggs Compare to White and Brown Eggs?
Green eggs are both visually appealing and nutritionally similar to white or brown eggs. They are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for your family. The only difference is the beautiful color, which helps them stand out in any egg basket!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Green Egg-Laying Chickens
| Nutritional Benefits | Friendly Breeds | Limited Availability | Unpredictable Egg Colors |
| Green eggs have the same protein, vitamins, and minerals as white or brown eggs. | Chickens like Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers are easy to care for and have pleasant temperaments. | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Breeds like Araucanas can be difficult to find in some areas. | Hybrids like Easter Eggers may not always lay green eggs, leading to color variation. |
FAQs on What Chickens Lay Green Eggs
Which chickens lay green eggs?
Breeds like Araucanas, Easter Eggers, and Olive Eggers are known for laying green eggs. These chickens have a unique gene responsible for the egg color.
Are green eggs different in taste from white or brown eggs?
No, green eggs taste the same as white or brown eggs. The only difference is the color of the shell.
How many eggs do green egg-laying chickens produce per year?
They can produce between 200 to 250 eggs per year depending on the breed and their care.
Can I add green egg-laying chickens to my backyard flock?
Yes! These chickens are friendly, easy to care for and bring a variety of egg colors to your collection.
What causes chickens to lay green eggs?
A genetic trait inherited from crossbreeding with blue and brown egg layers leads to the production of green eggs.
Benefits of Adding Green Egg-Laying Chickens to Your Flock
Adding green egg-laying chickens like Araucanas, Easter Eggers, or Olive Eggers can bring a delightful variety to your egg collection. These birds lay unique, gorgeous eggs that are sure to impress your friends and family. They are also known to be friendly and easy to care for making them perfect for anyone interested in raising chickens. While I haven’t owned an Araucana yet, they’re definitely on my wish list!
