Discover the Colors Chickens Lay
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Unveiling the Egg Rainbow
Discover the Colors Chickens Lay
By Christy Caplan
As a chicken enthusiast eagerly anticipating the first colorful eggs from your flock, the mystery behind the colorful hues can be as captivating as the eggs themselves. The fascinating world of chicken egg colors, the breeds that produce them, the factors influencing color variations, and even whether egg color affects flavor, are important facts every chicken keeper needs to know.
Shell color is hereditary, and the bird’ s breed defines the color of the eggs the hen will lay. Two genes— brown and blue— determine color. When both these genes are absent, the shell color is white.
Modifying the genes creates different shades of color.
Over the years, different breeds have been selectively crossed, resulting in various breeds that lay an assortment of egg colors.
Exploring Egg Colors and Their Origins
From the vibrant blues of Araucanas to the rich browns of Marans, each hen contributes its unique signature to the spectrum of egg colors. The breed dictates the pastel pinks, olive greens and even speckled eggs that adorn your coop, adding a touch of diversity to your egg collection.
The depth of shell color pigment will depend on the laying qualities of the hen, with older hens frequently laying more pale eggs than younger hens. Pigment color may also be affected if the birds become stressed.
26 Fall 2024 www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com