Breeds such as the Araucana lay blue eggs.
Breed Egg Colors
The Araucana: Blue eggs. Orpington: Brown eggs. Australorp: Brown eggs. Rhode Island Red: Brown eggs. Faverolle: Cream eggs. Wyandotte: Brown eggs.
Easter Egger / Americana: Varies; any color is possible.
Aracana: Blue eggs. Olive Egger: Dark green eggs. Legbar: Blue eggs. Marans: Dark Chocolate eggs. Leghorn: White eggs. Isa Brown: Brown eggs. Silkie: White eggs. Polish: White eggs. Frizzle: Egg color varies.
Chicken Egg Colors
Beyond Aesthetics
Contrary to popular belief, egg color has no direct correlation with taste or nutritional value. However, the color of a chicken’ s earlobes can offer insights into the potential shade of their eggs.
Earlobe Color Impacts Egg Color Egg color is often correlated with earlobe color! The rule of thumb is that red earlobes equal brown eggs and white earlobes equal white eggs. However, there are exceptions!
Some exceptions to the rule are Aracanas and Ameraucanas, which lay blue eggs but have red earlobes. The traits aren’ t linked genetically and can and have been sorted separately in selective breeding through the years.
Diet May Make a Difference The saying“ you are what you eat” rings true for humans and our feathered friends. The chicken’ s diet can also influence the color of an eggshell. What they eat plays a crucial role in shaping the color of the eggs they lay.
One key factor in eggshell coloring is the presence of pigments called carotenoids. These natural compounds are found in various foods like grass, flowers, fruits and vegetables that chickens consume. For instance, hens with access to a diet rich in carotenoids may lay eggs with vibrant orange or yellow yolks and even darkercolored eggshells.
Another essential dietary component affecting egg color is the level of xanthophylls in the feed. Xanthophylls are yellow pigments commonly found in corn, alfalfa and marigold petals. When hens consume feed high in xanthophylls, they can deposit these pigments into the egg yolk, resulting in eggs with a deeper yellow or orange hue.
The protein content of a chicken’ s diet can also impact eggshell color. A balanced diet with sufficient protein can produce stronger eggshells with more intense colors. On the other hand, deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium or vitamin D can lead to paler eggshells or even shell abnormalities.
Myths
Brown eggs are more nutritious— This is false. Egg color only affects the outermost layer of the eggshell and has no impact on nutritional value.
Quality of the chicken— Also false. The color of the shell doesn’ t correlate to the taste of the egg.
Blue egg color means your chicken has a virus— This is false as well. Blue egg color is caused by genetics.
In some cultures, the color of a chicken egg is believed to signify good luck or fertility.
Egg-citing times lie ahead as you anticipate the first burst of colors from your chickens, adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to your daily egg collection routine.
www. chickenwhisperermagazine. com Fall 2024 27