When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t think much about egg color. I was more focused on having healthy, fresh eggs for my family and raising friendly, docile chickens. But before long, I found myself dreaming of a colorful egg basket! I had no idea how many different colors of eggs chickens can lay.
Today, let’s dive into the types of chickens that lay green eggs. And don’t worry, only the shell is green—no green eggs on the inside! Haha!
The Variety of Chicken Egg Colors
Chickens are known for laying eggs in various shades of white, brown, pink, speckled and even blue. The most common egg colors are brown and white, and most breeds will lay one of these two colors. Egg shells are not painted or dyed; they naturally come in a beautiful shade of whatever that breed will lay. What’s fascinating is that once a chicken starts laying a specific color, that will be the egg color they lay for the rest of their life!
Araucana Chickens: The Famous Green Egg Layers
The most famous breed known for laying green eggs is the Araucana chicken. Native to South America, specifically Chile, Araucanas are prized for their colorful eggs. The gene that causes their eggs to be blue or green originated from a retrovirus that became part of their DNA many years ago. Isn’t that cool?
Araucana chickens are medium-sized with cute little tufts of feathers sticking out from their cheeks. They are excellent layers, producing around 250 eggs per year. Their eggs can range in color from pale blue to green, making them a beautiful addition to any egg basket.
Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers: More Green Egg Layers
In addition to Araucanas, there are also other breeds that can lay green eggs, such as Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers. Easter Eggers are hybrids that can lay eggs in various shades, including blue and green. Olive Eggers are a cross between a chicken with blue eggs and a chicken with dark brown eggs, resulting in olive-colored eggs.
I have owned both Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers, and the eggs these girls lay are stunning! They are super sweet and friendly birds as well, and they love their Strong Animals snacks! I think everyone’s favorite Easter Egger around here is Chocolate. She is an avid Happy Tract and Golden Graze lover and will get herself almost into the bag (see below) if I leave it sitting on the ground! Haha!
Are Green Eggs Different from White or Brown Eggs?
Green eggs are not only visually appealing but are also 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 that makes them stand out in your egg basket.
Why You Should Add Green Egg-Laying Chickens to Your Flock
If you’re looking to add some variety to your egg collection and impress your friends and family with unique eggs, consider raising Araucanas, Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers. These chickens not only lay gorgeous eggs but are also friendly and easy to care for. I haven’t owned an Araucana yet, but they’re definitely on my wish list!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Golden Graze - For Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks
Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.
Happy Tract - For Digestive Healthy & Immunity
Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seed. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.