Broadly speaking, chickens that lay colored eggs offer an interesting twist to traditional egg farming. Unlike ordinary layers, these birds provide eggs in shades beyond the usual white and brown.
In particular, these special ones stand out for their ability to yield green, blue, pink, red, and even purple-tinted eggs. But which chicken breeds are exactly known for their colorful egg production?
In this article, we’re going to show you the top 20 chickens that lay eggs in all sorts of pretty shades. You’ll also learn about their origins, traits, overall appearance, and more. Let’s begin!
20 Chicken Breeds That Lay Colored Eggs
1. Easter Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5–8 lbs (2.2–3.6 kg); Hens: 4–6 lbs (1.8–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–280 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Green, blue, light brown, pink |
| Egg Size: | Medium/Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, curious, gentle, and sociable |
Native to Chile, the Easter Egger tops the list of chickens that lay colored eggs. Specifically, they can produce green, blue, light brown, and even pink eggs.
This mixed breed results from mating Araucana and Ameraucana breeds with brown egg-laying chickens.
Primarily raised for egg production, Easter Eggers are prolific layers. They can yield between 200 and 280 eggs yearly, which makes them a popular choice for those seeking a steady supply of colorful eggs.
These chickens are not only productive but also have a pleasant temperament. In general, they are affectionate, curious, gentle, and sociable.
Watch this video to get an idea of how Easter Egger chickens produce different-colored eggs:
Pro Tip: Despite their capability to produce various egg colors, each hen will lay only one hue of egg throughout its life. Therefore, to collect eggs of multiple tints, you would need to raise more than one Easter Egger.
2. Araucana
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.2 kg); Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
| Temperament: | Friendly, flighty, inquisitive, smart, love to be handled, and enthusiastic |
Hailing from South America, the Araucana is renowned for laying blue eggs. These chickens are also dual-purpose, valued for both their meat and egg production.
As a matter of fact, the hens of this breed are notable for their ability to produce 150 to 180 medium-sized eggs annually.
However, despite being somewhat great egg layers, Araucanas are known for their high broodiness level. They often exhibit a strong desire to hatch their eggs, which can affect their laying frequency.
Personality-wise, these birds are friendly, flighty, inquisitive, and smart. They enjoy human interaction and are regarded as being enthusiastic and easy to handle.
Note: According to the Standard of Perfection for Araucanas, any hen that lays eggs in a color other than blue is automatically disqualified.
3. Marans
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6–8.5 lbs (2.7–3.9 kg); Hens: 4.5–7 lbs (2–3.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, purple, reddish |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan: | 5–8 years |
| Temperament: | Gentle, docile, easygoing, friendly, and calm |
Originating from France, the Marans chicken is iconic for laying uniquely colored eggs. In particular, they yield dark brown eggs that sometimes have a purple tint.
Apart from their egg color, these chickens are also recognized for their varied plumage. They come in different colorations, including black copper, mystic, midnight majesty, white, and cuckoo.
With regard to temperament, Marans are known for their gentle, docile, and friendly nature. Further, they are easygoing and calm, making them suitable for backyard flocks.
However, note that their gentle demeanor means they can often be bullied in mixed flocks, requiring careful management by their keepers.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Marans hens have the ability to lay some of the darkest brown eggs among chicken breeds? Due to high levels of porphyrin, their eggs can sometimes appear to have a red shade.
4. Cream Legbar
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg); Hens: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Active, noisy, curious, and flighty |
Often referred to as the Crested Cream Legbar, the Cream Legbar is a special breed from the United Kingdom famous for laying blue eggs. Yet, they’re also iconic for being one of the many chickens sporting crazy hair.
Another popular aspect of Cream Legbars is their autosexing capability.
A colleague of mine has raised these chickens for years. She says it’s easy to tell the roosters from the hens right when they hatch because of their feather patterns. This helps her manage the ratio of males to females.
In terms of behavior, however, she warns that her Cream Legbars are very active and noisy birds that need a large run.
She finds their curious personality entertaining to watch but says their energetic nature isn’t for every backyard flock owner.
As far as productivity is concerned, Cream Legbars are quite remarkable. They are known to produce up to 200 eggs per year.
5. Welsummer
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.2 kg); Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 160–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, purple, reddish |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | Up to 13 years |
| Temperament: | Extremely calm, intelligent, easy to handle, and amiable |
Brought to the United States in the 1920s, the Welsummer is often mistakenly thought to be one of the few chickens that can lay purple eggs. In reality, though, they produce eggs in shades of dark brown to terracotta.
To be specific, the misconception arises from their eggs’ thick bloom or cuticula, which can give a purplish appearance.
As a dual-purpose breed, Welsummers are valued for meat and egg production. For one thing, they can lay up to around 180 eggs per year.
On another note, these chickens are hardy; they have a relatively long lifespan that can reach up to 13 years. This makes them a long-term investment for poultry keepers.
Plus, they are celebrated for their extremely calm, intelligent, and amiable nature, making them easy to handle and a pleasure to raise.
6. Sussex
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 8–9 lbs (3.6–4.1 kg); Hens: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–250 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown, cream, pink |
| Egg Size: | Medium/Large |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | 5–8 years |
| Temperament: | Alert, docile, adaptable, flighty, and easy to tame |
With a history spanning over 200 years in England, the Sussex chicken is known for laying various egg colors, including light brown, cream, and sometimes pink.
Physically, these chickens are characterized by their short beaks, single combs, and wide chests. Plus, they come in lots of different feather shades, such as white, red, light, speckled, and buff.
In addition to that, they are among the largest chicken breeds, with males weighing up to nine pounds and females around seven pounds.
Beyond appearance, however, Sussex chickens are notable for being easy to tame. Most owners also describe them as adaptable, docile, flighty, and alert.
7. Olive Egger
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg); Hens: 5–7 lbs (2.3–3.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Green, olive |
| Egg Size: | Medium/Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Mellow, amicable, sassy, and quite chatty |
A type of Easter Egger, the Olive Egger is specifically bred to yield eggs with distinctive green or olive shells. This breed has its roots in the mid-1800s, during a period famously known as “hen fever.”
Due to their diverse genetic background, Olive Eggers can vary significantly in looks. They result from mixed pairings, including crosses between Araucanas and Marans, as well as Legbars and Welsummers.
For instance, you will find that some of these chickens feature pea combs, feathered legs, and muffs, while others may lack these characteristics.
Personality-wise, Olive Eggers are known for being mellow, amicable, and quite chatty. They also possess a sassy nature, adding a lively and entertaining dynamic to any flock.
8. Barnevelder
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 7–8 lbs (3.2–3.6 kg); Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 170–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, reddish |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan: | Up to 12 years |
| Temperament: | Lively, inquisitive, clever, energetic, and friendly |
A Dutch breed, the Barnevelder is celebrated for its dark brown eggs, often with a distinctive reddish tinge.
Starting with temperament, these birds are lively, energetic, and friendly. They’re also inquisitive and intelligent, which are traits that make them an engaging presence in the backyard or on the farm.
An endearing characteristic of Barnevelders, as reported by many chicken keepers, is their vocal nature. They like to chatter and make all sorts of interesting sounds, like a cozy purring noise when they’re happy.
On top of that, these chickens are known to lay roughly 170 to 200 eggs per year. Plus, they’re not big on taking breaks to hatch eggs. Therefore, you can count on a steady supply of eggs from them.
As far as appearance is concerned, Barnevelders exhibit an upright stance, a broad breast, and short wings carried high. They’re also regarded for their yellow-tinted skin and legs.
9. Favaucana
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg); Hens: 5–7 lbs (2.3–3.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue-green, olive, blue, tan |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Moderate to high |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Sweet, a bit feisty, friendly, talkative, and curious |
The Favaucana is a unique cross between Faverolles and Ameraucanas, known for laying colored eggs in shades of blue-green, olive, blue, and tan.
Concerning purpose, this breed has been specifically developed to optimize egg production. For one thing, Favaucanas are somewhat good layers, capable of producing between 150 and 180 eggs each year.
Yet, while their primary role is to produce tons of colored eggs, bear in mind that their broodiness levels can vary from medium to high. This trait can be advantageous for those interested in naturally hatching chicks.
In terms of personality, Favaucana chickens are known for being sweet yet slightly feisty. They are also friendly, chatty, and curious, which makes them fun to be around.
10. Croad Langshan
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 7.5–10 lbs (3.4–4.5 kg); Hens: 5.5–7.5 lbs (2.5–3.4 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 140–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, light brown, plum, purple |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | 8–10 years |
| Temperament: | Easily tamed, inquisitive, graceful, gentle, and easygoing |
A gem from China, the Croad Langshan is a unique breed capable of laying a range of egg colors, including dark brown, light brown, plum, and occasionally purple.
These chickens are also reliable egg layers. As a matter of fact, they can deliver up to 200 eggs per year.
In addition to this, Croad Langshans are among the many chickens valued for their meat. They are a large breed, with males weighing around ten pounds and females about eight pounds.
But despite their size, note that these birds are known as gentle giants. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them a pleasure to handle and interact with.
Moreover, they are inquisitive birds, often showing an enthusiastic interest in their surroundings and their caretakers.
11. Salmon Faverolle
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 6.5–8 lbs (2.9–3.6 kg); Hens: 4–6.5 lbs (1.8–2.9 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown, pink, tinted |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Moderate to high |
| Lifespan: | 5–7 years |
| Temperament: | Curious, cheerful, quirky, energetic, and laidback |
The Salmon Faverolle is a dual-purpose chicken renowned for its light brown eggs, which are often highlighted with a pink bloom.
Physically, Salmon Faverolles are easily distinguishable. They are adorned with beards and muffs, fluffy plumage, and a single comb. They also belong to those chickens with feathered feet.
Behaviorally, these birds are characterized by their curious, cheerful, quirky, and energetic nature. This combination of traits makes them both entertaining and easy to manage in various settings.
Salmon Faverolles are notable for their hardiness as well. This is unsurprising, as they come from a mix of different breeds like Houdans, Brahmas, French Rennes, Malines, and Dorkings.
Fun Fact: Salmon Faverolles start laying their uniquely colored eggs at an early age — between 18 and 20 weeks. This early onset of egg production is particularly impressive for a heritage breed.
12. Ameraucana
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5.5–6.5 lbs (2.5–3 kg); Hens: 4.5–5.5 lbs (2–2.5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–250 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium/Large |
| Broodiness: | Low to high (depends on strain) |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Docile, friendly, active, easily manageable, and calm |
A breed from the United States, the Ameraucana is celebrated for producing blue-hued eggs. They’re easily recognizable due to their hawk-like build, characterized by a U-shaped body and an upright tail.
These birds are also known for their calm demeanor. On top of that, they are docile, friendly, and active, yet easy to manage.
Regarding broodiness, Ameraucanas show varying tendencies depending on the strain.
My cousin has been raising these chickens for a long time on his farm. He’s noticed that some of his hens tend to be more keen to sit on their eggs and hatch chicks, while others are less interested in motherhood.
Yet, this variation in broodiness did not stop him from appreciating the productivity of his Ameraucana flock.
On average, even when most of his hens were in a nesting mood, they still lay around 150 to 250 eggs every year.
13. Sapphire Gem/Sage Gem
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5–7 lbs (2.3–3.2 kg); Hens: 3–6 lbs (1.4–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–260 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Olive, tinted |
| Egg Size: | Small |
| Broodiness: | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan: | 5–10 years |
| Temperament: | Very cuddly, affectionate, generally docile, calm, shy, easy to tame, and sociable |
Also known as the Sage Gem, the Sapphire Gem is an olive egg-laying chicken that originated from the Czech Republic. They’re believed to be a cross between the Blue Plymouth Rock and the Barred Plymouth Rock.
Given their heritage, it’s no surprise that Sapphire Gems are prolific layers. In particular, they are capable of yielding up to 260 eggs annually.
However, one noteworthy aspect of these birds is that their production tends to decline after the first couple of years. Yet, remember that this trait is common in sex-linked chickens.
Beyond that, though, Sapphire Gems are recognized for their cuddly, affectionate personality. People who have them as pets often say they are generally docile, calm, shy, easy to tame, and sociable.
14. Orpington
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 8–10 lbs (3.6–4.5 kg); Hens: 6–8 lbs (2.7–3.6 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–280 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown, pink |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | 5–10 years |
| Temperament: | Sweet-natured, easygoing, incredibly social, calm, and non-aggressive |
Originating from England, the Orpington is a well-regarded chicken known for producing light brown eggs with a subtle pink tinge.
Introduced in 1886 by William Cook, this breed was developed by crossbreeding various chickens, including the Minorca, Langshan, and Plymouth Rock.
When it comes to appearance, Orpingtons are praised for their unique and diverse color varieties. To be specific, they come in black, buff, splash, birchen, chocolate, white, and blue.
These chickens are iconic for their temperament, too. In general, they are sweet-natured and easygoing. Further, they are known for being incredibly social, not easily frightened, and not overly aggressive.
Primarily raised for egg production, Orpington hens are capable of laying approximately 200 to 280 eggs per year.
15. Penedesenca
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg); Hens: 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–300 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, reddish |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Moderate to high |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Active, a bit aggressive, skittish, alert, and very flighty |
Hailing from the Catalonia region of Spain, the Penedesenca chicken is famed for producing dark brown, almost reddish eggs.
Yet, note that they are not only remarkable for their egg color but also for their productivity. Generally speaking, these chickens can lay up to 300 eggs yearly.
A distinctive feature of Penedesencas, however, is their “carnation comb.” It’s like a regular comb, but it splits into several parts at the back, making these birds look really cool.
While typically known for being flighty and skittish, these chickens are regarded as being broody. They often exhibit strong maternal instincts and are frequently found sitting on their eggs.
Fun Fact: Did you know that this breed’s eggs can become even healthier? Studies show that eggs from chickens that roam freely on pastures have more omega-3 fatty acids and extra vitamins A and E in them.
16. Whiting True Blue
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5.5–9 lbs (2.5–4.1 kg); Hens: 3.5–5 lbs (1.6–2.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 280–300 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, independent, mellow, amiable, and non-aggressive |
Living up to its name, the Whiting True Blue is recognized for laying blue-tinted eggs. These chickens also feature striking blue plumage, making them visually appealing and easily identifiable from other breeds.
Known for their energetic yet independent nature, Whiting True Blues are also mellow, amiable, and non-aggressive. These traits make them a suitable choice for mixed flocks and family settings.
Apart from that, these birds are excellent foragers, which can be a cost-effective trait for their keepers. They are also prolific layers, competent in delivering roughly 280 to 300 eggs per year.
With regard to hatching eggs, Whiting True Blue hens are not really into it. In other words, they like to keep laying eggs without taking too many breaks.
17. Ice Cream Bar
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5.5–7.5 lbs (2.5–3.4 kg); Hens: 4.5–5.5 lbs (2–2.5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Green, Tiffany blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Curious, highly intelligent, attentive, enthusiastic, and flighty |
Meet another chicken that lays colored eggs: the Ice Cream Bar. These special birds come from a mix of Swedish Isbars and Cream Legbars, and they yield eggs that are greenish-blue in hue.
Looking more closely at their lineage, you can anticipate that Ice Cream Bars are naturally excellent layers. They have the potential to lay between 150 and 200 eggs per year.
As far as behavior is concerned, these chickens are known for their curious and highly intelligent nature. They are attentive and enthusiastic, but they can also be pretty flighty.
Most importantly, you should keep in mind that Ice Cream Bars have a considerable lifespan. In fact, they can often live up to ten years if given proper care.
18. Java
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 8–9.5 lbs (3.6–4.3 kg); Hens: 6.5–7.5 lbs (2.9–3.4 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Dark brown, tinted, pink |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Quite flighty, social, sweet, and easy to tame |
Coming up is the Java chicken. These birds are among the oldest breeds and are praised for laying pinkish-brown eggs.
In appearance, Java chickens are characterized by a long, broad back and a deep breast, which gives them a rectangular build. They also come in four color varieties: black, mottled, white, and auburn.
Regarding egg production, Java hens lay about 150 to 180 large eggs per year. However, they are known to be extremely broody, especially during winter months.
Aside from their eggs, these chickens are also highly regarded for their meat, making them a versatile dual-purpose breed.
In terms of behavior, Java chickens are a bit jumpy at times but are also sociable, sweet, and not too hard to make friends with. Without a doubt, they will be glad to get to know new pals in your backyard.
19. Asil/Aseel
| Purpose: | Ornamental, companionship, meat farming, cockfighting |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 4–5.5 lbs (1.8–2.5 kg); Hens: 2.9–4 lbs (1.3–1.8 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 40–70 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light brown, cream, pink |
| Egg Size: | Small |
| Broodiness: | Moderate to high |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Highly aggressive, personable to handlers, watchful, and keen |
Sometimes called Aseel or Azeel, the Asil chicken lays eggs with tints that range from brown to cream and even pink. Yet, this breed is not just known for its colored eggs but also for its rich past.
Historically, Asils were renowned as one of the best fighting chicken breeds. However, with the banning of cockfighting, they are now primarily kept for exhibition purposes.
Despite their iconic status for producing colorful eggs, Asil hens are not prolific layers. They typically lay only about 40 to 70 eggs in a single year, making them more of a specialty breed for egg collectors.
In terms of behavior, Asils are highly aggressive, yet they can be personable to their handlers. They are also watchful and keen, which makes them interesting chickens to observe.
Fun Fact: Some people believe that colored eggs from Asils have a stronger flavor than eggs from other chickens.
20. Starlight Green Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production, companionship |
| Adult Weight: | Roosters: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg); Hens: 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–280 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Light green, dark green |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Easygoing, vibrant, docile, mellow, and easy to maintain |
Known for laying light to dark green-pigmented eggs, the Starlight Green Egger is a unique creation by Hoover’s Hatchery. These chickens were developed through the mixing of multiple breeds.
Due to their diverse genetic background, though, note that no two Starlight Green Eggers look exactly alike. Nevertheless, this diversity in appearance adds a layer of charm and variety to any flock.
Additionally, these birds are well-known for their easygoing, vibrant, docile, and mellow nature. In short, they are easy to maintain, which makes them suitable for novice chicken keepers.
What’s more, Starlight Green Eggers tend to be on the quieter side in terms of overall noise levels. Further, they can lay roughly 200 to 280 eggs each year.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Purple Eggs?
Chickens naturally producing purple eggs is a misconception. Note that, in reality, these eggs are really dark brown but may appear purple due to a thick bloom on their shells.
Below is a list of chicken breeds known for laying purplish eggs:
- Marans
- Welsummer
- Croad Langshan
- Easter Egger
While no chicken breed innately lays purple eggs, certain species produce eggs with a bloom that gives a purple appearance. This unique feature adds a touch of wonder to the egg basket but is only a temporary effect.
Note: Once these eggs are washed, their true color is revealed. The purple appearance is only superficial and will come off to show the egg’s natural dark brown shell.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Green Eggs?
Green egg-laying chickens are a rare and intriguing group in the poultry world. Their unique egg color is the result of crossing breeds that lay brown eggs with those that lay blue eggs.
The list below showcases chicken breeds that are famous for laying green and olive eggs:
- German Bush Fowl
- Starlight Green Egger
- Swedish Isbar
- Green Queen
- Easter Egger
- Olive Egger
- Ice Cream Bar
- Sage Gem/Sapphire Gem
Unlike purple eggs, green-hued eggs are produced by chickens without any superficial alteration. The above breeds have a distinctive genetic makeup that enables them to yield eggs with an inherently green shell.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Blue Eggs?
Several chickens, including some mixed breed crosses, are known for yielding blue-tinted eggs. For easy reference, here’s a complete list of those chickens that can lay such unusual blue eggs:
- Ameraucana
- Araucana
- Arkansas Blue
- Azure Blue
- Cream Legbar
- Dongxiang
- Fibro Easter Egger
- Lakeside Egger
- Opal Legbar
- Sapphire Jewel
- Super Blue Egger
- Whiting True Blue
- Schijndelaar
- Shetland
- Steele Egger
- Lushi
- Favaucana
Generally speaking, the blue color of these eggs is due to a pigment called biliverdin. A 2009 study revealed that the higher the concentration of biliverdin in the hen’s uterus, the bluer its eggs will appear.
Note: Despite their unusual shell color, blue eggs taste the same as eggs of other colors. The shell color is purely aesthetic and does not influence the flavor or nutritional value of the egg inside.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Pink Eggs?
Similar to purple layers, chickens that lay pink eggs have their egg color influenced by their bloom. This natural coating can give the eggs a pinkish hue, making them appear distinctively different from typical egg colors.
Here is a list of chicken breeds that can produce eggs with a pink appearance:
- Plymouth Rock
- Australorp
- Easter Egger
- Orpington
- Silkie
- Asil/Aseel
- Sussex
- Salmon Faverolle
- Java
Once the bloom is washed off, the eggs from these chickens reveal their real color, which is usually light brown.
Which Chicken Breeds Lay Red Eggs?
Based on our egg color chart, you will find that no chicken breed can lay truly red-colored eggs.
However, some breeds do produce eggs that are very dark brown in hue, which can sometimes appear red or reddish in certain lights.
The list below includes chickens that are often mistaken for laying red eggs because of the deep brown color of their eggs:
- Penedesenca
- Empordanesa
- Marans
- Welsummer
- Barnevelder
A common misconception is that the Cherry Egger breed lays red eggs, likely due to its name. Yet, in reality, these chickens produce brown-colored eggs, not red.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Color of Chicken Eggs?
Green eggs are among the rarest in the chicken world. Basically, they result from specific breeding combinations, where particular genes are mixed to produce this unique egg color.
For your reference, species like Starlight Green Eggers, Favaucanas, Green Queens, Swedish Isbars, Ice Cream Bars, and Olive Eggers are known for laying such rare-tinted eggs.
Can One Chicken Lay Different Colored Eggs?
No, a chicken cannot lay different colored eggs. Note that each hen is genetically programmed to lay eggs of a specific pigment throughout its life.
However, breeds like the Croad Langshan can lay eggs with varying shades, influenced by the thickness of their blooms. A light bloom results in a reddish egg, while a thick bloom gives a purplish hue.
But bear in mind that once washed, Croad Langshan eggs reveal their actual color, which is naturally dark brown.
So, did any of these chickens with colorful eggs grab your attention? Do you have any questions about their particular characteristics? Let us know what you think about them by leaving a comment below!
