What Breed of Chicken Lays Brown Eggs? A Guide to Brown Egg Layers

One question people often ask about chickens and eggs is “what breed of chicken lays brown eggs?” Brown eggs are just as healthy and tasty as white eggs, even though white eggs are more common. Which breed of chicken gives the eggs their color; brown layers have a gene that makes their eggs brown.

Overview of Chicken Breeds That Lay Brown Eggs

There are a lot of different types of chickens that can lay brown eggs. Some of the most common ones are

• Rhode Island Reds
• Plymouth Rocks
• Australorps
• Orpingtons
• Marans
• Welsummers
• Sussex

All of these breeds have the gene for brown egg shells, but they can be very different in other ways, such as size, temperament, and egg production. We’ll take a closer look at some of the best choices for brown egg layers in the backyard below.

Rhode Island Reds

The Rhode Island Red is one of the most well-known brown egg layers. These birds have been in the US for a long time. They came from farmsteads in Rhode Island in the late 1800s.

Rhode Island Reds are medium-sized chickens with rich red feathering. They are hardy, active foragers that adapt well to most climates. In terms of egg production, they average 4-5 brown eggs per week.

For small backyard flocks, Rhode Island Reds are an excellent choice. They are docile, make good mothers, and provide a steady supply of brown eggs. Their medium size also makes them a dual-purpose bird for both eggs and meat.

Plymouth Rocks

The Plymouth Rock breed comes in several color varieties, with the most common being barred black and white. All types of Plymouth Rocks are dependable brown egg layers that are well-suited for small farms.

Plymouth Rocks are large chickens with a calm, friendly disposition. Hens start laying early and produce 3-4 brown eggs per week. The barred variety is one of the most cold hardy breeds, making them a good pick for northern climates.

Overall, Plymouth Rocks are great multi-purpose homestead chickens. They provide bountiful brown eggs while also dressing out as a good meat bird. Their docile temperament also makes them a joy to have around children.

Australorps

Australorps originate from Australia and were bred specifically for egg production. They have glossy black plumage and bright red combs. On average, hens lay 250-300 eggs annually.

A key advantage of Australorps is their exceptional laying ability. They start producing eggs at a young age and continue with high egg output year-round. Their large brown eggs are a trademark of the breed.

In addition to being prolific layers, Australorps have a very calm and personable temperament. They tend to be low maintenance chickens that handle confinement well. These traits make them ideal for beginners venturing into brown egg production.

Orpingtons

Orpingtons are another dependable brown egg layer that thrives as a backyard chicken. This English breed comes in several colors, with the Buff Orpington being the most popular.

Orpingtons are prized for their big personalities and mothering abilities. They go broody frequently, making them a good option for natural hatching. As layers, hens produce 3-4 large brown eggs a week.

The docile temperament and soft, rounded body shape of Orpingtons also make them great pets and exhibition birds. They are slower moving due to their size but are otherwise hardy and low maintenance. Overall, Orpingtons are a dual purpose breed that offers both eggs and meat.

Marans

Marans are known for producing dark chocolate-brown eggs. Originating in France, they come in nine color varieties with the Black Copper being most common.

Although not as efficient as other breeds, Marans are dependable layers of small to medium sized brown eggs. Hens produce 3-4 eggs per week. The breed is also valued for its meat quality.

In general, Marans are low-key, active foragers well suited for free-range systems. They are compact chickens that require minimal space. For those wanting to expand their colorful egg basket, Marans are an excellent addition.

Welsummers

Welsummers originate from the Netherlands and are easily identified by their distinct black and red plumage. They are also known for laying dark reddish-brown eggs.

As layers, Welsummer hens average about 4 eggs per week. They are active, free-ranging chickens that do well on pasture. Their medium size also suits them for backyard flocks.

Overall, Welsummers are a heritage breed prized by homesteaders for their rich colored eggs. They are also heat and cold hardy. Their striking appearance and favorable disposition make them enjoyable to keep.

Factors that Impact Egg Color

While genetics determine the base egg color, other factors can cause variations in shade and intensity. As hens age, their egg color often darkens. Diet can also influence color, with more vibrant yolks and shells resulting from diets rich in carotenoids. Finally, breed purity affects color depth, with mottled shells occurring when brown egg layers are crossed with white egg breeds.

Choosing the Best Brown Egg Layer for You

When selecting a brown egg layer, consider your climate, space constraints, temperament preferences, and productivity goals. Dual purpose breeds like Orpingtons allow you to get both eggs and meat. For maximum egg output, a breed like the Australorp is a better fit. If you’re looking for a pet chicken, focus on docile breeds like Plymouth Rocks or Orpingtons.

By understanding the merits of each breed, you can find your perfect brown egg layer. A diversity of breeds also makes for colorful egg cartons! With proper care, most heritage brown egg layers will continue producing for 5+ years, providing your family with a lasting supply of nutritious fresh eggs.

No, there is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs.