If you’re aiming for a colorful egg basket and a flock full of variety, you’re in the right place. Getting eggs every day can look like they came from an Easter basket if you have the right mix of breeds.
In this guide, we’ll discuss common egg colors and the breeds that lay them, along with providing insight into what causes those color differences.
Want to know which chickens lay the most eggs and in what colors? Watch the video above.
Curious about adding exotic breeds to your flock and bringing more color to your carton? Keep reading.
Having chickens in your backyard has become more popular in the last few years. People like to keep chickens for fun, the fresh eggs, and the pride that comes with having eggs of all different colors. But when it comes to red eggs, you don’t have as many choices as you might think. Let’s look at what makes eggs red and which chicken breeds lay the most red eggs.
What Causes Egg Color?
The main factor that determines egg color is pigments deposited on the shell as the egg passes through the oviduct The most common pigments are
- Protoporphyrin – Produces brown pigment
- Biliverdin – Produces blue/green pigment
- Oocyanin – Produces blue pigment
Generally speaking white eggs lack pigment. Brown eggs have the protoporphyrin pigment. Blue and green eggs have biliverdin and oocyanin. Other colors are created by a combination of these pigments.
The genetics of each hen determine the colors it deposits based on its breed and lineage. The color depth of a breed of hen can change depending on its diet and age.
Breeds That Lay Red Eggs
No chicken breeds lay truly bright red eggs. However, there are a few that lay in deep shades of red or reddish-brown that some refer to as “red”:
1. Dark Brown Marans
The French Marans is well known for being the breed that lays the darkest chocolate brown eggs. However, the depth of color varies quite a bit among individual hens. The darkest eggs appear coppery-red. Each Marans hen will lay a slightly different shade ranging from light brown to almost burgundy.
2. Welsummers
This Dutch breed lays eggs in tones of very deep reddish-brown. Their egg color is described as “terra cotta.” It can range from a rich brown with dark speckles to a brick-red hue.
3. Isa Brown
This productive laying hen results from a cross of Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White breeds. They lay large brown eggs that range from light brown to a deep red-brown shade.
4. Jersey Giants
Jersey Giants lay extra large brown eggs. Some individuals lay dark chocolate eggs that appear more maroon than brown.
5. Sussex
Both the Speckled Sussex and Light Sussex lay medium to large light brown eggs. But those with darker feather coloring tend towards the deeper end of the shade spectrum. Their eggs can be a dark tan with a reddish tint.
Breeds with True Red Feathers
Some chickens have “red” in their name simply because they have red feathering, not red eggs. Examples are:
- Rhode Island Reds
- New Hampshire Reds
- Buckeyes
These lay brown eggs of varying shades, but not a true red.
Other Egg Colors
While a true bright red is elusive, backyard chicken enthusiasts enjoy a wide palette of other egg colors from their flocks, including:
- White
- Cream
- Light brown
- Chocolate brown
- Olive
- Sage green
- Blue
- Pinkish
The green and blue egg layers like Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Cream Legbars owe their Easter egg colors to the biliverdin and oocyanin pigments.
Many flock owners love mixing several colorful varieties together for a beautiful, vibrant egg basket!
Choosing the Best Red Egg Layer
While no breed lays a pure red egg, several lay shades so dark, they could be considered red. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your top red egg laying chicken breed:
- Egg color intensity – Marans and Welsummers lay the deepest, darkest shades
- Egg size – Larger brown eggs will appear redder. Jersey Giants lay massive eggs.
- Availability – Heritage breeds like Marans and Welsummers can be harder to source than hybrids like Isa Browns.
- Egg production – Isa Browns are the overachievers. Marans lay the fewest eggs per week.
- Climate suitability – Make sure to choose a breed that thrives in your environment.
- Temperament – If you want pets as well as egg layers, ensure your breed is known for its docile personality.
If you want red eggs, vivid crimson laying chickens are more of a myth than a reality. But some breeds lay eggs that are so dark brown that they almost look red. Some Isa Browns and dark brown Marans and Welsummers are in the running. To get the happiest and most productive “red” egg layers, you should choose a breed that will do well in your area.
Which Chickens Lay Which Color Eggs?
Different chicken breeds lay different colored eggs. Below, we’ll explore six common egg colors and the breeds that produce them, so you can add variety to your basket and choose chickens that complement your flock.
Does the Color of A Chicken Egg Mean Anything?
A chicken’s egg color isn’t symbolic of anything other than its genetics or breeds. Some believe this affects nutrition; this is largely a myth.
Top 5 *BEST* Egg laying Chicken Breeds!
FAQ
What is the rarest color chicken egg?
The Moss Egger is one of the most sought-after breeds of chicken for its beautiful feathers and dark green eggs.
Which chicken lays purple eggs?
No chicken naturally lays true purple eggs. However, some chickens lay eggs that appear purple due to a heavy layer of bloom, a protective coating that can tint the egg a purplish hue.
Are Rhode Island Red eggs good to eat?
Rhode Island Reds are good egg layers. They lay a large light brown egg. These eggs are your classic brown eggs in color. Hens will lay up to 5-6 eggs a week (up to 300 a year!).
How many years will a Rhode Island Red lay eggs?
Rhode Island Red Egg Production They begin laying around five to six months and continue for several years, with peak laying happening in the first two to three years. Healthy Rhode Island Reds may lay between 200-300 eggs per year, or four to six a week.