It wasn’t too long into this adventure, though, that I dreamed of a colorful egg basket! I really had no idea all the different colors of eggs chickens can lay. The different breeds bring diversity to your backyard flock and your egg collection.
Today, we will talk about the types of chickens that lay green eggs. And before you ask, it’s just the shell that is green. No worries about eating green eggs here! Haha!
Chickens are known for laying eggs in various shades of white, brown 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. Once a chicken lays an egg, you can be sure that’s the color of the egg they will lay for the rest of their laying life.
The most famous breed of chicken known for laying green eggs is the Araucana chicken. Araucana chickens are native to South America, specifically Chile, and are prized for their colorful eggs. The gene that causes the blue or green egg color results from a retrovirus that became part of the chicken’s DNA many years ago. How cool is that?
Araucana chickens are medium-sized birds with cute little poofs of feathers sticking out from their cheeks. They are excellent layers, producing around 250 eggs per year. The eggs they lay can range in color from pale blue to green, adding a pop of color to any egg basket.
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 put out are stunning. They are super sweet and friendly birds as well, and they love their Strong Animals Chicken Essential 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!
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!
If you’re looking to add some color to your egg basket and impress your friends and family with unique eggs, consider raising Araucana, Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers. I have yet to get an Araucana, but they are on my list! Green eggs are beautiful and the chickens that produce them are so friendly! You won’t regret adding them to your list of wanted breeds!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady