You’ve come to the right place if you want a colorful egg basket and a flock with lots of different kinds of birds. Getting eggs every day can look like they came from an Easter basket if you have the right mix of breeds.
This guide will talk about common egg colors and the breeds of chickens that lay them. It will also explain why the colors are different.
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.
Backyard chicken keeping has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. People love raising chickens for the fun of it, the fresh eggs, and the bragging rights of having colorful eggs in various shades. But when it comes to red eggs in particular, the options are more limited than you may think. Let’s take a look at what causes egg color and which chicken breeds lay eggs closest to red.
What Causes Egg Color?
Pigments that are put on the eggshell as it moves through the oviduct are what make eggs their color. 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
When it comes to chocolate brown eggs, the French Marans are known to be the best. Each hen, though, has a very different level of color depth. The darkest eggs appear coppery-red. The color of the eggs laid by each Marans hen will be a little different, 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.
When it comes to red eggs, vivid crimson laying chickens are more folklore than reality. However, several breeds lay such dark shades of brown that they could nearly pass for red. Dark brown Marans and Welsummers are top contenders, along with some Isa Browns. Focus on choosing a breed that will perform and thrive in your particular situation to end up with the happiest and most productive “red” egg layers you can.
Which Chickens Lay Which Color Eggs?
Different chicken breeds lay different colored eggs. We’ll talk about six common egg colors and the breeds of chickens that lay them, so you can get more variety and pick chickens that will get along with your other birds.
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. But some chickens lay eggs that look purple because they have a thick layer of bloom on them. Bloom is a protective coating that can turn eggs purple.
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?
They start laying eggs around five to six months and keep doing so for a few years, with the most eggs being laid 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.