Let's start with the darkest deepest colors first and work our way down.
The darkest deepest brown color egg layers are the French Black Copper Marans. That's why if you are looking for French Black Copper Marans in Parker County TX we've got you covered. These egg laying hens will produce about 150-200 eggs per year. They look great in the basket and will absolutely get you into the kool kids club.
Slightly less dark in egg color but easier to find in the hatchery is the Cuckoo Maran. They lay a pretty dark brown egg but not as dark as the Black Copper Maran. Welsummer is another chicken breed that lays a dark brown egg. In my experience, their eggs aren’t quite as dark brown as Maran hens but darker than some of the other brown egg laying chickens.
What chickens lay blue eggs?
The first time I ever saw blue eggs was when I moved to Texas. I was blown away by all the different colored chicken eggs. Seriously, Blue? Those blue eggs are what got me into raising chickens. Ever since then I have been raising colored egg laying hens with blue egg layers being my favorite.
People often call hens that lay blue eggs "Easter Eggers" but there are a few different varieties, some are hybrid and some are pure bred, or what are called Heritage breeds.
The Ameraucana breed boasts renowned blue eggs, varying from serene sky tones to rich turquoise hues. Distinguished by their distinctive beard and muff feathers framing the face, Ameraucana chickens possess a singular charm. Not only do they excel as layers, producing up to 300 eggs annually, but they also exhibit a serene and amiable demeanor, garnering favor among backyard poultry aficionados. In sum, Ameraucanas stand out as a premier choice for those seeking both colorful eggs and affable companionship in their flock.
The Araucana chicken stands as another notable contributor to the realm of blue egg laying, offering hues from delicate pale to striking vibrant blues. Their presence may well account for the contemporary popularity of blue eggs among consumers.
Often mistaken for the Ameraucana, the Araucana is a distinct breed, albeit considerably rarer in comparison, particularly in the United States where they can be challenging to acquire. Originating from Chile, these captivating birds were introduced to the U.S. during the 1930s, gradually gaining prominence over the past decade or so.
Characterized by their rumpless trait—lacking tail feathers—and adorned with tufts beneath their ears, Araucanas sport a whimsical appearance. They flaunt an array of hues including white, red, black, golden duckwing, and silver duckwing.
Primarily valued for egg production, Araucanas lay medium-sized blue eggs at a rate of approximately three per week, though they suspend laying during winter months. Despite their modest meat quality, they compensate with a friendly and sociable disposition.
Renowned for their robustness and adaptability to diverse climates, Araucanas are highly coveted for both egg production and exhibition purposes, embodying a sought-after breed for poultry enthusiasts.
Marans chickens are celebrated for their dual-purpose capabilities, providing both succulent meat and luscious chocolate brown eggs, ranging from deep mahogany to a lighter, reddish-brown hue. These eggs, renowned for their generous size and rich flavor, are favored by bakers for crafting pastries and breads.
Originating from the town of Marans in France, this breed has garnered acclaim for its delectable eggs. Marans chickens are cherished for their amiable and gentle demeanor, rendering them an excellent choice for backyard flocks.
However, it's worth noting that Marans tend to exhibit decreased egg production during the winter months compared to other breeds.
Available in various colors, the Black Copper Marans and the Cuckoo Marans are among the most popular variants. The French strain of Marans is characterized by feathered legs, necessitating additional attention to maintain cleanliness. While Marans are famed for their initially dark, almost chocolate-colored eggs, this intensity typically diminishes with age, resulting in lighter-hued eggs over time.
Welsummer chickens are prized for their dual-purpose nature, yielding around 200 eggs annually. Adorned in warm, terra-cotta brown hues with distinctive dark speckles, their eggs emanate a rustic charm. Originating from the Netherlands, this breed is esteemed for its remarkable egg-laying prowess.
Beyond their productive capabilities, Welsummers captivate with their appealing aesthetics. Their plumage boasts a harmonious blend of dark and light brown feathers, accentuated by vibrant hues and striking red combs. Roosters display resplendent beetle-green feathers adorning their chests and sickles.
Not only do Welsummers possess a calm and amiable disposition, ideal for novice poultry keepers, but they also excel as free-range birds, adept at foraging. However, their penchant for vocalization may pose challenges in close residential settings.
Despite their friendly demeanor, Welsummers are not inclined towards broodiness and exhibit diminished egg production during winter months, factors to consider for those interested in raising this breed.
The Penedesenca chicken distinguishes itself with its capacity to lay dark brown eggs, a characteristic that hails from its origins in the Catalonia district of Spain as a local breed. Since gaining traction in the 1980s, they have been exported to various countries, including the United States.
Bearing the dual-purpose trait, Penedesenca chickens are valuable for both meat and egg production. Their hens typically yield around 200 dark reddish-brown eggs annually, although their tendency towards broodiness can disrupt this output. Available in four distinct color variations—partridge, wheaten, black, and crele—this breed offers diversity in appearance.
Suited for free-range environments, Penedesenca chickens thrive in a spectrum of climates, from hot to cold. However, they aren't recommended as pet chickens due to their flighty nature. Roosters, particularly during mating season, may exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans, a characteristic to consider when selecting this breed.
The Olive Egger stands out for its remarkable trait of laying green eggs, a distinct characteristic resulting from a cross between a blue egg-laying chicken and a brown egg-laying chicken. The initial offspring from this crossbreed yield stunning olive-green eggs, offering a captivating addition to any egg basket. However, in subsequent generations, only half of the resulting chicks are likely to lay green eggs.
Ideal for those seeking a touch of novelty in their flock's egg collection, Olive Eggers are reliable egg producers, delivering approximately 200 medium-large eggs annually. Their minimal tendency towards broodiness is advantageous for those who don't intend to hatch and rear chicks on their farm.
The Barnevelder
The Barnevelder, originating from the Netherlands, emerges as a relatively recent addition to the poultry scene. This dual-purpose breed is esteemed for its production of exquisite chocolate-colored eggs, a feature that adds to its allure.
Cloaked in brown plumage adorned with double black lacing, Barnevelders exhibit a striking appearance. Their neck feathers boast a solid black hue without patterning, a defining trait of the breed. While the brown plumage variant is most common, alternative varieties such as double-laced blue and chamois also exist.
Hens of this breed typically lay three to four large, dark brown eggs per week, occasionally adorned with speckles. Their consistent egg-laying, even during winter months, renders them popular among chicken owners residing in colder climates. Known for their calm and gentle disposition, Barnevelder hens are not prone to broodiness, further enhancing their appeal to poultry enthusiasts.
The Whiting True Blue
The Whiting True Blue emerges as a recent addition to the poultry domain, originating in Colorado through the ingenuity of a fly fishing enthusiast. By crossing White Leghorns with Ameraucanas, this breeder crafted the Whiting True Blue breed we recognize today.
Hens of this lineage prove prolific, laying between 250 and 300 sizable blue eggs annually, solidifying their reputation as prolific egg producers. Their inclination towards consistent egg-laying is complemented by their rarity in going broody. Apart from their egg-laying prowess, they serve as a dual-purpose breed suitable for meat production.
Available in various color variations like Blue Wheaten, Black, and Silver Blue, the Whiting True Blue chickens are characterized by their ease of care and self-sufficiency. Thriving as free-range birds, they serve as an excellent option for novice poultry enthusiasts. However, they may not be the ideal choice for pet owners, as they exhibit limited fondness for human interaction or handling.
The hallmark of this breed lies in its truly blue eggs, distinguished by their blue hue both externally and internally. To sustain their high egg production, a diet rich in protein is recommended for optimal health and productivity.
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