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?
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 specific pigments deposited are genetically determined by the individual hen’s breed and lineage. Within a breed, depth of color can vary based on factors like diet and age of the hen.
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.
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. 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?
One of the most sought-after breeds for their striking dark green eggs is the Moss Egger These chickens are prized for their beautiful feathers and their ability to produce eggs with a deep green hue.
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.