Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! If you’ve ever stumbled upon a green egg and thought, “What in the heck kinda chicken lays that?”—well, you’re in for a treat. I’m here to spill the beans on the funky breeds that pop out these eye-catching eggs. At my lil’ backyard setup, we’ve got a mixed flock, and let me tell ya, nothing beats the thrill of finding a green egg in the coop. It’s like nature’s Easter basket every dang day!
So, what kind of chicken lays green eggs? There’s a handful of breeds—some purebred, most hybrids—that can bless your basket with shades of olive, sage, or even aqua I’ve rounded up the top ones I’ve come across over the years, and I’ll break down who they are, how many eggs they churn out, and why their eggs look like they’ve been dipped in a paint bucket Plus, we’ll chat about why you’d wanna raise these gals and if green eggs are any different from the usual white or brown ones. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Cool Chickens That Lay Green Eggs
These feathered friends are the rockstars of the poultry world when it comes to green eggs. Most of ‘em are hybrids meaning they’re a mix of breeds to get that specific color but one stands out as a purebred. Here’s the lineup of chickens you’ll wanna know about
1. Swedish Isbar – The Purebred Green Egg Wonder
This gal’s the real deal—the only purebred chicken known for laying green eggs. Hailing from Sweden, the Isbar (sometimes just called Isbar) lays eggs in various green shades, sometimes with cute lil’ brown speckles. They’re kinda rare, which makes ‘em a treasure in any flock.
- Egg Production: Around 200–250 eggs a year, roughly 4–5 a week.
- Egg Color: Straight-up green, occasionally speckled.
- Egg Size: Large.
- Fun Fact: They’re autosexing, so you can tell the boys from the gals right when they hatch. How neat is that?
I’ve always wanted an Isbar in my coop just for the bragging rights. They’ve got a compact build with long legs and a single crest on their head—pretty snazzy lookin’ if ya ask me.
2. Easter Egger – The Colorful Crowd-Pleaser
Easter Eggers ain’t a pure breed but boy do they deliver on variety! These chickens are a cross between blue egg layers and brown egg layers, resulting in eggs that can be green, blue, or even pink. They’re super common in backyard flocks ‘cause they’re hardy and lay like champs.
- Egg Production: About 180–200 eggs per year.
- Egg Color: Green, blue, or pink—ya never know!
- Egg Size: Large to extra-large.
- Tip: Watch out at feed stores; folks often mix ‘em up with Ameraucanas.
We’ve got a couple Easter Eggers at our place, and it’s like a surprise party every time we check the nesting boxes. One day it’s green, next day it’s blue. Keeps things exciting!
3. Olive Egger – The Deep Green Dream
Olive Eggers are a specific type of Easter Egger, bred for that dark olive-green egg color. They come from mixing a blue egg layer (like an Ameraucana) with a dark brown egg layer (think Marans). The result? A gorgeous, deep green shell that looks straight outta a fairy tale.
- Egg Production: 150–200 eggs annually.
- Egg Color: Pastel to dark olive green.
- Egg Size: Large.
- Note: The darker the brown parent’s egg, the deeper the olive shade.
I’ve seen these eggs fetch a pretty penny at local markets ‘cause folks just can’t resist that color. If you’re into aesthetics, this one’s for you.
4. Favaucana – The New Kid on the Block
A hybrid of Faverolles and Ameraucanas, Favaucanas popped up around 2013. Their eggs range from blue-green to olive to tan, making ‘em a fun addition to any egg basket. They’re not as common, but some hatcheries carry ‘em if you’re lookin’ to snag a few.
- Egg Production: 150–180 eggs per year.
- Egg Color: Blue-green, olive, blue, or tan.
- Egg Size: Medium to large.
- Perk: The hens are great mamas, and chicks grow fast.
I ain’t got any Favaucanas myself, but a buddy of mine swears by ‘em for their pretty eggs and sweet temperament.
5. Green Queen – The Egg Color Queen
Another Easter Egger variant, the Green Queen lives up to her name by laying not just green eggs, but sometimes blue, pink, brown, or white. Talk about a rainbow! They’re super productive and tough as nails, perfect for newbies or seasoned keepers.
- Egg Production: A whopping 280–320 eggs a year.
- Egg Color: All shades of green, plus blue, pink, brown, white.
- Egg Size: Medium to large.
- Where to Find: Check out some bigger hatcheries for these gals.
If ya want quantity and variety, Green Queens are hard to beat. I’m tempted to add one to my flock just for the egg haul!
6. Steele Egger – The Designer Green Layer
Developed by Lisa Steele over at Fresh Eggs Daily, Steele Eggers are a hybrid made for green egg lovers. They’ve got a funky crest on their heads and come in cool blue or splash colors. Their eggs ain’t just green—they can be blue or tan too.
- Egg Production: 150–200 eggs per year.
- Egg Color: Blue, green, tan.
- Egg Size: Medium.
- Vibe: They look as unique as their eggs!
These chickens are a bit of a show-off in the coop, and I dig their style. Haven’t raised ‘em yet, but they’re on my wishlist.
7. Sage Gem Bantam – The Tiny Green Gem
Sage Gems are a bantam (small-sized) chicken with a big personality. They lay sage-green eggs, though sometimes they veer into tan or earthy tones. They’re friendly lil’ critters, often sporting feathered legs or crests.
- Egg Production: 200–260 eggs a year.
- Egg Color: Olive, sage-green, tan.
- Egg Size: Small (they’re bantams, after all!).
- Charm: Outgoing and easy to handle.
Perfect if ya got a small space but still want green eggs. I’ve handled a few at a friend’s farm, and they’re just adorable.
8. Ice Cream Bar – The Aqua Egg Artist
A cross between Isbars and Cream Legbars, Ice Cream Bars lay stunning aqua or greenish-blue eggs. They’ve got a chill personality and love to forage, makin’ ‘em easy to care for.
- Egg Production: 150–200 eggs per year, around 4–6 a week.
- Egg Color: Greenish-blue or aqua.
- Egg Size: Medium.
- Bonus: Great foragers with a laid-back attitude.
Their egg color is just mesmerizing. If I ever expand my coop, these are high on my list.
Here’s a quick glance at these breeds side by side for ya:
| Breed | Egg Production (per year) | Egg Color | Egg Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish Isbar | 200–250 | Green (sometimes speckled) | Large |
| Easter Egger | 180–200 | Green, blue, pink | Large to X-Large |
| Olive Egger | 150–200 | Pastel to olive green | Large |
| Favaucana | 150–180 | Blue-green, olive, tan | Medium to Large |
| Green Queen | 280–320 | Green, blue, pink, brown | Medium to Large |
| Steele Egger | 150–200 | Blue, green, tan | Medium |
| Sage Gem Bantam | 200–260 | Sage-green, olive, tan | Small |
| Ice Cream Bar | 150–200 | Greenish-blue, aqua | Medium |
There are a few more out there—like Cream Legbars, Araucanas, Ameraucanas, and Starlight Green Eggers—that can lay green or blue-green eggs too. I’ve stuck with the most standout ones here, but if you’re curious, hit up a local hatchery and ask about their green egg layers.
How Do Chickens Lay Green Eggs? The Science Made Simple
Now, you might be wonderin’, “How the heck do these eggs get green in the first place?” Lemme break it down real easy. All chicken eggs start off white inside the hen. As the egg moves through her system, pigments get slapped on the shell, kinda like a paint job.
For green eggs, it’s usually a two-step deal:
- Step 1: A base layer of blue pigment (called oocyanin) gets added. This comes from breeds that naturally lay blue eggs.
- Step 2: A brown pigment (protoporphyrin) gets layered on top near the end. This comes from breeds that lay brown or dark eggs.
Mix blue and brown, and bam—you got green! The shade depends on how much of each pigment is there. More brown? You get a dark olive. More blue? A lighter aqua or sage. It’s like nature’s own art project happenin’ right inside the chicken. Ain’t that wild?
Why Bother with Chickens That Lay Green Eggs?
So, why would ya wanna mess with these green egg layers when regular white or brown eggs do just fine? Here’s a few reasons I’ve found over the years:
- Pure Fun Factor: They add a pop of color to your egg basket. It’s just plain cool to show off to friends or family.
- Easter Vibes: If you host Easter egg hunts, forget dyein’ eggs—these come pre-colored straight from the coop!
- Trackin’ Layers: In a mixed flock, colored eggs help ya figure out who’s layin’ and who’s slackin’. Handy for us homesteaders.
- Cash Potential: Green egg layers are often in demand. Sellin’ chicks or eggs at markets can bring in extra dough ‘cause of their rarity.
I’ve noticed folks at the farmer’s market go nuts over a dozen mixed-color eggs. It’s a small thing, but it makes your setup stand out.
Are Green Eggs Any Different From Regular Eggs?
Here’s where I bust a myth real quick. Green eggs look different, sure, but inside? They’re the same ol’ egg. Same taste, same nutrition, same yolk-and-white combo. The color’s just on the shell—don’t expect some alien flavor or superfood powers.
When I cracked open my first green egg, I half-expected somethin’ magical. Nope, just a regular egg starin’ back at me. Scrambled it up, and it tasted exactly like the white ones from my other hens. So, don’t fret about cookin’ with ‘em—they’re just as good for omelets or bakin’.
Oh, and they start layin’ at the same age as other chickens, usually around 5–6 months. Keep an eye out for the signs—squattin’, checkin’ nest boxes, maybe some extra cluckin’. That’s when you’ll spot your first green gem.
Quick Answers to Your Burnin’ Questions
I’ve heard a lotta questions about green eggs over the years, so lemme hit the big ones:
- How rare are green eggs? Pretty darn rare. Only a small bunch of breeds lay ‘em, and many are newer hybrids, so they ain’t everywhere.
- Why are they so pricey? Rarity plus demand. Some folks shell out $3–20 per egg just for the novelty. Supply’s low, hype’s high.
- Do they taste different? Nah, not a bit. Shell color don’t change what’s inside.
- Are they healthier than white eggs? Nope, same nutrients. It’s all about looks, not benefits.
Tips for Raisin’ Green Egg Layers
If you’re thinkin’ of addin’ these chickens to your flock, here’s some down-to-earth advice from my own mess-ups and wins:
- Pick the Right Breed: Decide if ya want high production (like Green Queens) or somethin’ unique (like Isbars). Match it to your space and goals.
- Mix with Care: Some, like Easter Eggers, can get picked on in mixed flocks. Keep an eye out for bullyin’ and give ‘em space.
- Coop Setup: Same as any chicken—secure nest boxes, good roosts, and predator-proofin’. They don’t need fancy stuff, just safety.
- Feed for Eggs: A solid layer feed with calcium keeps those shells strong, green or not. Toss in some grit too.
- Source Smart: Hit up reputable hatcheries or local breeders. Ask specifically for green egg layers to avoid mix-ups.
I learned the hard way that not every “Easter Egger” lays green—some stick to blue. So, chat with the seller before buyin’ to make sure you’re gettin’ what ya want.
What I’ve Noticed About Green Egg Chickens
Over the years messin’ around with my flock, I’ve picked up a few quirks about these green egg gals. For one, they seem to get folks talkin’ more than any other chicken. Neighbors stop by just to see the eggs, and kids go bonkers over ‘em. It’s a convo starter, no doubt.
Also, their personalities vary big time. My Easter Eggers are shy lil’ things, always hangin’ back, while a Sage Gem I borrowed for a spell was bold as brass, struttin’ around like she owned the place. You gotta get to know each breed’s vibe to keep the coop harmony goin’.
Lastly, don’t expect every egg to be the same shade. One Olive Egger might give ya a deep forest green, while another’s more pastel. It’s part of the charm, but don’t be shocked if it ain’t consistent.
Wrappin’ It Up – Add Some Green to Your Coop!
So, what kind of chicken lays green eggs? You’ve got options galore—Swedish Isbars for purebred rarity, Easter Eggers for variety, Olive Eggers for deep tones, and funky hybrids like Green Queens or Ice Cream Bars. Each brings somethin’ special to the table, whether it’s egg numbers, cool looks, or just plain fun.
If you’re itchin’ to spice up your egg basket or turn heads at the market, these breeds are the way to go. They ain’t harder to raise than regular chickens, and the payoff in color is worth it. Got a flock already? Drop a comment below and tell me about your green egg layers—or any other weird egg colors you’ve come across. And if you’re just startin’, lemme know which breed you’re eyein’! Let’s keep this chicken chat rollin’.
Factors That Can Affect Egg Color
While genetics play a significant role in determining egg color, several other factors can influence the intensity and consistency of the color. These factors include:
- Diet: The diet of the chicken can have an impact on the color of the egg. For example, chickens that are fed a diet high in pigmented foods such as marigold petals or paprika may produce eggs with a more vibrant color. On the other hand, a diet lacking in these pigments may result in eggs with a lighter shade.
- Age: As chickens age, the color of their eggs may change. Young chickens may lay eggs with a paler shade that intensifies as they mature. This is particularly noticeable in some chicken breeds that lay dark brown eggs, such as Marans.
- Health: The overall health and well-being of the chicken can also affect the color of the eggs. Chickens that are stressed or unwell may produce eggs with a less vibrant color. Providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for the chickens can help ensure consistent egg color.
Why do Chickens Lay Different Color Eggs?
The color of an egg is determined by the breed of the chicken and its genetic makeup. The shell color is formed during the last few hours of egg formation as pigments are deposited on the surface of the shell. Lets get into the science, the primary pigment responsible for egg color is called protoporphyrin IX, which gives eggs a brown hue. However, other pigments, such as biliverdin and oocyanin, can also contribute to the range of colors we see in different eggs.
The genes responsible for egg color are complex and can interact in various ways. For example, the blue egg gene is dominant over the brown egg gene, which means that if a chicken inherits the blue egg gene from one parent and the brown egg gene from the other, it will lay blue eggs. However, if it inherits two copies of the brown egg gene, it will lay brown eggs. This explains why some chicken breeds consistently lay eggs of a certain color, while others exhibit more color variation. Its also worth noting that egg color can vary within a breed. Factors such as diet, age, and overall health of the chicken can influence the intensity of the egg color. The same breed of chicken may lay eggs of slightly different shades depending on these factors. Now, lets explore some of the common chicken breeds and the colors of eggs they produce.
Chickens That Lay Green Eggs
FAQ
What breed of chicken lays green eggs?
Easter Eggers and Olive Eggers: More Green Egg Layers
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.
Are green chicken eggs ok to eat?
Yes , they are edible. The green comes from the way you cooked it… on high heat . and Fast! To keep the line from forming, start the eggs in cold water and as soon as they come to a full boil. Turn off the eye and cover the pot. Let them sit for about ten to fifteen minutes . Voila! Eggs without a green yolk!
Do green chicken eggs taste different?
neither is “richer” or stronger in flavor. The color of the egg is actually determined by the breed of the chicken. Some more “exotic” breeds lay green, blue or yellow eggs, and they also taste the same as brown or white eggs.
What chicken comes from a green egg?
Easter Egger Chicken
Some hatcheries accurately call their stock by the Easter Egger name. Others call their stock Araucana, Ameraucana, or Americana. This is a hybrid bird that lays blue, green, rose or even brown eggs. It’s impossible to know what color egg your Easter Egger will lay until it lays its first egg.
Which chicken breeds lay green eggs?
To conclude, let’s do a recap of all the chicken breeds that can lay green eggs: the Isbars, the Favaucanas, the Ice Cream Bar chickens, the Easter Eggers, and the Olive Eggers. Although they all lay green eggs, each egg can be distinguished from the other due to some of the other unique features or coloration.
Do chickens lay green eggs?
There are so many chicken breeds in the world, that it should come as no real surprise that there are chickens that lay green eggs. Afterall, there are other chickens that lay colored eggs, frizzle chickens, bantam chickens, salmon faverolle, and all sorts of other fun types of chickens. So, getting green chicken eggs is not too much of a stretch.
Why do chickens have green eggs?
All the eggs inside the hens are initially white in color. When the egg passes through the oviduct, the green egg-laying chicken breed’s genes release a pigment that makes them green. The process is more or less similar to the dyeing. As a result, a green egg is laid. Do a chicken’s ears determine the color of their eggs?
Do Green Queen chickens lay eggs?
In terms of the diversity of egg colors, the Green Queen chicken truly stands as the queen of the coop. This breed is a specific type of Easter Egger. As such, they inherit the ability to lay eggs with varying colors. As with other fowls in this list, Green Queen chickens lay green eggs. Yet, they don’t stop there.
Do Araucana chickens lay green eggs?
The Araucana chicken, originating from South America, is one of the fascinating chicken breeds that lay green eggs. In particular, they are famous for producing bluish-green or even pink eggs, adding vibrant colors to your egg basket. This breed is also known for their consistent egg production; typical Araucanas can lay 150 to 180 eggs per year.
Which Easter egger lays green eggs?
The type of Easter Egger that lays green eggs is the Olive Egger, which results from crossbreeding generally involving a blue egg layer and another breed that makes brown eggs. There’s also the Steele Egger, Starlight Green Egger, and the Green Queen chicken that produces bluish-green eggs. Why Are Green Eggs So Expensive?