When it comes to eggs, color doesn’t affect taste or nutrition. However, many backyard chicken keepers enjoy collecting colorful eggs from their flock. If you’re looking to add some white eggs to your egg basket, certain chicken breeds are more likely to produce white-shelled eggs.
Why Do Some Chickens Lay White Eggs?
A chicken’s genetics determine the color of the eggshell. While brown eggs are most common, breeds like Leghorns, Anconas, and Andalusians are genetically prone to laying white eggs. The pigment protoporphyrin is what produces brown eggshells. White egg layers either lack this pigment entirely or produce it in very small amounts
Most Common White Egg Laying Chicken Breeds
Here are some of the most popular chickens that lay white eggs:
1. White Leghorns
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White Leghorns are by far the most prolific white egg layers, producing 280-300 white eggs per year. Their high productivity makes them a favorite for backyard flocks and commercial egg operations. While they can be flighty, Leghorns are excellent foragers and easy keepers.
2. Anconas
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These black and white speckled chickens originate from Italy. Anconas are hardy birds that lay around 180-220 white eggs annually. Their active, independent nature makes them great free-rangers.
3. Andalusians
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The stunning blue-gray Andalusian is another Mediterranean breed adept at laying white eggs. Typically producing around 265 per year, these birds are also known for their cold hardiness.
4. Minorcas
Minorcas sport elegant black feathers mottled with white. They lay up to 200 medium-large white eggs a year. However, their aggressive tendencies make them less suitable for families with small children.
5. Lakenvelders
The German Lakenvelder has a distinctive black and white feather pattern Lakenvelders lay around 160 medium white eggs annually. Despite their small size, the roosters can be quite aggressive.
6. Polish
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Named for their distinctive bouffant crest, Polish chickens lay around 160-220 white eggs per year. They come in several color varieties and make good pets, though the hens are prone to broodiness.
7. Hamburgs
Active foragers, Hamburgs produce around 200 white eggs annually. They are flighty but tolerate both hot and cold climates well.
8. Campines
This rare breed lays about 140 white eggs per year. Friendly and quiet, Campines come in stunning red-speckled varieties. However, they require more space than typical backyard chickens.
9. California Whites
As their name suggests, this American breed lays lots of white eggs, around 220 per year. They are productive but docile, making great pets.
Other Factors That Affect Egg Color
While genetics dictate the main egg color, other factors can cause subtle variations:
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Diet – More intense-colored feed results in darker egg yolks.
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Age – As chickens mature, their eggs often get lighter.
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Environment – Stress or disease can make egg color fade.
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Seasons – Eggs tend to be lighter in summer and darker in winter.
So even within a breed, you may notice natural variations in your white egg shades from pure stark white to creamy or even a very light brown.
Benefits of White Egg Layers
While white eggs may not be as novel as blue or green, they offer advantages:
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Highly productive – White egg layers like Leghorns excel at egg production.
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Lower feed cost – Smaller Mediterranean breeds don’t require as much feed.
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Hardy – Most white egg layers are resilient and handle weather extremes well.
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Docile – Breeds like California Whites make great pets.
So don’t overlook white egg layers for your flock! When chosen carefully, they can provide a bountiful supply of beautiful white eggs for your family. Let genetics guide you to the perfect white-egg layer for your needs!
What Chickens Lay Green Eggs?
Chickens that lay green colored eggs were also affected by the same retrovirus that caused hens to lay blue eggs. So, there is some crossover between breeds that lay green and blue eggs, like the Easter Egger. However, these two are most notable for their green-colored eggs:
What Chickens Lay Pink Eggs?
Many breeds can lay eggs that appear pinkish in color, but this is largely a perception. Some will see a pale colored egg, while others will see a pale pink egg.
Some breeds that can lay pinkish colored eggs include:
- Buff Orpingtons
- Easter Egger
- Olive Egger
- Plymouth Rock
- Silkies
19 Best Chicken Breeds that Lay White Eggs
FAQ
What breed of chickens lay white eggs?
If you’re wondering what chickens lay white eggs, the answer includes breeds like Leghorns, Hamburgs, and Anconas, all known for their reliable production of bright white eggs.
What breed of chicken lays grocery store eggs?
Leghorn | Laying Chickens
If you go to a grocery store and buy white chicken eggs, the odds are that they came from a Leghorn chicken. These chickens lay up to 250 large per year. One thing to note about this breed is that in cold climates, they can be subject to frostbite on their combs.
Which is healthier, white eggs or brown eggs?
Brown eggs and white eggs are, nutritionally at least, exactly same: about 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and a generous helping of B vitamins.
Which group of chickens lay white eggs?
The colour of the egg shell is dependent on the breed of the hen. In general, white hens produce white eggs and brown hens brown eggs.