It’s springtime and many people are thinking about backyard chickens, some delving into the hobby for the first time as gathering your own farm-fresh eggs is becoming a growing trend. As you think about assembling your flock, consider the many different breeds that lay an assortment of colored eggs that — you guessed it — resemble dyed Easter eggs!
Below are a few of the breeds of chickens known for producing beautifully colored eggs:
Araucanas – If you’ve been thinking about raising a few chickens for eggs, consider the Araucana. Although there are a lot of great egg-layers out there, such as Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns, few chickens are as delightful, especially if you have children. This breed was originally developed in Chile. They have ear tufts and no tail, because they are rumpless and actually lack the vertebrae that support a tail. More interestingly, though, they lay blue eggs which, remarkably, are blue even on the inside of the shell. The name Araucana is often incorrectly used in this country to describe any chicken that lays green or blue eggs, many of which are actually mixed breeds.
Ameraucanas – are an American breed of domestic chicken developed in the United States in the 1970s, derived from Araucanas. They lay pretty, light blue to greenish-blue eggs. They are only available through breeders, so be sure you find a reputable one. Sometimes these birds are incorrectly referred to as “Americanas.” They are known for having a fun personality and docile, sweet temperament.
“Easter Eggers” are a mixed breed chicken with delightful, amusing personalities that many people add to their flock due to the fact that they lay eggs in a wide variety of colors, including blue, pink, green, sage, and yellow.
So bring a little color into your life. Your kids will love you for it; and you’ll be rewarded with nutritious eggs and nitrogen-rich fertilizer for your garden.
Ready to get started? Check out Raising Backyard Chickens For Eggs: A Beginner’s Guide here!
With assistance from freelance writer Paul Robert.
