While most chickens lay white or brown eggs, a few special breeds of chickens lay green eggs. So if you’re thinking about getting chickens for your backyard and want something different, this is for you.
If you’ve never had backyard chickens, you might wonder, “Green eggs? Really?” Yes! Having beautiful, colorful eggshells is one of the best things about having your flock and is an important consideration when choosing backyard chicken breeds.
Let’s dive in and explore some fascinating chicken breeds that offer green eggs.
These chickens are not only interesting because of their unique egg color, but they also have their own special characteristics and temperaments that make them great for backyard living.
Whether you’re new to raising chickens or already have a flock and want to diversify, this post is designed to help you make the best choice for green egg layers.
Why Choose Chickens That Lay Green Eggs?
You might wonder if green eggs are any different from white or brown ones regarding taste or health. The answer is no.
Green eggs have the same nutrition and flavor as white and brown eggs. The fun part is in their unique color. Green eggs can be a real conversation starter and add a whimsical touch to your egg basket. It’s also exciting for kids who might find the array of egg colors fascinating.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Breed
Before you go out and get your green egg layers, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Climate Tolerance: Different breeds are suited for different climates. Some can handle cold better, while others are good for warmer climates. Make sure to pick one that suits your local weather.
- Temperament: Chickens, like people, have their own personalities. Some are more laid-back, while others might be more active or even fussy. Think about how the chicken’s temperament will fit into your household.
- Egg Production Rate: How many eggs do you want? Some breeds lay eggs almost every day, while others might lay a few times a week. Knowing this can help you decide on the best breed for you.
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These are key factors to remember when choosing your backyard chicken breed for those coveted green eggs.
1. easter egger chickens (green to blue-green eggs)
Characteristics
Easter Eggers are one of the most popular choices. These chickens are usually a mix of different breeds, which means they can look quite different from one another. You might find Easter Eggers with feathers of many colors, and some might even have beards or tufts on their heads. Because they’re a mix, it’s hard to say exactly what each one will look like, but that’s part of the fun.
Temperament
Easter Eggers are known for being friendly and easygoing. They usually get along well with people and other chickens, making them a great choice for families or those new to raising chickens. These birds are low-maintenance and good at foraging for food, which can help you save on feed costs.
Egg-laying Rate
One of the best parts about Easter Eggers is their egg-laying abilities. On average, you can expect an Easter Egger to lay around 250 to 300 eggs per year, although this can vary. The eggs are usually medium to large in size. And of course, the egg color is often green, although some Easter Eggers might surprise you with blue or pinkish eggs.
So, if you’re looking for a chicken breed that’s friendly, easy to care for, and lays a good amount of green eggs, Easter Eggers might be the way to go.
But remember you aren’t guaranteed green eggs with an Easter Egger; you might get blue, aqua, or even pink. So if having true green in your egg basket is important, choose one of the following breeds instead.
2. Olive Eggers (dark olive green eggs)
Characteristics
Olive Eggers are special chickens that lay olive-green eggs, which is how they get their name.
These birds are a cross between a chicken with brown eggs and one with blue eggs. This mix gives their eggs an olive color. In terms of looks, Olive Eggers can vary quite a bit because they’re a crossbreed, but they often have a sturdy build and come in various feather colors.
Temperament
Most Olive Eggers are known for being calm and friendly. They’re generally good with families and children, making them a great choice for a backyard flock. They are also fairly adaptable birds that can get along well in different settings, whether it’s a large farm or a smaller backyard.
Egg-laying Rate
When it comes to laying eggs, Olive Eggers are quite dependable. You can typically expect around 200 to 280 eggs per year from an Olive Egger. The eggs are usually medium to large and, of course, come in shades of olive green. Some say darker olive eggs look especially beautiful in an egg basket.
The color of their eggs is more reliably green than Easter Eggers. You will rarely get one that lays brown eggs, but not blue ones.
3. Isbar a.k.a. Silverudd’s Blue (light green eggs)
Characteristics
Isbar chickens, also known as Silverudd’s Blue, are a unique breed from Sweden. They are medium-sized birds with feathers ranging from black to blue to splash, a mix of white and other colors. But what really stands out about Isbars is their ability to lay green eggs. The shade of green can vary, but it’s usually a light, mossy green that looks beautiful in any egg basket.
Temperament
Isbars are generally calm and friendly birds. They’re not as outgoing as some other breeds, but they’re easy to handle and usually get along well with other chickens. This makes them a good choice if you want a peaceful bird to add to your flock. Isbars are also quite hardy and can adapt to different weather conditions, which is a plus if you live in an area with changing seasons.
Egg-laying Rate
In terms of egg-laying, Isbars are moderate layers. You can expect around 150 to 200 green eggs annually from an Isbar chicken. The eggs are medium-sized , so they are a bit smaller than most grocery store eggs.
Their unique coloration and calm demeanor make them a lovely addition to any backyard flock.
4. Green Queen Chicken (different shades of green)
Characteristics
The Green Queen chicken is a hybrid breed known for its striking appearance and its ability to lay green eggs. These birds often have a mix of feather colors, making each one unique. While they’re not as commonly found as other chicken breeds that lay green eggs, they’re becoming increasingly popular for backyard flocks. One of the exciting things about Green Queens is that they lay a variety of green shades, ranging from light mint to deep olive.
Temperament
When it comes to their personality, Green Queens are generally friendly and easy to handle. They’re usually good with people, including children, and sociable. This makes them a good fit for families or those new to raising chickens. They’re also known to be relatively quiet, so they’re a good choice in a setting where noise could be a concern.
Egg-laying Rate
As for egg-laying, you can expect a steady supply from a Green Queen. On average, these birds lay about 250 to 275 eggs per year. The eggs are medium to large in size and come in those lovely shades of green that make them stand out in any egg collection.
More help with backyard chicken breeds
- Chickens That Lay Colored Eggs (my favorite of each color)
- Buff Orpingtons
- White Leghorns
- Cinnamon Queens
And there you have it—a comprehensive look at some of the best chicken breeds that will grace your backyard with green eggs. From the versatile Easter Egger to the rare Isbar, each of these breeds brings its own unique flair, not just in egg color but also in temperament and appearance.
Go ahead and leap into the exciting world of green eggs. Your breakfasts and egg baskets will never be the same again.
