4 Chickens That Lay Beautiful Green Eggs (My Favorites!)

Inside: A look at some of the most popular chicken breeds that lay green eggs, and my personal recommendations.

When you buy eggs at the store, they’re usually white. This is because the most productive breeds lay white eggs, and at big egg farms, it’s all bout productivity. For a little extra, you can buy brown eggs. For a lot extra, you can buy locally-raised colored eggs with shades of blue and green.

But if you’re smart (and I know you are), you’ll raise your own backyard chickens and you’ll pick all the right breeds. And while it might sound silly, you absolutely should pick a variety of eggshell colors. They’re valuable, they’re fun, they’re beautiful. Let’s find your favorite.

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, let’s take a look at each one.

1. Easter Egger Hens (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. It also means they are affordable and easy to find.

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.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

These are key factors to remember when choosing your backyard chicken breed for those coveted green eggs.

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More help with backyard chicken breeds

• Chickens That Lay Colored Eggs (my favorite of each color)
• Buff Orpingtons
• White Leghorns
• Cinnamon Queens

And those are some of the best chicken breeds that will grace your backyard with green eggs. I hope you found one you love that will make gathering eggs every morning all the more exciting.