Green eggs
Have you ever cracked open your morning egg carton and wished for something more exciting than plain white or brown eggs? Well, I’ve got some egg-citing news for you! Green eggs aren’t just a fictional creation from Dr. Seuss – they’re real, and they’re spectacular!
As someone who’s raised backyard chickens for years, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like collecting a basket of colorful eggs, with shades of green ranging from pale seafoam to rich olive. The best part? These green-shelled beauties taste exactly the same as regular eggs – only the shell color changes, not what’s inside!
In this article, I’ll introduce you to 12 fabulous chicken breeds that lay green eggs, explain what gives these eggs their unique color, and help you decide which green-egg layers might be right for your flock.
What Gives Chicken Eggs Their Green Color?
Before diving into specific breeds, let’s talk about the science behind green eggs. The green color in eggshells comes from a fascinating biological process involving two primary pigments:
- Oocyanin – This is the pigment that creates blue eggshells
- Protoporphyrin – This pigment creates brown eggshells
When a chicken has the genetics to produce both pigments, something magical happens. The oocyanin gets deposited early in the shell formation process, coloring the shell blue all the way through. Then, as the egg moves through the hen’s oviduct, the protoporphyrin (brown pigment) gets applied to the surface.
Blue + Brown = Green!
The specific shade of green depends on the intensity of each pigment. More brown overlay on a blue shell creates darker olive-green eggs, while lighter brown produces more of a mint or seafoam green.
Interestingly, this green-egg trait originated from a retrovirus that became part of certain chickens’ DNA many years ago. Nature is amazing!
12 Chicken Breeds That Lay Green Eggs
Let’s explore the wonderful world of green egg layers! Here are 12 breeds and crosses that will add vibrant green shades to your egg basket:
1. Swedish Isbar
Swedish Isbar
The Swedish Isbar (sometimes called Silverudd’s Blue) holds a special distinction as the only purebred chicken specifically known for producing green eggs. These medium-sized birds have a distinctive look with a single crest atop their head, yellow beak and feet, and a compact body with long legs.
- Egg Production: 200-250 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Solid green, sometimes with purple speckles
- Egg Size: Large
- Temperament: Active foragers, generally friendly
Swedish Isbars were created in the 1980s by Martin Silverudd by crossing Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, Cream Legbars, and possibly Australorps. They come in three beautiful color variations: black, blue, and “splash.”
2. Araucana
Araucanas are perhaps the most famous green egg layers, originating from South America (specifically Chile). These unique birds have two distinctive physical features that make them stand out:
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They have feather tufts that protrude from under each ear
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They lack a tail (rumpless)
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Egg Production: 150-180 eggs per year
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Egg Color: Bluish-green to pink
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Egg Size: Medium to large
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Temperament: Active, alert
True Araucanas can be difficult to find in the United States because they’re challenging to breed. The gene that causes their distinctive ear tufts is lethal when a chick inherits two copies, resulting in about 25% of fertilized eggs not hatching when two Araucanas are bred together.
3. Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are often confused with Araucanas but are actually a distinct breed developed from Araucana stock. Unlike the tufted Araucana, Ameraucanas have muffs (fluffy feathers below the ears) and beards (fluffy feathers under the beak).
- Egg Production: 180-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Blue to green
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Generally docile and friendly
True Ameraucanas breed true and come in several recognized color varieties: Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown, Red, Silver, Wheaten, and White. If you see “Ameraucanas” at a feed store without specific color designations, they’re likely Easter Eggers (see below).
4. Easter Egger
Easter Eggers are probably the most common green egg layers found in backyard flocks. They’re not a standardized breed but rather mixed-breed chickens with at least one blue-egg laying ancestor (usually an Ameraucana or Araucana).
- Egg Production: 180-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Blue, green, pink (varies by individual hen)
- Egg Size: Large to extra large
- Temperament: Typically friendly, can be less assertive in mixed flocks
Each Easter Egger is unique in appearance and egg color. The same hen will always lay the same color eggs, but you won’t know what color you’ll get until she starts laying! They often inherit muffs and beards from their Ameraucana parentage.
5. Olive Egger
Olive Eggers are hybrid chickens specifically bred to lay dark green (olive) eggs. They’re typically a cross between a blue-egg layer (like an Ameraucana) and a dark brown egg layer (like a Marans or Welsummer).
- Egg Production: 150-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Pastel green to olive
- Egg Size: Large
- Temperament: Varies based on parent breeds
First generation (F1) Olive Eggers are commonly available through hatcheries. Some chicken keepers breed F1 Olive Eggers together to create second generation (F2) birds that may lay even darker olive eggs.
6. Cream Legbar
Cream Legbars are attractive medium-sized chickens known for their “crested” appearance – they have a distinctive crest of feathers that grows on the back of their necks under their combs.
- Egg Production: 150-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Tiffany blue to blue-green
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Active, curious, alert
A handy feature of Cream Legbars is that they’re “auto-sexed,” meaning male and female chicks have different coloring at hatching – a rare and useful trait when you want to purchase only pullets (female chicks).
7. Favaucana
Favaucanas are a relatively new hybrid created in 2013 by crossing Faverolles and Ameraucanas. They typically inherit muffs from their Ameraucana parentage.
- Egg Production: 150-180 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Blue-green, olive, blue, tan
- Egg Size: Medium to large
- Temperament: Excellent mothers, friendly
These beautiful birds offer a delightful palette of egg colors and make excellent additions to backyard flocks due to their friendly nature.
8. Sage Gem Bantam
The Sage Gem is a small (bantam-sized) variety of Easter Egger that lays gorgeous sage-green, olive, and tan eggs. They’re exclusive to Meyer Hatchery.
- Egg Production: 200-260 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Olive, sage-green, tan
- Egg Size: Small
- Temperament: Outgoing, friendly
Despite their small size, these birds are remarkably productive layers. Their appearance can vary, with combinations of red and black or white and orange feathers. Some display feathered legs, beards, muffs, and crests.
9. Steele Egger
The Steele Egger is an Easter Egger variant bred and offered exclusively through Meyer Hatchery. Named after Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily, these birds are bred for blue or splash coloring.
- Egg Production: 150-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Blue, green, tan
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Varies
These beautiful birds provide a wonderful array of colored eggs, with most hens laying either blue or green eggs (though about 1.5% lay tan eggs).
10. Green Queen
The Green Queen is a specific type of Easter Egger selected for its propensity to lay rich green eggs. These productive layers add vibrant color to any egg basket.
- Egg Production: 280-320 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Various shades of green, plus blue, pink, brown, white
- Egg Size: Medium to large
- Temperament: Varies
With their impressive egg production of 280-320 eggs yearly, Green Queens are an excellent choice for those wanting a steady supply of colorful eggs.
11. Ice Cream Bar
With possibly the most delightful name in the chicken world, the Ice Cream Bar is a cross between Swedish Isbars (“Ice-Bar”) and Cream Legbars. These birds typically have attractive blue or splash coloring and often have crests behind their combs.
- Egg Production: 150-200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Greenish-blue
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Varies
These beautiful hybrids can be harder to find but are sometimes available through specialty breeders or even on eBay.
12. Starlight Green Egger
The Starlight Green Egger is a hybrid created by Hoover’s Hatchery by crossing a Prairie Bluebell Egger with a brown egg layer.
- Egg Production: 200-280 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Green
- Egg Size: Medium
- Temperament: Friendly
These reliable layers produce eggs consistently throughout the year, ensuring a steady supply of beautiful green eggs for your family or business.
Why Choose Chickens That Lay Green Eggs?
You might wonder why anyone would specifically seek out chickens that lay green eggs. Here are some compelling reasons:
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Uniqueness: Green eggs add a distinctive touch to your egg basket and stand out from ordinary white or brown eggs.
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Easter Celebrations: For those who host Easter egg hunts, having chickens that naturally produce colored eggs eliminates the need for artificial dyes.
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Conversation Starters: Nothing gets visitors talking like a basket of vibrant green eggs freshly collected from your backyard!
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Variety: Many green egg layers also produce other colors, giving you a naturally colorful egg collection.
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Market Value: If you sell eggs, colored varieties often command premium prices at farmers’ markets and to specialty buyers.
Are Green Eggs Different From Regular Eggs?
I get this question all the time from friends and family who visit my coop. The answer is simple: green eggs are identical to white or brown eggs in taste, nutrition, and cooking properties. The only difference is the shell color!
The inside of a green egg looks exactly the same as any other chicken egg – a yellow/orange yolk surrounded by egg white. Green eggs contain the same proteins, vitamins, and minerals as eggs with white or brown shells.
I vividly remember when my first Easter Egger started laying. I was so excited to crack open that first pale green egg, half-expecting something unusual inside. But nope – it was just a regular, delicious egg!
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare are green chicken eggs?
Green chicken eggs are among the rarer colored eggs. While not as common as white or brown eggs, they’re becoming more popular as interest in backyard chicken keeping grows. Some specialty breeds that lay green eggs can be difficult to find and may command higher prices.
Why are green eggs so expensive?
Green eggs can cost anywhere from $3 to $20 per egg at specialty markets! This price premium exists because:
- The rarity of green egg-laying breeds
- Limited supply compared to high demand
- The novelty and uniqueness factor
- Some green egg layers produce fewer eggs annually than commercial laying breeds
Do green eggs taste different?
Despite their unique exterior, green eggs taste identical to white or brown eggs. The shell color has absolutely no impact on flavor, nutritional content, or cooking properties.
Which Easter Egger lays green eggs?
Not all Easter Eggers lay green eggs. Individual Easter Eggers may lay blue, green, pink, or brown eggs, and you won’t know what color you’ll get until they start laying. Varieties like the “Green Queen” Easter Egger have been selected for their tendency to lay green eggs.
Conclusion
Adding chickens that lay green eggs to your flock is a wonderful way to bring more color and excitement to your egg-collecting routine. Whether you choose purebreds like the Swedish Isbar or Araucana, or opt for hybrid varieties like Easter Eggers or Olive Eggers, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful green eggs that are sure to impress friends and family.
Remember that while the shells may be spectacularly green, the eggs inside are just as nutritious and delicious as any other chicken egg. The only difference is the joy of cracking open that uniquely colored shell!
Have you raised any green egg layers? Which breeds are your favorites? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about chicken breeds. Availability of specific breeds may vary by location and hatchery. Always research breeders thoroughly before purchasing chickens.
Isbar a.k.a. Silverudd’s Blue (light green eggs)
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.
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.
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.
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.