Chickens that lay green eggs include the Araucana, Ameraucana, and Olive Egger breeds, known for their unique egg colors.
Green eggs add a splash of color to your egg basket and make breakfast more exciting. While most chickens lay white or brown eggs, a few special breeds produce beautiful green eggs. These chickens are not only unique but also great additions to any backyard flock.
1. Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers are the most popular green egg layers. They are not a pure breed but a mix of breeds that carry the blue egg gene. This mix results in eggs that can be blue, green, or even pinkish.
Characteristics
- Friendly and easygoing temperament
- Lay 250-300 eggs per year
- Egg colors vary (blue, green, or pink)
- Come in many feather colors and patterns
Easter Eggers are great for beginners because they are hardy and adaptable. If you want to train chickens to come when called, Easter Eggers are a good choice due to their friendly nature.
2. Olive Eggers
Olive Eggers are a cross between a blue egg layer (like an Araucana) and a dark brown egg layer (like a Marans). This combination produces olive-green eggs.
Characteristics
- Calm and friendly temperament
- Lay 200-280 eggs per year
- Eggs are reliably olive-green
- Good foragers
Olive Eggers are known for their longevity and hardiness. They can thrive in free-range environments, making them ideal if you’re wondering how far free-range chickens roam.
3. Isbar (Silverudd’s Blue)
Isbar chickens, also known as Silverudd’s Blue, are a Swedish breed that lays light green eggs. They are less common but highly prized for their unique egg color.
Characteristics
- Calm but somewhat shy temperament
- Lay 150-200 eggs per year
- Eggs are mossy green
- Hardy in various climates
4. Araucana
Araucanas are purebred chickens from South America known for their blue and green eggs. They have distinctive tufts of feathers near their ears.
Characteristics
- Medium-sized with unique feather tufts
- Lay around 250 eggs per year
- Eggs range from pale blue to green
- Can be flighty but are generally docile
According to Strong Animals, the blue-green egg color comes from a retrovirus that became part of their DNA long ago.
Why Choose Green Egg Layers?
Green eggs are just as nutritious as white or brown eggs. The only difference is the shell color. Here’s why you might want these breeds:
- Visual appeal: Green eggs stand out in your egg basket.
- Conversation starter: Guests will love the unique colors.
- Hardy birds: Many green egg layers are great foragers.
If you’re interested in other egg colors, check out what color eggs Blue Plymouth Rock chickens lay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do green eggs taste different?
No, green eggs taste the same as white or brown eggs. The color is only on the shell.
Can you guarantee green eggs from Easter Eggers?
No, Easter Eggers can lay blue, green, or even pink eggs. For reliably green eggs, choose Olive Eggers or Isbars.
How do I care for green egg layers?
They require the same care as other chickens: fresh water, quality feed, and a safe coop. For more tips, visit Heart’s Content Farmhouse.
Final Thoughts
Adding green egg layers to your flock is a fun way to diversify your egg collection. Whether you choose Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers, Isbars, or Araucanas, these chickens will bring color and joy to your backyard.