Chickens that lay purple eggs, such as the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds, produce eggs with a unique bluish-purple hue due to their genetics.
Many chicken keepers dream of collecting a rainbow of eggs from their nesting boxes. While purple eggs sound magical, the reality is more nuanced. Let’s explore which chickens produce colorful eggs and why true purple eggs don’t exist naturally.
Can Chickens Lay Purple Eggs?
No chicken breed naturally lays purple eggs. The closest you’ll find are:
- Blue eggs (Araucana, Ameraucana)
- Green eggs (Easter Eggers)
- Dark brown eggs that appear purple-ish (Marans)
Some breeders market “purple egg layers,” but these are actually Marans with an extra-thick bloom coating that creates a temporary purple hue. The egg underneath remains brown.
What Creates Egg Color?
Eggshell color comes from two pigments:
- Protoporphyrin (brown)
- Biliverdin (blue)
These pigments mix to create different shades. No chicken produces a true purple pigment. The darkest eggs come from Marans, which deposit extra protoporphyrin for a deep chocolate brown color.
Chickens That Lay Colorful Eggs
Blue Egg Layers
| Breed | Eggs/Year | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Araucana | 200 | Rare, has lethal gene |
| Ameraucana | 200 | No lethal gene |
| Cream Legbar | 200 | Auto-sexing |
Green Egg Layers
Easter Eggers are the most reliable green egg producers. These hybrids can lay:
- Blue-green
- Olive
- Mint
Each hen lays one consistent color. Learn more about egg color genetics in our detailed guide.
Dark Brown Egg Layers
For eggs that sometimes appear purple:
- Marans (chocolate brown)
- Welsummer (speckled brown)
- Barnevelder (dark brown)
The “Purple Egg” Illusion
Some Marans eggs appear purple due to:
1. Bloom Coating
A protective mucus layer that can give eggs a temporary purple sheen. This washes off.
2. Lighting Conditions
Dark brown eggs may look purple in certain lights.
3. Photography Tricks
Some breeders enhance photos to make eggs appear more purple than they are.
How to Get the Darkest Eggs
If you want Marans eggs that might appear purple:
- Select hens from dark-egg bloodlines
- Provide optimal nutrition
- Minimize stress (stress lightens egg color)
- Collect eggs frequently (bloom fades over time)
Remember that egg quality matters more than color. Even the darkest eggs won’t be truly purple.
Final Thoughts
While no chicken lays genuine purple eggs, several breeds produce beautiful blue, green, and ultra-dark brown eggs that can satisfy your colorful egg cravings. Focus on breeds like Ameraucanas for blue eggs or Marans for the darkest brown eggs that might appear purple in the right light.
For more chicken keeping tips, check out our guide on training chickens to make egg collection easier.