Olive Egger chickens typically have a mix of feather colors, often featuring shades of brown, black, and green, with a unique olive-green egg production.
Olive Egger chickens are a fascinating hybrid breed prized for their unique olive-green eggs and diverse appearances. These colorful layers result from crossing blue-egg breeds like Ameraucanas with dark brown-egg layers like Marans, creating a chicken that’s as visually interesting as its eggs.
What Do Olive Egger Chickens Look Like?
Since Olive Eggers are crossbreeds, their appearance varies widely depending on parentage. However, several common characteristics emerge among these unique birds.
Physical Characteristics
Olive Eggers typically display these features:
- Medium to large size (5-7 lbs)
- Pea combs (small, low-profile combs with three ridges)
- Varied feather colors (black, blue, brown, or mixed patterns)
- Possible muffs and beards (from Ameraucana lineage)
- Yellow or slate-colored legs
Their plumage can range from solid colors to intricate patterns. Some display the barred patterns of Barred Rocks, while others show the laced feathers of Marans. The blue egg genes in their lineage often contribute to unique feather coloring.
Temperament and Behavior
Olive Eggers generally exhibit:
- Friendly, docile personalities
- Moderate activity levels
- Good foraging skills
- Quieter disposition compared to some breeds
As with any chicken, individual personalities vary. Some owners report exceptionally friendly birds that enjoy human interaction, while others note more independent temperaments. Their behavior often reflects their parent breeds – Ameraucanas tend to be calm, while Marans can be more active.
The Famous Olive Eggs
The primary reason for keeping Olive Eggers is their distinctive egg color. These chickens produce eggs in shades ranging from:
- Light olive green
- Deep mossy green
- Speckled olive
- Dark army green
Egg color results from crossing the blue egg gene (from Ameraucanas or Araucanas) with the dark brown egg gene (from Marans or Welsummers). The blue pigment (oocyanin) mixes with the brown protoporphyrin to create various green shades.
Egg Production
Olive Eggers are good layers, typically producing:
- 200-260 eggs per year
- Large to extra-large sized eggs
- Consistent laying in most climates
Like all chickens, production slows in winter months but picks up again in spring. For more on egg production cycles, see our article on when chickens start laying.
Care Requirements
Olive Eggers are relatively low-maintenance chickens that adapt well to various environments.
Housing Needs
These chickens require standard chicken housing:
- 4 sq ft of coop space per bird
- 10 sq ft of run space per bird
- Proper ventilation
- Secure nesting boxes
Their pea combs make them particularly cold-hardy, as the small comb is less prone to frostbite. They also tolerate heat reasonably well, though all chickens need shade and fresh water in summer.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed Olive Eggers:
- High-quality layer feed (16-18% protein)
- Calcium supplement (oyster shell)
- Grit for digestion
- Fresh greens and occasional treats
Like all chickens, they benefit from access to pasture or yard space for foraging. Their diverse genetic background makes them excellent foragers who will happily hunt bugs and nibble greens.
Breeding Olive Eggers
Creating your own Olive Eggers requires careful breed selection:
| Blue Egg Parent | Dark Brown Egg Parent | Resulting Egg Color |
|---|---|---|
| Ameraucana | Marans | Dark olive green |
| Araucana | Welsummer | Medium olive green |
| Easter Egger | Barnevelder | Light olive green |
According to Get Strong Animals, consistent olive egg production requires breeding true dark brown layers with true blue layers. The darkness of the olive color depends on how dark the brown egg parent’s eggs are.
Why Choose Olive Eggers?
These unique chickens offer several advantages:
- Beautiful, colorful eggs that stand out in your basket
- Hardy constitution that handles various climates
- Friendly personalities suitable for families
- Good egg production with large, nutritious eggs
- Interesting appearances that vary between individuals
As noted by Backyard Chickens members, Olive Eggers often become flock favorites due to their charming personalities and stunning egg colors. While not a standardized breed, their hybrid vigor often results in healthy, productive birds.
Whether you’re looking to expand your egg color palette or add some genetic diversity to your flock, Olive Eggers make an excellent choice for backyard chicken keepers of all experience levels.