Have you ever wondered what types of chickens lay brown eggs? From size and price to nutritional value and other colors of eggs that chickens lay, you can find out all you need to know about brown eggs and the breeds of chickens that lay them.
In this article, we’ll discuss the two types of chickens that lay brown eggs, the size differences between breeds, the nutritional value of brown eggs, the cost, the other colors of eggs that chickens lay, the benefits of feeding chickens brown eggs, and finally, tips for choosing the right breed of chicken.
Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Most backyard chickens lay brown eggs, though some breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Marans, and Barred Plymouth Rocks are especially known for their dark brown shells.
White and blue eggs tend to come from white or blue breeds, such as the Leghorn or Araucana.
Some breeds lay unique varieties of eggs, such as the Easter Egger, which lays green, pink, blue, or even olive-colored eggs.
Types of Chickens That Lay Brown Eggs
When it comes to identifying which types of chickens lay brown eggs, there are several breeds to choose from.
The most common breeds include the Rhode Island Red, Marans, and Welsummers.
These breeds are typically larger in size than other chickens and are known for their robust flavor and nutritious eggs.
The brown eggs laid by these breeds contain higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids than white eggs, making them a healthier option for those looking to get the most out of their eggs.
Additionally, brown eggs are slightly more expensive than white eggs due to the increased cost of feed and the larger size of the chickens.
Rhode Island Reds are a popular dual purpose breed, meaning they are great for both egg and meat production.
They are known for their hardiness and resistance to disease, making them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers.
Marans chickens are French heritage birds that lay deep brown eggs with a slight copper tint.
They are an excellent addition to any flock due to their unique coloring and tasty eggs.
Lastly, Welsummers are a Dutch breed that produces light brown eggs with a speckled pattern.
This breed is known for its hardiness and ability to produce eggs year-round.
It is important to note that some chickens do not lay brown eggs, such as Leghorns, Australorps, and Orpingtons.
Additionally, some breeds, like the Ameraucana, lay blue or green eggs.
So, when it comes to choosing a breed for egg production, be sure to do your research to find the right breed for your needs.
Size Differences Between Breeds That Lay Brown Eggs
When it comes to the breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs, they are generally larger than other chickens.
This is why brown eggs are often slightly more expensive than white eggs; it takes more feed for the larger chickens to produce the eggs.
This means that the cost of the feed is added to the price of the eggs, making them slightly more expensive than white eggs.
The breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs also tend to have higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids than those that lay white eggs.
This makes the brown eggs more nutritious than white eggs, giving them an added value.
Another difference between the breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs and those that lay white eggs is the size of the eggs.
Brown eggs tend to be larger than white eggs, as the larger chickens lay larger eggs.
This means that if you are looking for a larger egg, a brown egg may be the way to go.
Finally, the breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs are typically more docile than those that lay white eggs.
This makes them easier to handle and more suitable for backyard flocks or pet chickens.
They are also known to be quieter than other breeds, making them a great choice for suburban and urban settings.
Overall, the breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs have several distinct characteristics that make them unique.
They are larger than other chickens, their eggs are more nutritious, they are quieter, and their eggs are larger than white eggs.
These qualities make them a great choice for those looking for a higher quality egg.
Nutritional Value of Brown Eggs
When it comes to the nutritional value of brown eggs, they are generally higher in Omega-3 fatty acids than their white counterparts.
This is due to the fact that the chickens that lay these eggs have a higher intake of Omega-3s in their feed.
These fatty acids are important for the health of our bodies, as they help to reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Brown eggs are also higher in vitamins A and E, which are important for eye health and for boosting the immune system.
They also contain more zinc and iron than white eggs.
All of these nutrients help to make brown eggs a healthier option than white eggs.
Cost of Brown Eggs
When it comes to the cost of brown eggs, there are a few factors to consider.
First, brown eggs tend to be larger than white eggs, so they require more feed to produce.
This means that farmers need to spend more money to raise the chickens that produce brown eggs, and this cost is passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
Additionally, brown eggs are often seen as being more nutritious than white eggs, so some consumers are willing to pay a premium for them.
The exact cost of brown eggs will vary depending on the breed of chicken, as some breeds are more expensive to feed than others.
Generally, however, brown eggs cost more than white eggs due to the larger size of the chickens and the cost of feed associated with them.
In some cases, the cost difference may be as much as 10-15 cents per dozen, so its important to factor this into your budget when shopping for eggs.
Finally, its important to note that the cost of brown eggs can also vary depending on where you buy them.
Grocery stores often charge a premium for brown eggs, while farmers markets tend to have lower prices.
Its worth shopping around to find the best deal if youre looking to save some money.
Other Colors of Eggs That Chickens Lay
Not all chicken eggs are white or brown.
Chickens can actually lay eggs of a variety of colors, from blue to green and even pink.
The most common colors are white and brown, but there are also other less common colors depending on the breed of chicken.
The blue eggs are laid by the Araucana breed of chicken, which is native to South America.
These chickens are small and have a unique tufted crest of feathers on their head.
The eggs they lay have a blue-green shell, and are known for being exceptionally nutritious.
Another breed that lays eggs of unique colors is the Marans chicken, which is native to France.
These chickens lay eggs with dark brown shells, and are known for being particularly flavorful.
Lastly, the Welsummer chicken is a breed that is native to the Netherlands and lays eggs in shades of red, brown, and pink.
These eggs are known for having a particularly rich flavor and are often sought after by gourmet chefs.
So, while the most common colors of chicken eggs are white and brown, there are also other less common colors depending on the breed of chicken.
Whether you’re looking for a unique egg to add to your breakfast plate or a flavorful egg to use in your cooking, you can find it from the variety of chickens that lay eggs of varying colors.
Benefits of Feeding Chickens Brown Eggs
When it comes to feeding your chickens, brown eggs can provide your feathered friends with several health benefits.
For starters, brown eggs tend to be more nutritious than white eggs due to the higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and are essential for maintaining a bird’s overall health.
In addition, brown eggs also contain higher levels of Vitamin A, which helps to promote strong bones and healthy feathers.
Another benefit of feeding chickens brown eggs is that they typically contain more protein than white eggs.
Protein is essential for the growth and development of a chicken’s muscles and organs, and it can also help to support a bird’s immune system.
Furthermore, the larger size of brown eggs means that they can provide a more substantial meal for chickens, as they contain more food per egg.
This can be beneficial for larger breeds of chickens, as they require more food to remain healthy.
Finally, since brown eggs are more expensive than white eggs, you can rest assured that you’re getting a higher quality product.
The cost of feed for these larger chickens is typically higher, and the eggs they produce are of a superior quality.
With brown eggs, you can be sure that you’re providing your chickens with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and strong.
Tips for Choosing the Right Breed of Chicken
When it comes to choosing the right breed of chicken to lay brown eggs, there are a few things to consider.
First, consider the size of the breed youre interested in.
Generally, the larger the breed, the larger the eggs they produce, which can mean a more expensive egg.
Rhode Island Reds, Marans, and Welsummers are all larger breeds that are known for producing larger, more nutritious brown eggs.
Another factor to consider is the cost of feed.
As larger breeds tend to eat more, the cost of feed can be higher than for smaller breeds.
However, if you are looking for the most nutrient-rich eggs, then it may be worth the extra expense.
Finally, consider the climate in which you will be keeping the chickens.
If you live in a colder climate, then you will need a breed of chicken that is more tolerant of the cold.
For example, Marans are a cold-tolerant breed that can still produce brown eggs in colder temperatures.
In conclusion, when selecting the right breed of chicken to lay brown eggs, consider the size, cost of feed, and climate.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can choose the right breed of chicken to produce the most nutritious and delicious brown eggs.
Final Thoughts
What chickens lay brown eggs? Now you know! Breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Marans, and Welsummers are the main chickens that lay brown eggs, which are more nutritious and slightly more expensive than white eggs due to their larger size and feed cost.
With the knowledge of the types of chickens, size, nutrition, and cost of brown eggs, you can now make an informed decision about which breed of chicken is best for you and your family.
Be sure to research what other colors of eggs chickens lay and the benefits of feeding them brown eggs before making your choice!