Ever wondered which chickens lay brown eggs? You’ve come the right place.
Sure, green eggs, blue eggs, and speckled eggs can get all of the attention. But don’t let that sway you from choosing brown egg laying chickens.
When I first got chickens (more than 10 years ago!) I knew I wanted a mix of egg colors. After all, isn’t half the fun of raising chickens having a rainbow of egg colors!?
I quickly realized it could get overwhelming choosing chickens. There are so many different chickens breeds. And I couldn’t quickly figure out which chickens lay brown eggs?
So I decided to break it down for you here and share all about the chickens that lay brown eggs. Plus you’ll learn why eggs are brown (it’s pretty cool!) and get some help choosing the right chickens for your homestead or backyard flock.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. I sure had a lot starting out (and continue to think of more everyday). The best part of this homestead life is doing it together, so leave a comment or shoot me an email if you have a question.
Table of Contents
Unraveling the Brown Egg Phenomenon
A common misconception you might encounter is that brown eggs are inherently healthier or more organic than their white counterparts. This assumption, however, doesn’t true. The color of an egg is determined by the specific breed of the hen and has no bearing on its nutritional value or taste profile.
An egg’s hue is determined by the chicken’s genetic makeup, much like human attributes such as eye and hair color. As an egg forms, it initially starts out as white. If it’s destined to be blue, the color is added early and permeates the entire shell. On the other hand, a brown egg gets its color later in the process, during the cuticle formation. This color doesn’t seep through the shell; hence, the inside of a brown egg remains white. This is the same for blue chicken eggs.
The egg collecting basket from brown egg layers can yield a spectrum of shades, from light tan that borders on pink to deep mahogany, and everything in between. Moreover, the color of the eggs may change over time, even with the same hens. As brown egg layers age, they tend to lay lighter colored eggs, adding another twist to the exciting world of brown eggs.
Which Chickens Lay Brown Eggs?
If you’re looking to start a flock of brown egg layers or add to your existing one, here are some top chicken breeds that are renowned for their brown egg-laying capabilities. Each breed has its unique characteristics, and understanding these can help you select the ones that best match your requirements and preferences.
Australorp
Boasting a record for egg-laying capacity (with one hen having laid 364 eggs in 365 days!) the Australorp breed is a prolific producer of large, brown eggs. Originating from Australia, these chickens have a beautiful black coloration with a green sheen that sparkles in the sunshine. They’re generally gentle and docile, making them a delightful addition to your backyard flock.
Barnevelder
The Barnevelder is a striking bird with an understated elegance. Hailing from Holland, these chickens adapt well to cold and damp conditions, making them a hardy choice for regions with harsh winters. Their large brown eggs and calm demeanor make them a favorite among many poultry keepers.
Brahma
Often hailed as the “King of All Poultry,” the Brahma breed is known for its large size and feathered feet. These chickens are excellent winter layers, ensuring a consistent supply of medium-sized brown eggs even during the lean months.
Buckeye
The Buckeye is a unique breed developed solely by a woman in Ohio. As the only pea-combed breed originating from the United States, these friendly chickens lay medium-sized brown eggs and are renowned for their winter hardiness.
Delaware
Named after the state where it was developed, the Delaware breed is a friendly, dual-purpose bird that can be utilized for both eggs and meat. With large brown eggs and a calm disposition, these chickens make for a wonderful addition to any flock.
Dominique
Recognized as the oldest American breed, the Dominique chicken is known for its black and white barred color pattern. These calm, gentle birds lay medium-sized brown eggs and adapt well to varying weather conditions.
Jersey Giant
As the name suggests, Jersey Giants are one of the largest chicken breeds. These large birds lay large brown eggs and are known for their calm and gentle nature.
Marans
Famous for their dark brown eggs, the darkest of any chicken breed, Marans are highly sought after by individuals looking for a diverse egg basket. These chickens are calm and adapt well to confinement.
New Hampshire
Friendly and calm, New Hampshire chickens are great for families. These good dual-purpose birds mature early and consistently lay large brown eggs.
Orpington
Known as the “Golden Retrievers of the chicken world,” Orpingtons are friendly, easily handled, and perfect for families with children. They lay large brown eggs and have a cold-hardy nature.
Plymouth Rock
Developed in Massachusetts after the Civil War, Plymouth Rocks are popular dual-purpose birds that lay large brown eggs. They are friendly, cold-hardy birds that flourish when free-ranging.
Rhode Island Red
Utility birds that can be used for both eggs and meat, Rhode Island Reds are considered superior for backyard flocks. They lay large to extra large brown eggs and have a docile nature.
Sex Link
While not a true breed, Sex Link chickens are hybrid birds bred for their egg production. These chickens lay large brown eggs and are known for their calm disposition.
Sussex
Sussex chickens are great egg layers and are known for their friendly and curious nature. They lay large brown eggs and are cold-hardy, making them great for colder climates.
Wyandotte
Developed in New York and Wisconsin, Wyandottes are hardy, useful chickens that can grace many backyard flocks across America. They lay large brown eggs and have a calm disposition.
FAQ: Which Chickens Lay Brown Eggs?
Are brown eggs better than white eggs?
According to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service poultry specialist, the color of an egg is mainly determined by the chicken’s genetics. That means the breed of hen will usually indicate what color of egg will be produced.
But appearances aside, all chicken eggs have no major differences in taste or nutritional composition.
What is the best brown egg chicken?
The best brown egg chicken, depends on your needs. But my favorites are the Australorp for high egg production, the Barnevelder for cold-hardiness, and the Rhode Island Red for overall reliability.
Why choose brown eggs over white?
Choosing brown eggs over white is purely a matter of personal preference. There is no nutritional difference between brown eggs and white eggs.
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Needs
When deciding which chickens lay brown eggs best suited for your flock, consider the climate, space availability, and your personal requirements. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or a newbie stepping into the fascinating world of poultry, understanding the characteristics of each breed can help you make an informed decision.
Remember, the taste and nutritional value of an egg are determined by the chicken’s diet and the freshness of the egg, rather than the color of the shell. So, feed your hens a balanced diet for the best results. With the right care and attention, your flock of brown egg layers will reward you with a bountiful supply of tasty, healthy eggs.
Enjoy the journey of exploring the world of chickens that lay brown eggs, and happy farming!
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