Do Brown Chicken Eggs Come from Brown Chickens?

There is a common misconception that the color of a chicken's feathers correlates with the color of the eggs it lays. However, eggshell color is primarily determined by the breed of the chicken, not its feather color. This article will explore the genetics behind eggshell color and provide examples of various chicken breeds that lay eggs of different colors.

The Genetics Behind Eggshell Color

The color of the eggshell is influenced by genetic factors specific to certain breeds. While some breeds may match the color of the eggshells they produce, this is not a rule. For example, the Brown Leghorn is a breed that produces white eggs, despite its brown feathers. On the other hand, the Rhode Island Red is a breed that lays brown eggs, as is the Plymouth Rock.

Examples of Breeds Producing Brown Eggs

Several chicken breeds lay brown eggs, and not all of them have brown feathers. Here are a few examples:

Rhode Island Red: As previously mentioned, this breed is known for its rich, dark brown eggs and brownish-black feathers. Plymouth Rock: This breed also produces brown eggs, often with a darker tint compared to Rhode Island Reds. They can have a variety of feather colors, including tan, buff, and black.

These examples demonstrate that eggshell color is not dependent on the chicken's feather color but rather on the breed's genetic makeup.

Diverse Breeds Laying Brown Eggs

Even within a single small backyard flock, you can have a variety of chicken breeds that lay brown eggs. In my own backyard flock, I have a variety of breeds, each contributing to the diversity of eggshells:

Rhode Island Red Golden Egg_layer (a golden chicken breed) White Rock (a breed known for its white feathers but brown eggs) Plymouth Barred Rock (a black feathered breed that produces brown eggs) Mixed Breeds (a black chicken and a couple of salmon/white hens)

This variety can be seen in the photo below, which showcases a selection of different chicken breeds, each laying brown eggs. However, when these eggs are cracked open, they all look the same, underlining the fact that eggshell color is not an indicator of the egg's contents.

Additional Examples of Chicken Eggs

Furthermore, there are other chicken breeds that lay brown eggs, as mentioned in the following examples:

Cream Legbar: This breed is known for its beautiful blue-green eggs, despite its brown and black feathers. White Delaware: This breed, which can have a predominantly white appearance, also produces brown eggs.

It is important to note that the color of a hen's feathers does not determine the color of her eggs. The genetic traits passed down through the generations dictate the shell color, and this is consistently observed across various chicken breeds.