Why are some eggshells different colors?

The different eggshell colors come from pigments the hens produce. The main pigment in brown eggshells is called protoporphyrin IX. It’s made from heme, the compound that gives blood its red color ( 4 ). The main pigment found in blue eggshells is called biliverdin, which also comes from heme.

Why are some eggshells white and others brown?

The eggshell colour depends on the breed of the hen. Generally speaking, white shell eggs come from hens with white feathers, while brown shell eggs are produced by hens with brown feathers. Nutritionally, both brown and white eggs are identical unless the feed has been enhanced for speciality eggs such as Omega-3.

What determines the colour of a chicken eggshell?

What is the difference? The breed of the chicken determines eggshell color. The color of a hen’s ear area is the color indicator, with a white or light spot meaning white eggs. Usually, white hens lay white eggs, and brown hens lay brown eggs.

Can a chickens egg shell change color?

A hen will not change eggshell colors throughout her life; although, toward the beginning of a laying cycle the hue may be darker than towards the end of the cycle. Some chicken keepers discover even more unique egg colors, like deep pink, dark green or speckled, by crossing different breeds.

Why are farm fresh eggs different colors?

They get their color from the hen’s genetics as the egg forms.” Archer said, more often than not, chickens with lighter earlobes also have white feathers and produce white eggs. Those with colored feathers and darker earlobes will likely produce colored eggs.

Which is better white or brown eggs?

Are Brown Eggs Better than White Eggs? The color of an egg is not an indicator of quality. When it comes to taste and nutrition, there is no difference between white and brown eggs. Despite the fact that they’re often more expensive, brown eggs aren’t any better for you than white eggs, and vice versa.

Why are some chicken eggs different colors?

According to Michigan State University Extension, egg color is determined by the genetics of the hens. The breed of the hen will indicate what color eggs she will produce. For example, Leghorn chickens lay white eggs while Orpington’s lay brown eggs and Ameraucana produce blue eggs.

Why is my egg shell red?

“The brown colour is from a pigment that is laid down on the egg, it’s called protoporphyrin IX, which is like the haem group in haemoglobin in your blood. “But the haemoglobin in your blood has iron in it which is why you get the red colour; on the eggshell there’s no iron which is why you get the brown colour.”

What affects egg shell color?

Breed, age and stress levels affect the tone and the depth of color. For example, a young hen might lay darker eggs than a more mature hen. Some breeds lay light-colored eggs that might look pink or rosy, while others develop eggs as dark as chocolate.

What is egg drop syndrome in chickens?

Egg drop syndrome ’76 (EDS ’76) is an atadenovirus-induced disease characterized by the production of pale, soft-shelled, and shell-less eggs by apparently healthy laying hens.

What color should farm fresh eggs be?

Some really beautifully-colored eggs can be found at your farmers’ market. The shells range in colors from the usual white, to shades of cream, tan and brown, to light and dark turquoise. A chicken’s genes determine their egg shell color. You can tell what color of egg they will lay by looking at their earlobes.

What determines the colour of a hen’s egg shell?

From deep brown to bright white, and even shades of blue, organic hen’s eggs come in all colours and shades. But what is it that determines the colour of an egg shell? We asked Sara Ward, founder of Hen Corner to explain. It turns out that you can tell what colour egg a chicken will lay by taking a close look at their earlobes.

Why are eggshells different colors?

A jumbo egg, for instance, is going to have more calories and protein than a small one. Eggshell color is also unrelated to your egg yolk’s appearance or taste. Diet plays the most significant influence. In fact, a farmer in Santa Fe, Arizona that fed his flock leftover red chiles saw their yolks transition into a sunset-red color.

What is the shell of an egg made of?

An eggshell is made of calcium carbonate, which comes mostly from a hen’s bones. Calcium carbonate makes up nine to 12 percent of an egg’s total weight. The shell has seven to 17,000 tiny pores that allow air and moisture to move through. The outermost layer, called the bloom or cuticle,…

What colour do eggs come in?

Having a wide and wonderful variety of chickens in Britain means that we get to enjoy an equally varied selection of eggs. From deep brown to bright white, and even shades of blue, organic hen’s eggs come in all colours and shades. But what is it that determines the colour of an egg shell?