Why do some hens lay brown eggs and some white?

The answer is quite simple — egg color depends on the breed of the chicken. For example, White Leghorn chickens lay white-shelled eggs, while Plymouth Rocks and Rhode Island Reds lay brown-shelled eggs ( 1 , 2 ). The different eggshell colors come from pigments the hens produce.

Why are my brown egg layers laying white eggs?

A sudden disturbance to the normal routine may result in a hen retaining the egg within the shell gland area of the oviduct for a longer than normal period. During this time a very thin layer of extra calcium is deposited on the egg, producing a greyish, bleached out look.

What causes chicken eggs to be different colors?

All eggs start out white in color; those that are laid in shades other than white have pigments deposited on them as the eggs travel through the hen’s oviduct. Chickens that lay brown tinted eggs deposit the pigment protoporphyrin on the eggs late in the process of forming the shell.

Why are some hens eggs white?

White eggs: all eggshells are made of calcium carbonate and the white ones have no pigment added. Brown eggs: caused by protoporphyrin IX, from the hen’s haemoglobin, and is coated on the outside of the egg as it moves through the oviduct.

What kind of chickens lay different colored eggs?

Flock Management : Egg Production Chickens that lay colored eggs include Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red, Welsummer, Maran and Easter Egger hens.

Why do chickens lay different colored eggs?

What is the difference between brown and white eggs?

The difference is all about the chicken. White eggs are laid by chickens with white feathers and white ear lobes, while brown eggs are laid by red-feathered chickens with red ear lobes. Chickens with red feathers are larger in body size and require more feed which is why brown eggs are more expensive on store shelves.