Why are some eggs yolks darker and the shell harder?

[gallinamama]

I was noticing that my neighbors chickens are laying eggs that have darker, almost orange yolks. why is this? Is it because they feed the chickens more corn? Also, what makes the shell harder? More Calcium? I have started feeding my chickens more corn but no results as of yet.

 

[OwensMom]

Here is my experience. Corn and marigold flowers produce more yellow yolks. Crushed red pepper flakes gives a red coloring to the yolks. The feed certainly colors the yolk. An calcium in any form adds strenght to the shells. I use homemade yogurt, cottage cheese and oyster shell to increase calcium. Enjoy, Lynn

 

[gallinamama]

Quote:
Thank you so much!!

 

[OwensMom]

No problem. keep reading these threads and you will be surprised what you will learn.