Pros - -unique appearance with diverse feather coloration -lays colored eggs -comical -overall docile, easy-going nature - wide gene pool with very little health problems
Cons - -inherent crook beak est. 1 in every 100 chicks. -personalities and egg production may vary drastically, due to wide gene pool
OVERALL: The easter egg chicken is a great beginner fowl-bird, with very few health problems, and an overall easy-going nature. They have beards, they lay colored eggs, and are relatively docile. what's not to love? TEMPERAMENT: the hens are usually easy-going and docile. They have a tendency to be quite comical and inquisitive in nature. Be careful, though. that curiosity can get them into some strange places. Because of their wide genetics, expect the individual personality to vary from bird to bird. some may be outgoing and brave, others shy and flighty. The personality of the roosters are very unpredictable. Some will be docile, others will be aggressive. Typically, they stick to their environment and heavily enjoy the safety & company of their own flock. While they CAN fly, they rarely are the "leader of escapes." However, it's not beyond them to be the first to follow another chicken who's already hopped the fence. They have the ability to become broody, therefore usually will tolerate new generations better than a breed that rarely (or never) goes broody. They are agile and quick, making them suitable for free-range. HEALTH: Due to their wide genetics, one rarely comes across any severe health issue with easter egg chickens. They have good joints, hearts, & lungs. They live long lives & are naturally robust, fairly muscular, strong-boned chickens. The most common health concern is a non-lethal genetic trait called Cross-beak. ( Cross-beak is where the upper jaw grows crooked or malformed, causing the upper and lower jaw to fail to align properly. Most cases will worsen with age. the most severe cases leave the upper jaw useless, therefore forcing the chicken to scoop up food with their lower jaw and tongue. severe crook-beaks require extra care, a "mushy" food or food propped up at head-height, to accommodate feeding. ) this deformity is estimated 1 in every 100 chicks, but is usually present far less than in ameraucanas. APPEARANCE: A unique bird with unique, endless feather patterns & coloration, to match their relatively endless egg colors. They have both beards and tufts. Looking at one head-on, it appears to walk around with a permanent smile. EGG PRODUCTION: This varies depending the line you get, and on what your breeder or hatchery breeds for. Some places will breed for high egg production, others will focus more on appearance. They can lay green, blue, or even pinkish-brown eggs. AS USED FOR MEAT: this bird is also used for meat, due to a moderately fast growth rate & an insatiable taste resembling quail. The bird is not a heavy-weight, but by far isn't the smallest, either. To my best of knowledge, they are considered standards. GENETIC HISTORY: The easter egger's genetics stem from many breeds, with a large history linked to ameraucanas. They are also related to araucanas. However, many people will tell you quite frankly, that's not the only two in the genepool. in fact, most say it's so diverse they don't know for sure all the breeds that were used create the easter egger, therefore leaving the rest a mystery. Because they are not recognized as an actual "breed," It took many years to convince anyone that the easter egg chicken was worthy for show. That being said, the easter egg chicken could be considered one of the most beautiful "Mutt" creations. Today, they are accepted in show as misc., but remain widely known as not belonging to any certain breed, and rather are named cross-breeds, or mixed breed, etc. PRICE: most places will sell easter eggers for a very affordable fraction of the other colored egg layers. they are usually the cheapest colored egg layer available on market.
Easter Eggers are great chickens. People should get themselves Easter Eggers if they want a chicken. They have pretty eggs, ranging from pink to blue to olive green. They only lay one color in their life though, but it is different from the normal brown or white egg. You can't forget their puffy cheeks though, they always look like they have a bubble in their mouth.
I had one EE previously that was a good layer and nice hen, but not overly friendly (she came from Cackle). I have 3 this time around (from Meyer) and they are my most friendly and social hens. They are all different colors and I love the variation.
Pros - Great egg production, can be very sweet and friendly, super cute, even roosters can be friendly!
I've had 3 EEs in my lifetime. 2 I owned as a young teen and both were roosters. It could be because we kept them separate from the hens (we accidentally bought roosters), but they were both incredibly sweet. We had a turkey poult given to us - mistaken for a chick - and one of our EE cockerels at a young age was the only one to mother this poult. The other EE roo loved to be around humans. He was such a friendly little guy! I miss them both soooo much. I currently own one EE hen. She's not as sociable as our roosters were, but she definitely lays more eggs! She started laying long after we planned, but she started with a bang! Loads of greenish-blue eggs popping out right and left. They're also a really decent size! She lays almost daily, too. Every day we are greeted by a lovely, decently sized, blue-green egg in our nest. They're also such a beautiful "breed". They come in literally any color! And their beards can get so big. It makes them look rather funny, but very adorable! The sad thing, though, is that it is common for their beards to go mysteriously missing in the winter. Our EE hen has already lost hers, and is struggling to grow it back. Crossing my fingers and toes that it does! Before After Overall, though, I would definitely recommend Easter Eggers. If socialized appropriately, they can be very loving and sweet, and their eggs are just amazing. Too fun! Highly recommend for those looking for either a pet and/or a good egg layer! You just need a little patience if you're looking for eggs. It is rewarding in the end.
Farm stores usually sell "Ameraucanas" but really they're Easter Eggers. And I'm not complaining! Easter Eggers are a mixed breed so they come in such a variety of colors and patterns and have such sweet and funny personalities. My EE's lay mint green eggs everyday and sit on my lap for cuddles. One even wanders through my house looking for treats. They are a perfect family chicken especially for kids! Just got 2 more cause I love em so much.
I love my sweet easter egger! After she started laying, she became very friendly and is one of the best layers in the coop. She almost lasted all winter laying! (Live in desert) Everyone needs an easter egger in there flock
I love getting Easter eggers. When they are chicks, you never know what you're gonna get. Their coloring changes so much over the duration of feathering. I love having blue eggs in my carton. They can sometimes be the class clown in a flock! Super friendly!
