any way to tell which eggs coming from which hen?

[kearly2015]

Is there any way to determine which eggs are coming from which hens? We have 3 hens. We are getting 2-3 eggs most days of the week. We get a mix of large-medium size brown eggs, and small pale/light brown eggs. I have included a photo of the eggs below.

We have 1 plymouth rock hen, and 2 brown hens. We were told the brown hens were "cinnamon queens" but I have no idea if the farmer really knew for certain. The girls were all around 8-10 weeks old when we adopted them. They have been laying eggs since end of July. Here is a photo from when we first got them. (we have since lost one Plymouth to a predator). Thanks for any clues you can offer to this curious new chicken-parent.


Here is a more recent photo:

 

[Alexandra33]

Well, I'll be honest that the smaller, lighter ones look like Barred Rock eggs to me. Both my BR hens lay very light pinkish-brown eggs. So far my Buff Orpington, Black Australorp, Welsummer, White Rock, Partridge Rock, 2 of the Easter Eggers and both of my Barred Rocks are laying, and I'm lucky enough to be able to discern each layer.

-Alexandra33

 

[donrae]

I'd agree the smaller pale eggs are from the Rock. Her eggs will get bigger as she matures, but the color will stay the same.

My red sex links (what your red hens are) pretty much always gave me eggs so big I couldn't close the carton!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

You could get real investigative and put a few drops of food coloring in their vents. Use a different color for each hen. When they lay their eggs, they'll come out streaked with dye, the color depending on which hen laid it

 

[ChiquitaRoja]

It's a word problem! Let's say each hen lays approximately 1/3 of the egg crop. Out of 12 eggs, three are different. If you only have one Plymouth rock, I would say the three smaller lighter eggs are probably hers.

 

[junebuggena]

No way to tell just by looking. I have 6 barred Rocks.

These are some of their eggs. Some lay creamy brown, some lay pinkish, some lay a dark tan.

 

[kearly2015]

Well thanks everyone. We have now confirmed, by patient observation

, that the small pale eggs are hers (the barred rock). We now just need to figure out how to get her shells to be stronger. The eggs she produces are not only small and pale in color, but also very fragile-shelled. All 3 eat the same diet (organic pellets + free ranging with compost access). The other two darker and larger brown egg types are always very strong shells.

 

[junebuggena]

The Barred Rock's eggs will get bigger over the next few months. The shell quality might improve with maturity and time, as well. Your red sexlinks' eggs will probably always be bigger than the barred Rock's eggs, though.

 

[aart]

Well thanks everyone. We have now confirmed, by patient observation

, that the small pale eggs are hers (the barred rock). We now just need to figure out how to get her shells to be stronger. The eggs she produces are not only small and pale in color, but also very fragile-shelled. All 3 eat the same diet (organic pellets + free ranging with compost access). The other two darker and larger brown egg types are always very strong shells.

She may just not have great plumbing.....or may not process nutrients as efficiently.
What is the protein level of the pellets?
Do you also have oyster shell available free choice in a separate container?