Dark Egg Breeds Thread

[silkieloverz123]

I agree with Drom, the genetics is probably the only thing that effects the pigment of the egg. I would like to know though, is 'spotted' brown eggs common? Would it be genetics too, or just something to do with they're health or feed?

-SilkieLoverz123

 

[Arielle]

Hi Silkie,

I'm thinking food doesn't play a part but . . . . I see so many things where food is very important that I could be way off. In general, quality food makes for a really healthy body, chicken and human. HOw the body uses it, is basic health. I see egg coloring as a fucntion of genetic coding.


I have a hen that produces a soft olive green shade over the entire egg, then speckles it with splashed of red-brown paint. Always looks exactly the same. I know her egg; no other egg like it. Wish I could have more hens producing that coloring, but since all the hens get the same feed and live in the same yard-- me thinks genetics is the difference.

I hope others will chime in with their thoughts.

 

[silkieloverz123]

Thnx Arielle! I also think its genetics but BYCers are so smart with this stuff that i knew i would get the excact spot on answer here! Can you post pics of the egg and the chicken that produces it, the olive with speckled egg you referred above^^^^? Thnx!




-SilkieLoverz123

 

[Arielle]

Thnx Arielle! I also think its genetics but BYCers are so smart with this stuff that i knew i would get the excact spot on answer here! Can you post pics of the egg and the chicken that produces it, the olive with speckled egg you referred above^^^^? Thnx!




-SilkieLoverz123

Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't know which girl leaves the beautiful gift. ANd since the change over, I don't know how to post photos anymore. Sorry.

 

[silkieloverz123]

The change over? Whats that? Anyways i might be able to tell you how to upload pics!


-SilkieLoverz123

 

[efran0422]

Where did you buy your marans that lay the dark eggs?Do you sell chicks?Thanks a bunch.Eva

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Hi Silkie,

I'm thinking food doesn't play a part but . . . . I see so many things where food is very important that I could be way off. In general, quality food makes for a really healthy body, chicken and human. HOw the body uses it, is basic health. I see egg coloring as a fucntion of genetic coding.


I have a hen that produces a soft olive green shade over the entire egg, then speckles it with splashed of red-brown paint. Always looks exactly the same. I know her egg; no other egg like it. Wish I could have more hens producing that coloring, but since all the hens get the same feed and live in the same yard-- me thinks genetics is the difference.

I hope others will chime in with their thoughts.

Genetics determine the egg color but egg color requires certain chemicals to be imbedded in the egg. If nutrition isn't optimal, it will affect how much of those chemicals are available so food can affect the intensity and hue.

You can't build a house without bricks, mortar and wood. By the same token you can't build a body without protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

 

[Arielle]

The change over? Whats that? Anyways i might be able to tell you how to upload pics!


-SilkieLoverz123

hi silkie-- BYC upgraded its format in spring 2012, so a few things changed. I'm not techinically savvy- but I'm teachable!!

 

[Arielle]

Where did you buy your marans that lay the dark eggs?Do you sell chicks?Thanks a bunch.Eva

Hi efran-- WELCOME TO BYC!!!!

I'm not sure who you are directing your post to so I'll take a stab at it.

I bought 10 chicks, in the summer, from a BYCer in the auction section. THen read the marans threads, as I wanted marans, and learned who people are that might sell me some eggs. I contacted a few and was able to purchase about 28 eggs. Only a few hatched as I didn't completely understnad that marna eggs are different and need special handling to increase the hatch rate on shipped eggs. From there I raised up pullets and cockrels and have been hatching my own.

If you google the breed you should be able to find a number of breeders that use theirown web sites to promote their sales, and are harder to find here on BYC. Bev Davis is here, but I have only seen a few posts.

Does this help? Marans are not the only dark egg layers.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

...

If you google the breed you should be able to find a number of breeders that use theirown web sites to promote their sales, and are harder to find here on BYC. Bev Davis is here, but I have only seen a few posts.

Does this help? Marans are not the only dark egg layers.

The Feathersite's list of breeds usually lists the breed clubs and some breeders.

Marans, Penedesenca, Empordanesa, Welsummer, Barnevelder and some Langshans lay dark eggs.