In search of the elusive dark orange yolk

[centrarchid]

Feces coloration can enable us to determine how much of the pigment consumed is actually available extracted. One could even play around with extracting for carotenoids from the feces and comparing the values with the amounts found in the feed.

 

[MeepBeep]

On a dry weight basis, what percentage of the diet your chickens eat comes from the dried alfalfa hay products?

That answer is simple, none as I provide a steady daily diet of other fresh greens as well as many other fresh food offerings that I get for free, and I can't do better than free so no need to waste the alfalfa hay on the chickens, the llamas and goats get to enjoy the alfalfa...

My 100ish birds consume from 50-150lbs of dry feed a week (depends on how much other stuff they get) while they get anywhere (guess as I don't weigh it) from about 300-500lbs of fresh produce or more a week...

 

[centrarchid]

If the carotenoids you provide are coming from the vegetables, then on a dry weight basis they are getting anywhere from 60 to 100 lbs dry plant matter assuming a moisture content of 80%. Are they outdated produce from a grocery?

 

[MeepBeep]

Feces coloration can enable us to determine how much of the pigment consumed is actually available extracted. One could even play around with extracting for carotenoids from the feces and comparing the values with the amounts found in the feed.

Xanthophylls are the primary yellow pigments responsible for the yolk color, the fact that the feces is green in color does not equate much less give a quantitative value to the yellow xanthophylls pigments being passed or a lack of xanthophyll uptake...

I would argue that the green color seen in the feces is likely due in large to many, many passed pigments especially in large part to passed chlorophyll or the vast numbers of other pigments found in alfalfa, to suggest a green feces color is a valid measure of xanthophylls uptake is well, silly IMO...

 

[centrarchid]

If cell walls and membranes of the ingested plant materials are not broken down enough to allow breakdown of the chlorophyll, then pigments related to photosynthesis are likely escaping breakdown and uptake as well. It needs to be measured. I might be a be able to run a couple of samples over the break.

 

[mary colozzi]

I planted a large white clover patch next to my chicken run. Supplement that to the chickens til winter. They love it eating the greens every day. then I take my pumpkins and feed that to the chickens til spring. My yolks are always dark. And very large eggs. I have Rhode Island Reds, Sexlinks, and buffingtons.

 

[centrarchid]

Pumpkins are a good pigment source but hard to keep past winter Holidays.

 

[beccaWA]

I'd feed the carotenoid rich foods. I think with the spices, it would be an "artificial" color so to speak. The carotenoids are really good for them, and thus good for you.

 

[tendirtyfingers]

Is it possible to get the dark, rich yolks when the birds are in a run and can't free range? I've been supplementing alfalfa to their diet as well as some kitchen scraps, to no effect. The eggs are indistinguishable from commercial eggs. They are on Purina Flock Raiser until they all start laying. Then I plan to try Layena, since I've heard it might help.

Does anyone have a secret ingredient that helps?
TIA!

my 10girls get an armload of any leafy greens daily. In the spring I gather amaranth or other greens from the alleys. I rinse them in water and they reward me with deep orange yolks. Hope it works for you.

 

[Hholly]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

It's all very helpful.