Science project results of feeding hens pepper to change the yolk color (see picture)

[richards5]

I thought you folks would find this interesting. My son fed our hens a mix of layer pellets and mashed red peppers and annatto seeds. It was surprising and neat to see the ring that formed on the outside of the yolks. Interestingly, the kids said they liked the taste of the control eggs better!

 

[Cyprus]

How very neat! Where did you buy the Annato seeds?
I've tried Paprika and after about 6 days the yolks very quickly started to darken to a very deep orange. Somewhere, I have a picture

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Thanks for posting.
You may get the same results from any food high in carotenoids. Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, etc..

 

[WhoDatChick]

That’s neat! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Conan]

View attachment 1657060
I thought you folks would find this interesting. My son fed our hens a mix of layer pellets and mashed red peppers and annatto seeds. It was surprising and neat to see the ring that formed on the outside of the yolks. Interestingly, the kids said they liked the taste of the control eggs better!

Neat! I've heard many folks discuss the addition of pepper, paprika, and annatto seed powder to make the yolks darker. Really cool seeing a day by day color change.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The day you start feeding differently, one egg is already in the shell gland or approaching it. The next yolk or two are already fully formed or nearly so and won't be affected by food.
I would assume using the same time frame would be necessary if one is supplementing for better hatchability for collecting eggs.

 

[richards5]

How very neat! Where did you buy the Annato seeds?
I've tried Paprika and after about 6 days the yolks very quickly started to darken to a very deep orange. Somewhere, I have a picture

I got the Annatto seeds at a local mexican grocery store, Rancho Market

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Great experiment! Thanks for sharing!

 

[drumstick diva]

interesting - now I have a taste for egg salad

 

[N F C]

Cool experiment!

Did your son feed the annatto seed whole or crush it into a powder?