What Eggzactly is going on here?

[Dhkoenig]

Hi All! I have 4 adult hens and one pullet who is about 27-28 weeks old. The pullet is an Easter Egger. My two buffs lay brown eggs that do seem to vary the tiniest bit from day to day, maybe a bit more of a yellowy tan one day and maybe a bit pinker-tan the next and maybe a bit more orange-leaning tan another. But very slight variations. My two leghorns lay white ones. Today one of the brown eggs looks decidedly more of a pink-tan shade. I don't THINK my Easter egger has laid yet but has she?? Could one of the tan eggs be hers? I haven't seen her nest, tho I am only down there a few times a day and I have seen her walk into the nesting box looking around but always quickly comes back out. She is tied for lowest on pecking order with a leghorn but nobody is substantially bullying her. I guess three questions 1) Can and Easter Egger lay brownish eggs? 2) is 27/28 weeks not laying problematic? and 3) do most people's hens eggs vary slightly in shade (besides the white eggs obviously) from day to day? Thanks so much!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I guess three questions 1) Can and Easter Egger lay brownish eggs? 2) is 27/28 weeks not laying problematic? and 3) do most people's hens eggs vary slightly in shade (besides the white eggs obviously) from day to day? T

1) yes they can and it's common.

2) Not for the pullet but it's frustrating to me. Fortunately, her body is still growing so when she does start laying it will already be a slightly larger egg. She may even also end up laying longer or later in life, as they hatch will all of the ovum already on board that they ever will lay.

3) completely normal and expected regardless. The egg laid after a day or longer break will be darkest for said hen. Eggs laid near the end of the cycle or season will be lightest.

One of the clues will be if it's similar shaped to those you've already been collecting. That looks a significantly different color. On it's own, maybe brownish. But next to others, I can see the pink you describe!

I always hope for blueish eggs from EE. I got a pinkish egg from a buff Cochin, named Princess Peach.

Lovely eggs!

 

[RubelliteRose]

One of my EEs lays an egg just like your pinkish tan egg. I'm not even sure how old Torchic was when she started laying because her eggs are almost the exact same color as my Dominique eggs, but I was waiting for another green or blue egg

 

[Dhkoenig]

1) yes they can and it's common.

2) Not for the pullet but it's frustrating to me. Fortunately, her body is still growing so when she does start laying it will already be a slightly larger egg. She may even also end up laying longer or later in life, as they hatch will all of the ovum already on board that they ever will lay.

3) completely normal and expected regardless. The egg laid after a day or longer break will be darkest for said hen. Eggs laid near the end of the cycle or season will be lightest.

One of the clues will be if it's similar shaped to those you've already been collecting. That looks a significantly different color. On it's own, maybe brownish. But next to others, I can see the pink you describe!

I always hope for blueish eggs from EE. I got a pinkish egg from a buff Cochin, named Princess Peach.

Lovely eggs!

 

[Dhkoenig]

This is the most awesome reply! You gave me such interesting and helpful answers. I really appreciate it!

 

[SueT]

I think that some of my hen‘s egg colors vary. I know one for sure...my 6 yr old S Sussex who lays elongated eggs, and is the only hen using nest box #3. Her eggs vary from tan to almost white. From day to day.

 

[Dhkoenig]

I think that some of my hen‘s egg colors vary. I know one for sure...my 6 yr old S Sussex who lays elongated eggs, and is the only hen using nest box #3. Her eggs vary from tan to almost white. From day to day.

I love that she only lays in nest box #3. Too cute how they have their little niches. All of mine use nest box 1 or nest box 5 but they all want to use the same one on any given day.

 

[SueT]

I love that she only lays in nest box #3. Too cute how they have their little niches. All of mine use nest box 1 or nest box 5 but they all want to use the same one on any given day.

The pink box is #3. They would rather double up or wait in line than use the pink box, all except Speckles, the Sussex.

 

[PopoMyers]

View attachment 3036194
The pink box is #3. They would rather double up or wait in line than use the pink box, all except Speckles, the Sussex.

So funny, they are. I have 5 nest boxes in a row. They used to love #5, occasionally will use 2 & 4, and have now switched to #1. Who knows what goes through their little minds? They have never used #3, the middle one facing and opposite the coop opening.