Who has the blue-est eggs?

[enola]

Michael, where did the idea come from that EE lay gold eggs?

 

[dheltzel]

There are often slight variations in egg color between hens, and breeding strictly for very blue eggs often involves compromises with size and production. I think that's why most people find a lighter shade acceptable, even if not preferable.

I get beautiful sky blue eggs from our Super Blue Egg Layers (Ameracauna crossed with white leghorns). They are big and the hens lay almost every day, even in this brutally cold weather. We get darker eggs from the true Ameracaunas and the Legbars, but definitely not as many or as large. I'm not getting rid of any of them, and their chicks all sell well locally, but I sell the most hybrids because people end up cracking and eating the eggs in the end, so productivity is #1.

I've heard that the Wheaten color of the true Ameracaunas lay the bluest eggs. No personal experience with them yet, but you may want to look in that direction.

 

[Michael OShay]

Michael, where did the idea come from that EE lay gold eggs?

Some hatcheries refer to a certain shade of EE egg that is neither quite green or beige as a pale "gold" egg. I personally think the term "gold" is stretching it, but they do sort of have a golden color to them. Over the years, I have only had very few EEs lay an egg this color. They look like the egg in the pic below. I guess each EE owner can decide for themselves whether or not they think gold is a fitting term for it. How would you label it?

 

[Kev]

There is no standard for them yet.

Huh okay, I got that off:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ing-group-standard-of-perfection#post_9729414

it claims a standard. part re: egg color:

Quote:

 

[enola]

Huh okay, I got that off:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ing-group-standard-of-perfection#post_9729414

it claims a standard.   part re: egg color:

That is wording from the british standard. The people who are working on the proposed standard in the USA have said they would like to word the standard to include blue and shades of bluish green. They don't want to include olive.

 

[ChickInDelight]

Thanks everyone!

I am really looking for specific hatcheries where I can order chicks.

So far, my best idea is from the Ameracauna site, ABC, that lists breeders. I would love to have some Blue Wheaton Aeracaunas to add to my flock!

I don't care how light or dark the blue is. I just want that colorful basket!

(I am also planning to add some Marans for dark brown eggs. I would not mind some speckled eggs too. If anyone has some great colors and a source to buy chicks, please, let me know.)

 

[ChickInDelight]

Have you looked at cackle hatchery?

I just looked at Cackle and did not see any blue egg layers.

 

[ChickInDelight]

There are often slight variations in egg color between hens, and breeding strictly for very blue eggs often involves compromises with size and production. I think that's why most people find a lighter shade acceptable, even if not preferable.

I get beautiful sky blue eggs from our Super Blue Egg Layers (Ameracauna crossed with white leghorns). They are big and the hens lay almost every day, even in this brutally cold weather. We get darker eggs from the true Ameracaunas and the Legbars, but definitely not as many or as large. I'm not getting rid of any of them, and their chicks all sell well locally, but I sell the most hybrids because people end up cracking and eating the eggs in the end, so productivity is #1.

I've heard that the Wheaten color of the true Ameracaunas lay the bluest eggs. No personal experience with them yet, but you may want to look in that direction.

My rooster is a Black Ameracuana, and I have 3 Leghorn ladies. Perhaps I can breed my own. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Michael OShay]

I just looked at Cackle and did not see any blue egg layers.

The only major hatchery that sells blue egg layers is Meyer Hatchery. They breed Blue Ameraucanas. Otherwise you'll have to get your blue egg layers from a breeder or smaller, specialized hatchery.

 

[Kev]

Correct, really seriously not a good idea to order from hatchery if you want high quality.. like your expectation of getting blue eggs and Marans dark eggs.. You will be constantly disappointed if expectations are high. Best to hunt down private breeders with 'proven' stock.. ask for actual pictures of their own eggs.

The problem with internet pictures is the very best/exaggerated are shown(so exciting!) most often while the reality is not quite exactly THAT....