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Why are my eggs lighter in color?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by leasmom, Feb 12, 2009.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Feb 12, 2009 #1
    leasmom

    leasmom Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Okay...I have 4 layers, a RIR-(she's been laying for over 6 months now), and three new layers, a Golden Sex Link and two Red Sex Links. I noticed esp. with my RIR that her egg is alot lighter. Now I have them in the garage with artificial light-(White Christmas lights and a Heating Lamp)-that isn't directly on them. My RIR Mushroom's eggs were brown and now they're like a Cream color. I have oyster shell for them so they can freely eat it. I put them in the garage because it was too cold and too much snow. They've been there since October in a pen which they're very content in with lots of space. Is it the artificial light or is this normal for their eggs to change colors?
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2009
  3. Feb 12, 2009 #2
    Country Guy John

    Country Guy John Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I have all barred rock and their eggs vary in color from light pinkish color to a nice medium brown. All of my chickens are outside without artificial light, so I would say that it has to do with the chicken themsleves.
     
  5. Feb 12, 2009 #3
    katrinag

    katrinag Chillin' With My Peeps

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    No towards the end of there laying cycle there eggs tend to get lighter. Then as spring gets here they get right back on track.
    I do not add artificial light. The winter is there time to slow down and reset the clock for the big spring lay. There bodies need and deserve a break. JMO
     
  7. Feb 12, 2009 #4
    Tuffoldhen

    Tuffoldhen Flock Mistress

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    I also read somewhere long ago that color can sometimes depend on how long it takes the egg to get down the duckwork so to speak. The longer it takes the egg the darker the color. Don't know how true that is but it was in backyard chicken poultry magazine.
     

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