Wilcox Farm egg yolks - how do they do it?

[mermaid_of_the_farm]

When I lived in Asia, I noticed that no matter what brand of eggs I bought, the yolks were always that deep, rich color. Eating raw egg yolk is incredibly common there — it’s a topping for many popular dishes. In Japan especially, eggs are held to very strict standards. The hens are often fed diets rich in carotenoids, and sometimes even salmon, since a more vibrant orange yolk is seen as a sign of quality and a healthier bird — an indication that the farmer is going above and beyond standard feed.

I’ve come to live by the rule that more orange = more better. Pale yolks now have a total “yuck” factor for me — one of the big reasons I wanted to start raising my own. Of course, that plan went sideways pretty fast… they turned into pets instead of livestock (oops). So now I’ve got a bunch of spoiled birds who get their wet crumbles topped with fresh produce and herbs every single day.

This is very interesting! I visited my sister in Okinawa and I do remember eggs being a huge part of their culture. From ramen to plush toys and everything in between. The darks yolks makes sense here for sure.

 

[mermaid_of_the_farm]

From my research before I even got my chick-chicks, I was preparing a schedule for the fluffy butts. Calendula (someone mentioned), I use for other purposes as it contains flavoxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, but in lower concentrations than marigold. So no orange- but deep yellow, yes. @mermaid_of_the_farm

mermaid_of_the_farm​

So I rotate some of these, everyday while they free range, but the takeaway is marigold:

High-Carotenoid Vegetables​

• Carrots – Loaded with beta-carotene; best when grated or finely chopped.
• Pumpkin and Squash – Dense in xanthophylls and carotenes; great mashed or cooked.
• Sweet Potato – Another beta-carotene powerhouse; lightly cooked and mashed or shredded like carrots.
• Beet Greens and Swiss Chard – High in lutein; enhances both yolk color and hen health.

Leafy Greens and Herbs​

• Kale, Spinach, and Collards – Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Marigold Petals – A classic natural pigment used in commercial feeds; very effective.
• Parsley and Cilantro – Chlorophyll-rich, support vivid yolk tones and flavor.
• Moringa Leaves – Exceptional in carotenoid. It is a very healthy weed/tree with a complete amino acid profile.

Grains and Seeds​

• Yellow Corn (non-degermed) – Contains xanthophylls that directly deepen yolk color.
• Alfalfa Meal or Sprouts – Rich in beta-carotene and natural vitamin K.
• Red Palm Oil (sparingly) – One of the richest sources of carotenoids; just a small drizzle works wonders and increases absorbtion.

Protein-Rich Pigment Sources​

• Shrimp Shells or Krill Meal – Contain astaxanthin, a red-orange pigment that intensifies yolk hue.
• Salmon Scraps or Oil – Used in Japan; adds both pigment and omega-3s.
• Hermit crabs in abundance- I step on them and let the chickens take revenge...f-you crabs

Fruits (in Moderation)​

• Papaya – Natural carotenoids and enzymes that aid digestion.
• Mango – Beta-carotene and sweetness make it a fun treat.

Summary:

• The key pigments are xanthophylls, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
• Marigolds are king.
• Combine pigment-rich foods with a small amount of healthy fat (like hemp or palm) to improve absorption.

Edit: trying to learn how to tag someone.

Wow, thank you for this list! It's really eye opening to learn about all the different things chickens can eat and how it effects their eggs. Is parsley and cilantro your favorite supplement for taste improvement? Of everything in your list which is the most affordable and easiest to obtain off places like Amazon?

 

[mermaid_of_the_farm]

From my research before I even got my chick-chicks, I was preparing a schedule for the fluffy butts. Calendula (someone mentioned), I use for other purposes as it contains flavoxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, but in lower concentrations than marigold. So no orange- but deep yellow, yes. @mermaid_of_the_farm

mermaid_of_the_farm​

So I rotate some of these, everyday while they free range, but the takeaway is marigold:

High-Carotenoid Vegetables​

• Carrots – Loaded with beta-carotene; best when grated or finely chopped.
• Pumpkin and Squash – Dense in xanthophylls and carotenes; great mashed or cooked.
• Sweet Potato – Another beta-carotene powerhouse; lightly cooked and mashed or shredded like carrots.
• Beet Greens and Swiss Chard – High in lutein; enhances both yolk color and hen health.

Leafy Greens and Herbs​

• Kale, Spinach, and Collards – Packed with lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Marigold Petals – A classic natural pigment used in commercial feeds; very effective.
• Parsley and Cilantro – Chlorophyll-rich, support vivid yolk tones and flavor.
• Moringa Leaves – Exceptional in carotenoid. It is a very healthy weed/tree with a complete amino acid profile.

Grains and Seeds​

• Yellow Corn (non-degermed) – Contains xanthophylls that directly deepen yolk color.
• Alfalfa Meal or Sprouts – Rich in beta-carotene and natural vitamin K.
• Red Palm Oil (sparingly) – One of the richest sources of carotenoids; just a small drizzle works wonders and increases absorbtion.

Protein-Rich Pigment Sources​

• Shrimp Shells or Krill Meal – Contain astaxanthin, a red-orange pigment that intensifies yolk hue.
• Salmon Scraps or Oil – Used in Japan; adds both pigment and omega-3s.
• Hermit crabs in abundance- I step on them and let the chickens take revenge...f-you crabs

Fruits (in Moderation)​

• Papaya – Natural carotenoids and enzymes that aid digestion.
• Mango – Beta-carotene and sweetness make it a fun treat.

Summary:

• The key pigments are xanthophylls, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.
• Marigolds are king.
• Combine pigment-rich foods with a small amount of healthy fat (like hemp or palm) to improve absorption.

Edit: trying to learn how to tag someone.

I'm doing some searching now on Amazon for dried maigold flowers and petals but I keep getting results for calendula. Do you know where I can find the right kind of marigolds to give my chickens?

 

[ArgusNavis]

I'm doing some searching now on Amazon for dried maigold flowers and petals but I keep getting results for calendula. Do you know where I can find the right kind of marigolds to give my chickens?

Tagetes (Aztec Marigold)