Best Chicken Breeds for Rainbow Eggs
Eggs can be nutritious and beautiful! Enjoy the colorful beauty of rainbow eggs by raising these specific chicken breeds.
There is something so special about having chickens and collecting eggs. Going outside early in the morning, bringing them feed (or fridge clean-out), checking their water, and reaching inside the nesting boxes to find fresh, warm eggs.
Pasture-raised eggs are super nutritious and are particularly high in vitamin A and E and omega 3s. We scramble them for breakfast, use them quiches, or if we’re feeling fancy, blend the yolks in smoothies or coffee. (Sounds weird, but it actually makes coffee frothy and creamy!)
The eggshell color does not make a difference to the egg itself, of course, but I find that it brings just simply brings extra joy and beauty, and it makes gathering the eggs feel like a treasure hunt. Local folks who buy our eggs are always so happy when they see all of the colors.
In this post below, I will highlight our favorite chicken breeds to get the rainbow look in a dozen.
Health benefits of Pasture Raised Eggs
I have heard it said that a pasture-raised egg is one of the most nutritious foods available today. Pasture-raised chickens love to scratch around and forage, eating bugs and grass. All of that beta-carotene and nutrients from the soil gets put into the eggs they produce. This usually results in a dark, orange yolk, which is a sign that the chickens have been eating really well. Store-bought eggs yolks are usually pale yellow, which in contrast, sadly shows a lack of nutrients.
Pasture-raised chickens greatly benefit the soil and our environment, too! As they scratch around, they break up the ground naturally and fertilize the soil with their manure. This creates a healthier environment for plants and grass to grow, which they will eventually eat and turn into eggs. It is a beautiful cycle!
Chicken Breeds for Rainbow colors:
Below I have listed breeds based on egg color. This is not an exhaustive list by any means!
To find out more information about various chicken breeds (or to order chicks) I highly recommend McMurray Hatchery or Cackle Hatchery.
What chickens lay white eggs?
- Leghorn – many different varieties; lays approximately 200 eggs/year
- Polish – many different varieties; lays approximately 150 eggs/year
- California White – high producer- lays approximately approximately 300 eggs a year!
What chickens lay brown eggs?
- Rhode Island Red
- Production Red
- Orpington
- Speckled Sussex
- Brahma
- Plymouth Rock
- Welsummer
- For dark, chocolate brown eggs: Marans.
What chickens lay blue eggs?
- Ameraucana
- Easter Egger
- Cream Legbar
What chickens lay green eggs?
- Olive Egger
- Easter Egger
- Auracana
Our favorite breed combo for rainbow eggs:
- Rhode Island or Production Red – brown eggs, high producers, great temperament
- Buff Orpington
