Have you ever noticed the different colours of eggshells in the grocery store? From white to brown to even blue and green, the colours of eggshells can vary widely.
You might think it has something to do with the chicken feed. But actually, it’s quite simple: usually, white hens lay white eggs, and brown hens lay brown eggs. Specifically, you can tell what colour of egg a chicken will lay by looking at her earlobes! The colour of the ear area is generally the colour indicator, with a white or light spot meaning white eggs. But where are chickens’ ears? They’re usually hidden behind feathers at the side of the head, but the ear lobes are the small flaps of skin underneath this, which can (usually) be clearly seen.
Eggshell colour doesn’t come only from earlobe colour. The pigment that colours the eggshell is actually produced by glands in the chicken's reproductive system, and the colour can also be affected by a variety of other factors such as age, diet, and genetics.
And what about those blue and green eggs? These colours are actually quite rare in commercial egg production, but are becoming increasingly popular among backyard chicken keepers. These unique eggshell colours are the result of a genetic mutation that causes the chicken's reproductive system to produce a pigment called oocyanin, which gives the eggshell its blue or green colour.
Does the colour say anything about what’s inside an egg? Short answer: not really. There’s no significant difference in nutritional value between white and brown eggs. But blue and green eggs have been found to contain higher levels of certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids.
In the end, the variation of eggshell colours is just another fascinating aspect of the amazing egg. And no matter the colour, they all make for a delicious and nutritious addition to your day.
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