Raising chickens for their eggs is a delightful hobby that supplements a family's diet. Understanding the effects of breed, environment and feed on the life of the laying hens can increase chicken longevity, production and egg quality.
Chicken Breeds and Egg Color
Select chicken breeds for their rate of egg-laying and shell color. A top breed with an excellent laying rate for traditional white eggs is the White Leghorn. Blue Andelusians, Anconas and Black Minorcas all produce white eggs at a very good rate. For brown eggs, choose Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, New Hampshires and Black Australorps.
A fun addition to the laying flock is the Araucana, sometimes referred to as the Easter egg chicken. Araucanas lay eggs with shells tinted in pastel greens and blues. But, although they have a beautiful appearance, avoid the White Cornish hens and Brahamas - they have a poor egg production rate.