Have you ever wondered which breeds of chickens lay those pretty purple eggs? The answer to that question is more complicated than you might think. There are a lot of different factors that influence the color of a chicken’s eggs. Here’s a closer look at which chickens lay purple eggs.
Which Breeds Lay Purple Eggs?
I’m sure you’ve heard of olive eggers, white eggs, blue egg layers, and brown egg layers, but what about chickens that lay purple eggs? Purple eggs are a controversial topic among chicken keepers. Some will say that there aren’t any breeds that lay them, while others say they do, but they are rare.
There isn’t a breed of chicken that lays a true purple egg. However, there are brown eggs that will have a bloom that gives them a deep purple or lavender color.
Chickens that lay pink eggs will often have a heavy bloom that gives the natural eggshell color the appearance of being purple.
Dark brown eggs will also have heavy blooms that give them a deep purple color.
While the bloom can give the appearance of a purple color, the actual shell isn’t purple. Once the bloom is wet you’ll be able to see the true color of the egg.
What Is The Bloom On a Chicken Egg?
A bloom on a chicken egg is a natural covering that the hen puts on the egg just before laying it. This coating is like a thin, invisible shield that covers the whole egg.
The bloom’s main job is to protect the egg from bacteria and keep it fresh longer. It’s kind of like a natural seal that blocks germs and dirt from getting inside the egg.
The bloom on a chicken egg is also crucial for protecting the chick inside. This natural covering acts like a shield, keeping harmful bacteria and germs out.
By blocking these germs, the bloom helps create a safe, clean environment inside the egg where the chick can grow.
Also, the bloom keeps moisture inside the egg, preventing it from drying out. This helps ensure that the chick has the right environment to develop until it’s ready to hatch.
Often the bloom is so thick it can alter the color of the egg layer by different breeds of chickens.
What Gives an Eggshell Its Color?
The color of a chicken eggshell comes from pigments that the chicken’s body adds while the egg is being formed. One of the main pigments is called protoporphyrin IX. This dark brown pigment gives eggs a dark color.
As the egg travels through the hen’s oviduct, protoporphyrin IX is deposited on the shell, creating those rich brown shades. Different breeds of chickens have different levels of this pigment, which is why some eggs are darker brown than others.
This same process is also why some eggs can look like they have a purple tint if the bloom on the eggshell interacts with the pigment.
Breeds With Eggs That Take On A Purple Hue
Welsummer
Welsummer chickens are friendly birds that can handle both hot summers and cold winters. These chickens are pretty tough and can thrive in different kinds of weather, making them great for a variety of climates.
The Welsummer is a beautiful chicken, with feathers that are a mix of rich reds, browns, and golds. Their roosters are especially pretty with very vibrant colors and tails.
A Welsummer hen lays eggs that are different shades of brown, often with pretty speckles. Sometimes, the bloom on their eggs can give them a unique look, making them seem like they have a lavender or light purple tint.
However, there are a few drawbacks to keeping Welsummers. They can sometimes be a bit loud, which might not be ideal if you have close neighbors.
Also, they aren’t the best layers, meaning they might not lay as many eggs as some other breeds. But overall, their hardiness and the beauty of both the birds and their eggs make them great for a backyard flock.
Marans
The Maran chicken is a cool and hardy bird with a single comb that many people love to keep in their flocks. These chickens are known for their beautiful, dark feathers that can be black, copper, or even a mix of both.
They’re also pretty good at handling different weather conditions, making them a solid choice for different climates.
One of the best things about Marans are their eggs. The Maran’s eggs are some of the darkest eggs you’ll ever see, which are often described as “rich chocolate” eggs.
Sometimes, the natural thick blooms can give the appearance of plum-colored eggs, which are unique and special. However, if you wash off the bloom, the egg will go back to being that rich, dark brown color again.
So, if you’re looking for a chicken that’s tough, pretty, and lays amazing eggs, the Maran is a great choice. Remember, once you wash off that bloom, the magic purple tint disappears, leaving behind a beautiful brown egg.
Croad Langshan
The Langshan chicken is a fascinating breed that originally came from China.
These chickens have a unique appearance with their tall bodies. One thing to know about Croad Langshans is that they are slower to mature compared to other chicken breeds, so you’ll need a bit more patience while raising them.
When it comes to their eggs, Langshans lay lovely brown eggs. What’s cool is that the natural bloom on these eggs can often give them a light purple look.
This special touch makes their eggs stand out from the usual brown ones you might see. So, if you’re okay with waiting a bit longer for your chickens to grow up, Langshans are a great breed to have in your flock.
Easter Egger
The Easter Egger chicken is a fun bird to have in your flock. It’s not a true breed but rather a hybrid chicken, which means it comes from mixing different breeds.
This mix gives Easter Eggers some pretty cool and unique traits, especially when it comes to their eggs.
One of the best things about Easter Egger hens is that their eggs don’t have a consistent color and they lay many different colored eggs. They can be all sorts of shades of brown, making each egg a surprise.
Sometimes, the darker brown eggs can have a bloom that gives them a purple hue, which looks special and unique.
Chilean Tinamou
The Chilean Tinamou bird is a fascinating bird that isn’t a chicken but still lays purple eggs. This bird looks more like a quail with its small, round body and short tail. It’s originally from South America and it’s known for laying eggs in a variety of colors.
The Chilean tinamou lays eggs in shades like blue, green, and, of course, purple. These colorful eggs are a real treat to find and make the tinamou different other birds.
So, even though it’s not a chicken, the Chilean tinamou really lays purple eggs.
Chickens That Lay Purple Eggs – Frequently Asked Questions
Do any chickens lay purple eggs?
Chickens don’t lay truly purple eggs, but some breeds, like Marans and Welsummers, can lay eggs with a bloom that gives them a purple hue.
Which breed is best known for laying eggs with a purple tint?
The Marans, especially the Black Copper Marans, are best known for laying dark brown eggs that can appear purple due to the bloom.
Can Easter eggs lay purple eggs?
While Easter eggs lay eggs in a lot of different colors, including shades of blue and green, they can sometimes have a bloom that gives a purple tint to their eggs.
Are purple eggs safe to eat?
Yes, eggs with a purple hue from the bloom are perfectly safe to eat. The bloom is a natural and protective layer.
Why do some chicken eggs have a purple tint?
The purple tint comes from the bloom, a natural coating on the eggshell that can give it different colors, including purple, under certain lighting conditions.
Are there any other breeds besides Marans and Welsummers that can lay eggs with a purple tint?
Easter Eggers can occasionally have eggs with a purple tint, but it’s not as common as with Marans and Welsummers.
Chickens That Lay Purple Eggs Final Thoughts
Finding a purple egg is like finding a hidden treasure. While true purple eggs are rare, breeds like Marans and Welsummers can sometimes lay eggs with a magical purple hue thanks to their natural bloom.
Easter Eggers might also surprise you with a purple-tinted egg now and then. Whether you’re a chicken keeper or just love unique eggs, these breeds bring a splash of color and excitement to otherwise boring eggs.
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Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs
Chickens that lay blue eggs are a fun addition to your flock. Their eggs bring a beautiful contrast to the neutral-colored eggs the majority of breeds lay. So what chickens lay blue eggs? Here are 5 breeds that will help you get a colorful basket.
Want to know more about how to care for farm fresh eggs? Check out my FREE eBook with everything you need to know about caring for Farm-Fresh Eggs!
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