While we are very used to the standard supermarket brown eggs in New Zealand, us chicken enthusiasts can be treated to a delightful array of colors from our flocks. Today I give you a little tour of my multi coloured eggs and the wonderful chicken breeds that produce them.
Araucana: The Enchanting Blue Green Egg Layers
Our gorgeous girls Flossy (black) and Lulu (lavender) are Araucana chickens. The breed, originally from Chile, are renowned for their magical blue and green eggs. These colours are a result of a genetic quirk that tints their eggshells with hues reminiscent of the sea and the sky. Inside the egg is just as normal, with a standard egg white and yellow yolk.
Alongside their charming eggs, Araucanas have distinctive tufted ears, muffs, and beards. Their fancy appearance, stunning egg colours and cheerful disposition make them a fun choice for chicken keepers in New Zealand.
Barnevelder: The Chocolate Egg Layers
Hilda is our big Barnevelder. This breed, hailing from the Netherlands, lay eggs that resemble a rich chocolate brown colour. Barnevelders, as a breed, are also prized for their robust nature, adapting well to New Zealand’s climate. They are large birds with a charming confidence, impressive feather patterns and a friendly demeanor.
Orpington: The Creamy and Buff Egg Layers
Penny is our black Orpington chicken. Orpingtons are known for their sweet disposition and ability to lay eggs in various shades, including creamy white and luscious buff. These chickens are large birds with fluffy plumage and a calm demeanor, much like a walking pillow. They are a lovely addition to any backyard flock in New Zealand but being large birds do require a good amount of space.
Salmon Faverolle: The Gentle Cream Egg Layers
Little Bird, our first rogue chicken, appears to be a Salmon Faverolle. This breed, originating from France, lay delicate pinky-cream-colored eggs that exude a touch of sophistication. Salmon Faverolles are further distinguished by their feathery legs and are renowned for their gentle and docile temperament, making them an excellent choice for backyard flocks.
Banshee: Bringer of White Eggs
Our most recent rogue chicken adoption is our bird Banshee. I would love to tell you her breed, but we’re just not sure! She is black with a big red comb, very athletic, and lays off-white eggs. We wondered if she might be part leghorn? Anyway, she is our matriarch of the flock, but also the most intimidated by humans so I have no great photos of this girl. Go figure!
The Joy of a Coloured Basket
Raising chickens in your backyard offers a multitude of benefits, but nothing really beats the joy of a basket full of different coloured eggs. This isn’t something you can buy from a supermarket, it’s only something you can cultivate for yourself, and that makes it all the more sweet!
Thanks Debbie,
What a fantastic review of your chicken.
They are all so handsome
I so want to get a few, but still looking for that bigger piece of land.
I want chickens, black nose sheep , Al-packers & lots more fruit trees.
I will definitely be asking more questions on chickens.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks Pip! That sounds like a gorgeous idea.