The Easter Egger is a mixed breed/hybrid. The breed is known for laying eggs, but not just any eggs. Easter Eggers lay colored eggs! Shades of blue, green, pink, and sometimes yellow. The egg color depends on genetics but, not being a true breed, the color can’t be predicted. The only certainty is that whatever color egg is first laid will be the color of egg produced by that hen for its lifetime.
- ColorVaries
- Skin ColorVaries
- LifespanAbout 5 to 8 years
- WeightVaries
Origin
Easter Eggers are the result of crossing a breed with the gene for laying blue eggs with any other breed. Being a mixed breed, the appearance can vary, but they most often have pea combs.
The origins of the Easter Egger are somewhat confusing. Many people believe they resulted from the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds from Chile. But the Ameraucana Alliance website states that mixed breed chickens from Chile were the original Easter Eggers and the Araucana and Ameraucana were “bred up” from them. In either case, Chile is the origin country.
In addition to the confusion about origin, confusion also exists because of names. Both the Araucana and the Ameraucana are purebred breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association. Neither is synonymous with the Easter Egger. Additionally, Easter Eggers are sometimes sold as Americanas — a name that could easily be confused with Ameraucanas. A simple way to tell the difference when buying is price and availability. Easter Eggers will always be much less expensive and more easily available than either the Ameraucana or the Araucana.
Housing And Care
Housing for Easter Eggers is the same as all chickens need. A chicken coop or shed must provide safety, perches, nest boxes, room to move, be dry, and be ventilated but not drafty. It must contain accessories, such as water and food dispensers. Chickens also require an area for dust bathing, which could be in a run that is part of the coop, attached to the coop, or a fenced area adjacent to the coop.
Food is another basic necessity. Nutritious food is a must. Some chicken breeds also forage when given access to safe, fenced-in areas. Foraging is enjoyable and a fun activity for some breeds, but foraging can never take the place of nutritious chicken food. Supplements also help for different needs. We humbly suggest Booster Berries Enrich for egg laying support, Booster Berries Radiate for feather health, and Booster Berries Senior for older chickens.
Showing And Personality
The Easter Egger is a mixed breed and, therefore, not recognized by the American Poultry Association.
All chickens are individuals. Temperament, noise level, egg production, size, and other characteristics can vary. The life span of an Easter Egger is usually shorter, perhaps only 5 years or so, as compared to the life span of standard chickens, which typically live 7 to 9 years.
Easter Egger Chicken Overview
Purpose: Egg laying and meat
Egg Production: Very Good (about 200 per year)
Egg Size & Color: Medium to large, various colors (although the color a chicken lays won’t change; it could lighten, but the chicken won’t lay green and then switch to pink, blue, yellow, etc.)
Skin Color: Not found
Size: 4 to 5 pounds, anecdotal
Temperament: Friendly and docile
Noise Level: Moderate
Climate Needs: Adaptable to hot or cold
Origin: Hybrid of either Ameraucana or Araucana mixed with any other breed
Recognized Varieties: None. As a hybrid, it doesn’t breed true.
