Raising backyard chickens is an exciting journey, and for many chicken keepers, collecting a variety of colorful eggs is part of the fun! While most people are familiar with white and brown eggs, there are breeds that lay stunning shades of blue, green, and even olive-colored eggs. One such breed is the Olive Egger—a hybrid chicken known for its beautiful olive-green eggs and friendly personality. If you’re considering adding Olive Eggers to your flock, here’s everything you need to know about their characteristics, egg-laying capabilities, and why they make a fantastic addition to any backyard coop.
What Are Olive Eggers?
Olive Eggers are not a purebred chicken breed but rather a hybrid created by crossing blue egg layers (such as Ameraucanas or Araucanas) with dark brown egg layers (such as Marans or Welsummers). This cross results in hens that lay stunning olive-colored eggs. Because they are hybrids, their appearance and temperament can vary, but they generally have soft feathers, a pea comb, and a friendly personality.
Key Characteristics of Olive Eggers:
- Egg Color: Olive-green, sometimes speckled
- Egg Production: Up to 260 eggs per year
- Temperament: Docile, friendly, and great flock companions
- Hardiness: Tolerant to both cold and hot weather
- Broodiness: Rarely broody due to their pea comb
- Noise Level: Relatively quiet compared to other breeds
- Purpose: Primarily for egg-laying, though they are technically a dual-purpose breed
Egg Laying Capabilities of Olive Eggers
One of the biggest reasons people raise Olive Eggers is for their stunning olive-green eggs. These eggs add variety to your egg basket, making every collection feel special.
- Olive Eggers lay large eggs and can produce around 4 to 5 eggs per week, depending on factors like diet, season, and genetics.
- Some Olive Eggers lay speckled olive eggs, adding even more beauty to their already unique eggshells.
- Since they have a pea comb, they are less likely to go broody, which means they will continue laying eggs consistently without getting distracted by the urge to hatch chicks.
How Do Olive Eggers Handle Cold Weather?
If you live in a region with harsh winters, you’ll be happy to know that Olive Eggers are cold-hardy birds. Their thick feathers provide natural insulation, helping them stay warm during freezing temperatures.
- While most chickens prefer to avoid snow, Olive Eggers will still explore their surroundings, even in winter.
- Their pea combs make them less prone to frostbite, unlike chickens with large combs.
- As long as they have a dry and draft-free coop, they will thrive even in extreme cold.
The Beauty of Olive-Colored Eggs
The main attraction of Olive Eggers is, of course, their stunning egg color. But did you know that all chicken eggs start as white? The final egg color depends on the breed and the pigments applied to the eggshell before laying.
- Brown egg layers deposit a dark brown pigment, while blue egg layers have a blue pigment that permeates the entire shell.
- Since Olive Eggers are a mix of brown and blue egg layers, the result is a unique olive-green egg.
- The exact shade of olive can vary from hen to hen, depending on their genetic background.
History of the Olive Egger Breed
The Olive Egger is a relatively new hybrid breed developed by breeders looking to create colorful egg-laying chickens. While they are not recognized as an official breed by the American Poultry Association (APA), they have gained popularity among backyard chicken keepers for their egg color, personality, and hardiness.
How Are Olive Eggers Created?
To produce an Olive Egger, breeders cross:
- Ameraucanas, Araucanas, or Legbars (which lay blue eggs) with
- Marans, Welsummers, or Barnevelders (which lay dark brown eggs).
This genetic mix results in a chicken that lays olive-colored eggs. Because Olive Eggers are hybrids, their offspring may not always lay the same shade of olive eggs unless selectively bred.
Where to Get Olive Eggers?
If you’re interested in adding Olive Eggers to your flock, you can find them at hatcheries, breeders, or farm supply stores. Many online hatcheries offer day-old chicks that can be shipped directly to your home.
One popular option is Hoover’s Hatchery, which ships healthy Olive Egger chicks across the country. Once they arrive, proper care and nutrition will ensure they grow into strong, productive layers.
Why You Should Raise Olive Eggers
Adding Olive Eggers to your backyard flock is a great choice if you want friendly, hardy, and colorful egg-laying hens. Here’s why they’re a fantastic addition:
Beautiful Eggs – Their olive-colored eggs make any egg basket look amazing.
Great Temperament – They are calm, friendly, and easy to manage.
Cold Hardy – Ideal for colder climates with their thick feathers.
Good Egg Production – Up to 260 eggs per year, making them reliable layers.
Flock Compatibility – They get along well with other chicken breeds.
If you’re looking for a unique and charming chicken that lays gorgeous eggs, the Olive Egger is a perfect choice. They bring personality, beauty, and plenty of delicious eggs to your backyard flock!
FAQ
What makes Olive Eggers unique?
Olive Eggers are hybrid chickens that lay beautiful olive-green eggs. They are a mix of blue and dark brown egg layers, making them a favorite for colorful egg baskets.
How many eggs do Olive Eggers lay per year?
Olive Eggers lay approximately 200 to 260 eggs per year, depending on their genetics, diet, and care.
Are Olive Eggers good for cold climates?
Yes! Olive Eggers are cold-hardy due to their thick feathers and small pea comb, making them resistant to frostbite.
Do Olive Eggers go broody often?
No, Olive Eggers are not very broody, meaning they continue laying eggs consistently without frequently sitting on them.
Where can I buy Olive Eggers?
You can purchase Olive Eggers from hatcheries, local breeders, or farm supply stores. Many online hatcheries also offer shipping of day-old chicks.
