What causes chickens to lay brown eggs?

Question

Organically raised and free range raised chickens lay eggs that the egg shell color is only brown; whereas non-organically and non-free range raised chickens lay eggs that the egg shell is either white or brown..
Why is that?

Answer 1

The color of eggs comes exclusively from the pigment in the outer layer of the shell and may range from an almost pure white to a deep brown, with many shades in between. The only determinant of egg color is the breed of the chicken. Because white eggs are preferred in almost every region of the country, the Single-Comb White Leghorn has become by far the favorite egg-layer in the United States. The Leghorn is prized for many reasons: it reaches maturity earlier than most pullets; it uhlizes its feed efficiently; it is relatively small (an important consideration when most chickens are kept in cages even smaller than New York City studio apartments); it is hardy, adapting well to different climates; and most important, it produces a large number of eggs. If more consumers went along with New England's preference for brown eggs, more breeds such as the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, and Plymouth Rock would be provided to produce them. A simple test to determine the color of a hen's eggs is to look at her earlobes. If the earlobes are white, the hen will lay white eggs. If the earlobes are red, she will produce brown eggs. Although many people are literally afraid to try brown eggs, they are no more or less nutritious or healthy than white ones. In fact, brown eggs have some cachet among health-food aficionados, which guarantees their higher cost, if not greater benefits. Egg yolks also range dramatically in color, but yolk variations are caused by dietary differences rather than genetic ones. Yolk color is influenced primarily by the pigments in the chicken feed. If the hen gets plenty of yellow-orange plant pigments known as xanthophylls, the pigments will be deposited in the yolk. Hens receiving mash with yellow corn and alfalfa meal will lay eggs with medium yellow yolks. Those fed on wheat or barley produce lighter yolks. A totally colorless diet, such as white corn, will yield a colorless yolk. For cosmetic reasons alone, farmers avoid giving chickens a colorless diet, because consumers prefer a yellowish hue to their yolks.

Answer 2

It all depends on the breed of chicken.
The most popular breed of Chicken in large size farms is called Leghorn it's a cross bred variety known for it's good laying qualities. they usually produce pale or pinkish eggs. Many other breeds produce darker quality eggs. At home I have a French breed of Chicken called Poule de Marans. They lay eggs that are very large and nearly choccolate brown. I also have a breed called Aracona that lays blue eggs that are low in cholesterol.

Answer 3

It is actually quite simple. White chooks lay white eggs brown chooks lay brown eggs. That is why in Australia you will find few white eggs because the best layer chickens are brown

Answer 4

Genetics--some breeds have brown eggs, some have white. It has nothing to do with organically grown or not.

Answer 5

They become a bit cooked in the ovary!

Answer 6

lifestyle differences, like diet.

Answer 7

they drink muddy water

Answer 8

mexican roosters