why do some eggs have brown shells?

Answer 1

The color of the egg’s shell is a reflection of the breed of hen. Breeds with white feathers and ear lobes, such as White Leghorns, lay white eggs. Those with red feathers or ear lobes lay brown eggs. White eggs are in high demand among most American buyers, but in certain parts of the country, particularly New England, brown shells are preferred. Breeds that lay brown eggs include the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, and Plymouth Rock varieties.

Please read the following answer from "Mr. Breakfast" which is a great answer to the question, "Why are some eggs white and others brown?"
http://www.mrbreakfast.com/ask.asp?askid=23

Thanks for asking a good question...

Answer 2

Lets get something clear first...Some chickens do lay brown eggs but thats because certain breed of chickens will yield certain egg colors. For example... the breed that you are referring to is from a breed known as the bantee chicken. These chickens are usually associated with those brown to golden color chicken...especially those old english black and some white mixture chicken. Mostly in the aisle produce you notice its mostly white...its not that American prefer white eggs...its just that brown eggs actually cost more to produce because the chickens have to be fed more...and white eggs are usually for egg eating purpose as to brown eggs where its can be use for dual purpose... egg and meat...

Answer 3

Because different breeds have different clor shells, but the eggs taste the same. I have chickens and I have lt. green eggs, brown, white, shades of brown, spotted, smaller, bigger, so I use them all. My chickens are different breeds so I have a variety of egg colors.

Answer 4

White eggs come from white chickens and brown eggs come from brown-ish chickens. Most of the eggs in your supermarket come from the following breeds of chickens: the White Leghorn, the Rhode Island Red, the New Hampshire, and the Plymouth Rock.

White Leghorn chickens are white and lay white eggs. Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire and Plymouth Rock chickens are all reddish brown and lay brown or brown-speckled eggs.

Answer 5

"Egg shell color is caused by pigment deposition during egg formation in the oviduct and can vary according to breed, from the more common white or brown to pink or speckled blue-green. Although there is no significant link between shell color and nutritional value, there is often a cultural preference for one color over another. For example, in most regions of the United States, eggs are generally white; while in the northeast of that country and in the United Kingdom, eggs are generally light-brown. In Brazil, white eggs are generally disregarded as industrial, and red or light blue eggs are preferred. Regarding chicken eggs, the color of the egg depends on the color of the bird. According to the Egg Nutrition Center, hens with white feathers and earlobes will lay white eggs, and chickens with red feathers and earlobes will lay brown eggs.[2]"

Answer 6

Hello =)

Most breeds of chickens lay brown eggs actually....

Only a few lay white, but Americans have expressed a preference for white eggs, so...that's what they get.

There is no significant difference in taste or texture....just shell color. There are even breeds of chickens that lay yellow, green, and pink eggs........

Namaste,

--Tom

Answer 7

Rhode reds lay brown eggs as do other dark chickens and white leghorns and other light chickens lay white eggs

Answer 8

It depends on the breed of the Chicken as to what color eggs they lay. My grandparents had a ranch when I was little and several different varieties of chickens. Some chickens can lay both white and brown eggs.

Hope this helps!
Kali :-)

Answer 9

It's the type of chicken laying the egg that determines the color of the shell. There are Japanese chickens that lay powder blue eggs, and others that lay light green eggs... so see? You really CAN have green eggs and ham! LOL

Answer 10

Brown eggs come from brown hens. White eggs come from with hens.