Raising a chicken is one of the interesting hobbies. If you are new in this field and are thinking of raising one, easter egger chickens are perfect for you. The most interesting information about easter egger chickens is that they lay different colors of eggs especially blue color eggs, which is quite cool and interesting. These are very popular and in high demand for backyards. Their features are very attractive and quite impressive. Plus they are a very good investment in the field of poultry. Their chicks are very beautiful and cute just like fluffy balls which makes them more unique and distinguishable among all the breeds, since childhood.
Easters have very good egg-lying capability which makes them more considerable as compared to other breeds. Due to their easy maintenance, warming appearance, cool features, and friendly nature, they won the hearts of farmers and those who love to pet chickens in their backyards. They have a friendly personality that any flocks can’t resist to keep them in their backyard. While Easter Egger chicks could fail to meet a strict breed standard in terms of looks, their friendly and kind behavior more than offsets them. These birds have been praised for their accessibility as well as their capacity to interact with their human caretakers. Because of their friendly behavior, they make wonderful companions for families and individuals. Due to their small to medium size and peaceful behavior, they are less sensitive to becoming aggressive and challenging for humans to handle.
History
These beautiful creatures came into existence when people started crossing Araucana and Ameraucanas. They both lay blue eggs so when Araucana and Ameraucanas cross together they both lay blue eggs. and when any of the parent crosses with brown egg layer one then it comes in different variants of colors. their origin is not clarified but from research and data books they are bred in South America.
sadly instead of having this many impressive qualities, they are not recognized by my American Poultry Association which is a very significant and dominant association in America and has a reputation worldwide. it is the oldest association in the world. it was founded in 1873.
Araucana
They bought in the US from Chile, and South America in the 1930s. Their unique name is named after the Araucanian people They appear in a small cute size. Araucana is the breed that is mainly recognized and popular among all for its blue-lying eggs. In their main feature, we can see that they have exaggerated cheek poufs, and more interestingly they don’t have a tail which is quite unique as compared to other breeds. They are very pretty but instead of it they are very strong and can bear hard weather. They neither have coccyx. They possess a very great physical ability which is their main feature.
The one thing that makes them interesting is that they have tufts of feathers on both the left and right sides of their head. These tufts are only found in the Araucana breed because they are a genetic trait and we can not see it in other breeds. They are quite famous worldwide as a breed having the ability to lay unique and interesting colored eggs. Each egg of the Araucana breed comes in a different color which is amazing and interesting while we collect them, they have very charming personality that makes their name and fame in the poultry world.
Due to their elite personality, they have a super-fast connection btw humans as well as poultry owners. Nowadays they are popular not just in their home town south America but now they have gained popularity all over the world due to their nature and physical features. the second most important reason for their popularity is that they are the parent of a hybrid breed of easter egger chicken.
Ameraucanas
Ameraucanas are firstly bred in the USA and then spread all over the world as they impress people worldwide. Sometimes people referred to them as “Americanas.” Their personality includes the pros such as nice temperature, sweet personality, and a calming view. Mostly they are bred by a breeder so make sure before buying one that you are buying the authentic and real one With the passing of time due to their painful egg-lying process, they are getting rare. They lay blue colour eggs which are unique and pretty.
If we see how strong these creatures are they can easily overcome cold weather which is their other dominant feature because not all breeders bear cold temperatures and hot weather but they can survive easily through ups and downs. They have such a unique breeding process due to which their health risk is almost neglected which makes them a healthy breed among all the other breeds worldwide and who don’t want a healthy chicken in their poultry. In their physical feathers, we notice a muff hole around their cheeks. They have a very strong and slate blue leg. They are also preferable for small farms.
Egg Laying Capacity Easter Egger Chickens
Egg laying is one of the interesting parts of the process of pampering a chicken.it is so painful process. As we know easter egger chickens are mainly known for their unique colours of eggs. They have a very good eggshell.
Thus the egg’s lying capacity totally depends on its diet, behavior, reproduction speed, environment, and surroundings. These eggs can give uh a perfect amount of nutrition especially protein which helps you to gain muscles. It’s very good and beneficial if you add them to your daily diet.
In spite of adding them to your meal, you can sell them in a good amount. You’ll need containers or cartons to collect eggs. If you intend to sell eggs, you may need storage and packaging supplies as well.
Easter Egger Eggs
Easter Eggers lay beautiful blue eggs that add a pop of color. There eggs, varying in shades from sky blue to teal, add a vibrant touch to egg basket. Easter Eggers are not just reliable layers, they’re also bring joy to any egg basket with their charming, pastel-hued treasures. If you want your egg basket to be like an eye shadow palette, consider adding Copper Marans for chocolate-colored eggs.
Egg Weight
The weight of an egg plays an important and significant role. It shows how healthy your Easter Egger Chickens are.
Season of Egg Lying
why they are in blue colour?
this mystery is related to their parents. Through research, we have found that the main reason behind blue color eggs is inserted by a virus named retrovirus .it inserted in their DNA by itself in some special breeds who have the capability to survive by it, especially Araucanas.
Eggs in Week
Easter Egger Chickens lays in a week | 4 Eggs |
An average hen lays around 4 eggs in a week which shows that they have a good egg-lying capacity which is apprecateable.
Easter Egger Chickens lays per Year | 200 – 280 Eggs Annually |
The egg-lying capacity totally depends on their diet, personal behavior, and the environment in which they are surrounded. According to research and personal experience, an average easter hen produces around 200 to 280 eggs per year. These eggs are a very good source of beneficial nutrition, especially protein.
Easter Egger Chicks
There are multiple online hatcheries that provide their chicks, pullet, and breeder. Make sure parents are from a pure bloodline before buying chicks from any hatcheries. If it is possible go and see their parents before buying chicks or pullets. In my experience, many online stores show different parent pics and deliver low-quality parent chicks.
Physical Feature
When it comes to attraction, physical features play an important role in making them adorable. The physical feathers include their colors, height, weight, build, feathered legs, and different types of comb These help you to understand more about them and choose whether you want them or not.
Colors
The colors are one of the important feathers of an easter egger chicken that attracts humans. they come in different shades of blue starting with pale blue and ending with the shades of blue. this is because of a genetic that comes from their parents Ameraucanas which have the capability to lay blue eggs.
If you look at their feathers they have different colors and layers of pallets on their feathers. It included the colors brown, red, black, white, grey, and buff. Due to their interesting history and different parenting origins, they have different patterns such as single, double, and triple.
Build
When it comes to building Easter egger chickens have a very unique build. They are generally known for their egg-laying capabilities, their unique color of eggs, and their friendly behaviour but having such an impressive build is also their plus point which makes them distinguished from other breeds. They are a mixed breed cuz of their genetics. Their colors, feathers, and other things make them delightful for the backyard. Due to Their mixed breeding, they have a variety of different appearances of our Easter egger chickens. These appearances make farmers excited and surprised at the same time.
The feather that makes them more charming is the Tufts that appear in their heads. These crests, grab the attention of visitors and make them their favorite ones. It grows on the top of their heads just like cute horns. They have the pleasure of feathers that grow on their ears. It makes their face look so cute.
Height
An Easter Egger chicken’s height can vary depending on variables such as genetics, food, and overall health, even though they usually measure between 16 and 20 inches (41 to 51 cm) tall. The length of this measurement includes every part of their body from the lowest point to the highest point of their head but removes their comb and any other edges on their head.
Weight
Easter eggs have a healthy and strong physical appearance and a slightly increased posture. They have a tight body with powerful thighs which help them carry their entire weight. The soles of their feet are usually yellow and have a total of four toes, as is typical of most chicken breeds.
Bearded and Non-Bearded
They have fluffy beards that grow under their beaks. It looks like cute little tiny balls of feathers that make them more cute .it’s a distinguished feature that is not available in other breeds.
Non-Feathers Legs
Easter Egger chickens’ feathered legs are a prominent and eye-catching feature that differentiates them from a number of poultry types. Although not all Easter Eggers have feathered legs, it is an inherited characteristic that may develop in some members of these mixed-breed animals.
Feathered legs are precisely what they sound like the appearance of feathers on a chicken’s lower body and foot or higher. The feathers that are found in Easter Egger chickens can vary in color and weight, giving an additional layer of variation to their already different appearance. The feathers can frequently give a look of fluffy leg warmers or “boots” around the lower leg and foot area.
Comb
An Easter Egger chicken’s comb is a unique and important part of its appearance on the outside. In laying hens the comb provides a wide range of objectives, including controlling body temperature, communicating health, and even adding to their overall appearance. I’ll tell you the specifics of an Easter Egger chicken’s comb, including its variations, roles, and what it could reveal about the bird’s well-being and general well-being.
A chicken’s comb may be used as a sign of maturity and ability to lay eggs. A hen’s comb can grow bigger and more visible as she gets closer to egg-laying age. In contrast to other hens, roosters often have bigger, more prominent combs.
The comb of a chicken can reveal important information about its general health. A healthy bird is usually identified by a comb that is lively and highly colored. On the other hand, a pale or colorless comb may indicate that your chicken might be sick or stressed. Our easter egger has a pea comb. Pea combs, which are very small and flat combs with three separate ridges, can be observed on Easter Egger birds. These combs are less susceptible to frostbite than bigger, more exposed combs, making them acceptable for hens in a variety of climates.
An Easter Egger chicken’s pea comb usually appears red or pink in color, showing good health. The shade of color varies from bird to bird and may become more bright when the chicken is in top condition.
Maintenance | Care Guide | Easter Egger Chickens
Every pet requires love as well as care. Maintenance is essential for a healthy pet and it also affects the process of laying eggs in a positive and it can be in a negative way. Maintenance can vary from pet to pet and breed to breed. Care and also affect the overall mood of your pets. Through good maintenance, you can have a very jolly easter egger chicken. Keep an eye on your birds’ activities. Chickens who remain healthy are energetic, interested, and have a steady routine throughout the day. Any unusual lethargy, seclusion, or hostility might indicate that something is wrong.
Sand Bath
Sand baths are something we can say it’s a spa for your chicken. it is a very important process of self-grooming chickens. it helps them to unwind their feathers, clean them, and make them tidy. It is basically a pool-type area in which sand or dust is filled. the type of sand, dust, and mud depends on which chicken feels comfortable and joyful.it is a refreshing process that makes them tiptop. it also helps them to remove excessive oil and parasites such as lies and small insects through the sand. this natural behavior is loved by all the chickens regardless of their breeds.
Easter egger chickens prefer to take their sand bath in sand tubes. As we all know our easter egger chickens have a very inquisitive personality so they love the sand bath and this process of self-development is very joyful for them. For a joyful sand bath choosing a spot is very important we should keep in mind that it must be a dry place that is sunny enough. This sand bath not only gives them peace but also gives them physical strength.
Sand bathing is a natural behavior in all chickens which keeps them healthy and happy, so this is not specifically for Easter chickens.
Keep Save From Predator
Easter Egger chickens, like any of them poultry, are facing various kinds of predators that might harm their own well-being. Keeping your hens from predators is a key component of good poultry parenting. we’ll go over some of the most common predators that have the potential to target Easter Egger chickens, as well as methods to protect your flock from them.
Raccoons are the top enemy of our chickens. Raccoons are bright and flexible animals that can open locks of their own, doors, and coops easily. They are well-known for breaking into chicken coops at night and murdering or harming hens. The second most dangerous predator is foxes. Foxes are clever predators who might dig or climb inside a chicken coop or run. They sometimes kill more chickens than they are able to consume in one sitting, which results in important losses.
Coyotes are usual and skilled predators that may present a significant threat to free-roaming laying hens They are known to be brave creatures that are capable of approaching coops at any time of the day. Opossums are overnight predators who can snack on chicken eggs and young chicks. They have been observed breaking into coops and stealing eggs, and lastly, we have stunks. Skunks may tunnel under coops or walls in order to gain access.
To keep your chickens safe from predators, it’s important to have a strong and secure chicken coop. A good coop with sturdy locks and barriers can stop predators from getting in and protect your Easter Egger chickens. Make sure to check the coop regularly and fix any damage to keep it strong and safe for your poultry. This way, you can make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy. .
Feed Available All the Time
Like other chickens, Easter Eggers are susceptible to predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. To prevent unauthorized entry, make sure the coop and surrounding area are well-secured with solid fences, locks, and wire mesh. Set hooks or latches on doors and entry points to keep predators away from your hens.
For easter eggers chickens feed should be available 24/7 for a healthy lifestyle. we should also look after that food must be changed after 24 hours so that every day they will be getting fresh food for their balanced life. When they need commercial feed and protein food we should take care of it too. it helps in good egg production and also helps them to gain muscles and physical strength.
Check Lies Frequently
lies are very common in chickens, especially in those who have feathers. They cause them irritation and make them scratch their beautiful feathers. due to this their beauty gets ruined and is less attractive for the viewer. to prevent this we should constantly check lies and if they are there. We should kill them and try to prevent our gorgeous chickens from them. If you notice any mites or lice on your Easter Egger chicks, act quickly to get rid of the infection as soon as possible. There are a number of techniques for treatment available, including diatomaceous earth dusting, the use of poultry-specific pesticides, as well as maintaining the chicken coop clean. Regular checkups and an aggressive worm control method may help keep your Easter Egger chicks happy and in good condition.
Expenses
Expenses are the factor that varies from chicken to chicken and breed to breed. It also varies from male to female. when you look after your chicken and take good care of them then it takes a lot of expenses bills. In these expenses, bills included housing expenses or you can say coop expenses in which these chickens stay and lay their eggs such as our houses. Chicken expenses, especially Easter Egger birds, include many different kinds of expenses related to maintaining and raising a healthy flock.
While chickens are usually considered a lower-cost poultry preference when compared with bigger animals, it is essential to be knowledgeable about all of the expenses that accompany their care in order to maintain their healthy condition and production. In the following paragraphs, we’re going to take a look at the most significant costs involved in raising Easter Egger chickens.
Housing Expenses
the housing expenses of your easter egger chicken may vary and depend on different factors. It includes the size of the chicken coop, the location of the coop, and the material on which the coop is made. The material of a coop should be strong enough so that any predators such as eagles or cats won’t be able to break them and cause any harm to your precious easter egger chicken. It also includes the feeding expenses which are very important and it comes in main expenses Plus we should take care of safety, and the location of the coop. The space of coop and hygiene by. Taking care of these things you will be providing them a healthy and good life spam.
if you come on how costly they are a customized DIY coop costs you several hundred dollars. but if you are thinking of pre-made coops its range starts with 500$ and then it goes up and up.
Give each chicken at least 8 to 10 square feet in their outside run if they have one. Greater run space promotes activity, foraging, and exploration. Make sure the coop has adequate room up above for the hens to safely perch. For the majority of chicken breeds, a height of 2 to 3 feet above the ground is usually suitable.
Feeding Expenses
Food comes before every expense. Good food leads to a healthy chicken. the feeding expenses depend on the size and build of your chicken and the quality of feed you are providing. Except for feed they also need supplementary treats which are given when they behave well. the feed we are providing to our chicken must be an good quality and it should contain all the important mutations that are very important for your flocks. if you talk about an egg lying egg so it consumes 1/4 to 1/3 pounds of feed per day on average. The cost of their feeds is almost 10$ to 15$ on average per month which is very affordable That is also a reason why people prefer them over other breeds. They eat the feed of all other breed eaters.
There are mainly two types of feed for our flocks. the first one is a commercial one. The commercial one is the basic and foundation of their feed This one helps chickens especially hens to produce a very good quality of eggs. which provides us with a lot of nutrition. They have these crumbs that our chickens can easily digest because digestion is very important for their health. for an overall development, we see protein as an important
Coop Requirements
If you come on how costly they are a customized DIY coop costs you several hundred dollars. but if you are thinking of pre-made coops its range starts with 500$ and then it goes up and up. You could provide them with a pleasing and important presence on your farm or in your backyard if you understand their unique features and requests. Enjoy the beautiful egg colors, charming appearances, and adorable personalities that these lovely creatures add to your poultry-keeping experience. If your coop does not receive enough natural sunshine, use timed artificial lighting to offer 14-16 hours of light each day, which stimulates egg production.
Roof
A strong roof is essential for keeping your hens dry and comfortable. Metal roofing or roofing made of asphalt are both wonderful choices. Make sure the roof is inclined sufficiently to allow for water runoff.
Safety | Type of Material of Coop
We all know how predators hurt our chickens. For that, their house or we can say coop must be in a place where no predators can reach them. They should be properly sealed and should be strong enough to not let them break and eat our chickens. Providing a safe and secure environment for our easter egger chickens helps them to grow without any fear of being bullied by other breeds. Set hooks or latches on doors and entry points to keep predators away from your hens.
Wood is a popular medium for coop building. To avoid rot, use treated wood for the building’s frame and walls. The interior walls and boxes for nesting can be built from board. Make sure that every component is non-toxic.
The second best option for making coop is wired. To keep predators out, high-quality wire mesh is required for covering windows, vents, and the outdoor run. Use hardware cloth with tiny cracks to keep even the smallest predators out.
Shaddy Area
We should look after when we are setting up our coop that it must be in a shady place. The chickens can’t bear this high temperature and it can cause them many health issues including skin issues. Make sure the coop is easily accessible for regular chores such as feeding, collecting eggs, and cleaning. A human-sized door must be used for easy entry.
Having enough air quality within the coop needs proper ventilation. Install vents near the roof to allow humid, hot air to escape and fresh air to enter. Adequate ventilation reduces breathing-related issues and controls body temperature. Cleanable Flooring: Use stuff that consists of wood shavings, straw, and grass.
Space
Each chicken needs at least 2 to 3 square feet of floor area in the coop. However, greater room is usually preferable to avoid congestion and territorial disputes. Make boxes of nesting material provided for your Easter Eggers to lay their brightly colored eggs. To ensure privacy and comfort throughout laying, these boxes should be placed in a composed and secluded location.
Chickens take dust baths naturally in order to maintain their feathers including colors and skin coating. and avoid parasites such as worms and insects and can also prevent various deadly diseases. In order to promote these natural habits, provide an isolated dust bathing area with loose soil, sand, and diatomaceous earth.Chickens like resting at night. Give them resting cages or nests so they can sleep peacefully. Allow 8-10 inches of sleeping space per chicken, and make sure they are raised off the ground to keep predators at bay.
Hygiene
providing a clean and hygienic environment is very important for our chickens. it helps them to prevent many dangerous diseases and affects on overall growth and health of our flocks. Maintain the coop and its surroundings with regular cleaning. By doing it we can stop the growth of bacteria and odors, and frequently remove dirty bedding, waste, and leftover meals.
Bedding material also includes hygiene factors. Select a bedding material that absorbs moisture and offers a comfy surface for your chicks, such as straw, wood shavings, or sand. To keep a clean and dry atmosphere, replace bedding as needed. Adopt methods to control insects that may spread disease and compete for your hens’ diet. Keep feed and water containers balanced and safely and tightly sealed sealed. Because the safety of food is also important and affects your flock’s diet cleanable use.
Interesting Facts About Easter Egger Chicken
- Due to their genetic history, easter egger chickens hardly have any disease.
- They have a beard which is visible on their cheeks.
- They are mainly a medium size hens.
- They lay eggs in 12 different colors.
- Their color range starts from pale blue to olive green
- Other than green they also come in a pink to purple range
- To keep Easter Eggers away from any potential predators, secure coops and outdoor locations are important
- If Easter Eggers have fluffy legs, their thigh hair may require to be cleaned on occasion, particularly during muddy or wet conditions.
Pros and Cons
As we all know every pet has some pros as well as some cons. These are some advantages and disadvantages you must know before considering buying them. They will help them to make your decision whether you need to buy them or not because it can affect your needs and requirements. Furthermore, Easter Egger hens are a fun and colorful addition to backyard flocks. Their colorful eggs, pleasant demeanor, flexibility, compatibility with mixed flocks, low maintenance requirements, and potential for a long lifetime are among their advantages.
They do, however, have certain drawbacks, including diversity in appearance and egg color, non-purebred status, the possibility of decreased egg output, feathered legs, and the necessity for predator protection. Finally, the decision to maintain Easter Egger chickens should be based on the chicken keeper’s individual aims and tastes, as well as the amount of variety they are comfortable with in their flock.
- They start to lay eggs under 6 months.
- They have a very friendly nature.
- Suitable for small farms and backyards.
- They are very reasonable.
- Due to their genetic inheritance, there’s a very low chance that they cause any diseases.
- Very friendly nature(not a bully) which makes them suitable for all the farmers and even for families who are willing to have them in their backyard.
- You have different eggs every time they lay it.
- By interacting with other breeds they add colorful chicks in the backyard.
- By interacting with other breeds they add colorful chicks in the backyard.
- Through them, children can learn a lot of information about chickens and can see the different colors of eggshells.
- May slow down the process of egg laying in the winter session.
- Lay eggs more often in the summer session.
- Due to their small size and friendly nature, predictors can easily get them.
- Most seller sell normal chickens as easter egger chickens which lead to a huge disappointment among buyers.
- As we all know their eggs come in different colours. Due to this, it is very visible to predators.
- despite unique colors, their eggs are not as worthy or in demand as compared to organic or other types of breed eggs.
- They contain tufted genses due to which they can get health risks.
- Unfortunately, if we look at goals they don’t have any specific conservation goals like other breeds.
- If we notice the thickness of their eggshells some of them have very thin layers in spite that they have a very thin layer of eggshell which can break them.
Summary
Easter egger chickens are one of the elite breeds of all time. In the end, Easter Egger chickens are a unique and flexible breed that has taken the hearts of poultry collectors throughout the world. This flexible and sociable breed has a unique set of features that make it a popular option among both rookie and expert chicken owners. They exist after crossing Araucana and Araucana with brown egg-laying breeds. They are mainly popular for their rainbow-colored eggs, especially blue. Through parent’s genetics. They lay eggs from olive to pinkish side too.
They start to lay eggs around 5-6 months which is a good egg-lying time. If we talk about their life span it is about 6 to 8 years. If we see their egg-lying capacity in winter it gets very slow as compared to summer sessions because of weather conditions. You could provide them with a pleasing and important presence on your farm or in your backyard if you understand their unique features and requests. Enjoy the beautiful egg colors, charming appearances, and adorable personalities that these lovely creatures add to your poultry-keeping experience. In spite of this, they lay a couple of eggs frequently in a week. They have a very calm nature, which is quite impressive. Some other breeds lays a good number of eggs in winter like the Brahma chicken.
They are very friendly with their owners and children love them. They are very affordable and attractive they are around 5$ per chicken which is quite reasonable. People love them, especially children. Among all the chickens they are one of the best recommendations because they impress me a lot. they are very cute and can easily distinguish between others in a box, they look like a cute little fluffy ball. In the end, Easter Egger chickens are a unique and flexible breed that has taken the hearts of poultry collectors throughout the world. This flexible and sociable breed has a unique set of features that make it a popular option among both rookie and expert chicken owners.
Are Easter Eggers good chickens?
Yes, Easter Eggers are good chickens for a variety of reasons. They are friendly and docile birds.
What color eggs do Easter Eggers lay?
Easter Eggers are known for laying a variety of egg colors, including Blue, Green, Olive, and Pink. Blue is the most common color of Easter Egger eggs.
What is the lifespan of an Easter Egger chicken?
The average lifespan of an Easter Egger chicken is 5-8 years, which is longer than the average lifespan of a chicken, which is 3-7 years. Easter Eggers are a hybrid breed, which means they have been bred from two different chicken breeds. Hybrid chickens are often more strong and have a more extended lifespan than normal pure bred chickens.
Conclusion
Easter Egger hens are known for their colorful eggs and are sometimes confused with Ameraucanas or Araucanas because of their comparable blue and green egg-laying skills. These eggs, which come in a variety of blue, green, and even pink hues, attest to the breed’s genetic diversity. However, while Easter Eggers reliably produce eggs of all colors, they are not purebred Ameraucanas or Araucanas, which have stricter breed criteria.