Why Are My Chickens Laying Eggs With Brown Yolks?

Have you ever asked yourself, “why are my chickens are laying eggs with brown yolks?” If you know how to take care of chickens, especially free range chickens, you might have come across yolks of varying shades and colors.

Many homesteaders and chicken owners know that farm fresh egg yolks come in many shades from yellow to deep dark orange. But have you ever cracked open an egg to find a surprise brown yolk staring back at you?

While it may seem unusual, brown yolks are not uncommon, and they can actually be a sign of a healthy, well-fed chicken. But why exactly do some chickens lay eggs with brown yolks? The answer lies in their diet and lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of egg yolk color and what it can tell us about our feathered friends. Get ready to discover the secrets behind those golden orbs!

What Makes Egg Yolks Brown?

An egg’s yolk color is determined by the food the chicken eats. Chicken eggs with brown yolks were probably laid by hens that have a diet rich in tannins, such as those found in acorns and wild nuts.

Our first year at this property, our hens started laying eggs with deep, murky brown egg yolks. We had no idea what this meant as we had never seen any color other than yellows and oranges. We took to to the internet to find some answers and had very little luck.

We finally found an old farmer who told us that his ducks lay eggs with brown yolks when they had a lot of acorns. Finally! We had something concrete with which to continue our research!

It turns out that acorns and oak leaves are rich in tannins and when a chicken (or a duck) eat a diet high in tannins, their egg yolks will begin to turn brown. Does this mean the eggs are bad and should not be eaten? Absolutely not! These brown eggs are just as safe to eat as eggs with yellow or orange yolks.

Some people believe that acorns and oak leaves are poisonous to chickens and should be kept out of reach of all birds. I however take a different point of view (so take it for what it’s worth). I believe animals are intelligent and, when given the proper tools, know how to regulate their diets.

Tannins are actually good for deworming animals.

We have 45 acres on which we free range our birds (and our sheep for that matter) and we have never had an animal overdose or die from something that was supposedly toxic.

Animals have the ability to regulate their food intake and, if given the chance, will choose their own food. So while there are some things that should be kept away from chickens (like chocolate or sugary stuff), we believe that acorns and oak leaves are not among them.

But that’s just my opinion so take from it what you will. Regardless, the brow egg yolks will not hurt you so feel free to enjoy!

What Makes Egg Yolks Orange?

One interesting feature of egg yolks is their color, which can range from pale yellow to medium yellow yolks to deep orange. What factors influence this variation? The answer lies in the diet of the hen that laid the egg. Specifically, hens that consume a diet rich in carotenoids, such as marigold petals or green plants, will lay eggs with deep orange yolks.

Conversely, hens that are fed a diet low in carotenoids, such as a wheat-based diet, will lay eggs with pale yellow yolks.

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So how do these pigments in the hen’s diet affect the color of the yolk? Carotenoids are natural pigments that provide the vibrant color to fruits and vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. When a hen ingests carotenoids, they are broken down into smaller molecules, which are transported to the ovary and deposited into the developing yolk.

These pigments then bind to specific proteins in the yolk, which alters the light absorption properties of the yolk and results in the characteristic orange color.

But not all carotenoids have the same effect on yolk color. For instance, lutein, a carotenoid found in dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, produces a yellow color in the yolk rather than orange. Similarly, zeaxanthin, a carotenoid found in yellow corn, and other yellow vegetables, also produces a yellowish hue in the yolk.

Many people believe that the color of an egg yolk will not effect an egg’s nutritional value. And it is true that all eggs are highly nutritious, regardless of egg yolk color. However, some studies suggest that eggs from chickens raised on pasture may contain higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.

In conclusion, the orange color of egg yolks is a fascinating example of how the foods that chickens eat can impact the nutritional content of their eggs. By consuming carotenoid-rich foods like marigold petals or greens, hens are able to deposit these pigments into their egg yolks, resulting in a brilliant orange hue.

So, if you’re looking for a way to boost the nutritional value of your eggs, consider feeding your hens a diet rich in carotenoids.

Why Do Store Bought Eggs Have Pale Yellow Yolks?

Store bought eggs often have pale yellow yolks because the hens that lay these eggs are typically raised in factory farms and are fed a diet that is low in carotenoids and leafy greens which tend to lay eggs with darker yolks.

While there is nothing wrong with commercial chicken feed, chickens that eat almost exclusively commercial chicken feed (or even a some DIY chicken feeds) will experience lighter colored yolks. And you know what? That’s okay!

Should You Worry About Varying Egg Yolk Colors?

Egg yolks come in an array of colors, ranging from pale yellow to deep orange and even sometimes murky brown. Have you ever wondered why this is so?

The answer lies in the diet and lifestyle of the chicken that laid the egg.

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Hens that consume a diet rich in carotenoids, such as marigold petals or green plants, produce eggs with deep orange yolks. Conversely, hens that are fed a diet low in carotenoids, such as a wheat-based diet, will lay eggs with pale yellow yolks.

Now, let’s address the egg yolk nutrition value. Egg yolks are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as folate, iron, and selenium. Some studies have suggested that eggs from chickens raised on pasture may contain higher levels of these nutrients than eggs from conventionally raised chickens.

Is this in fact true? Hard to say. But at the very least, I know that the darker egg yolks are always more delicious!

Does the color of the egg yolk impact its or safety? The short answer is no. You will know if an egg is bad based on its texture, odor, and consistency. If the yolk and white are runnier and slimier, you probably shouldn’t eat that egg.

The same holds true for eggs that have a rancid odor. Unless your egg yolk is pink, green, or iridescent, you’re probably good to go.

Foods That Naturally Impact Egg Yolk Color

Here is a list of foods that can naturally impact the color of egg yolks:

1. Marigold petals
2. Dark leafy green plants, such as kale and spinach
3. Carrots
4. Sweet potatoes
5. Pumpkins
6. Red peppers
7. Alfalfa
8. Corn
9. Yellow maize (corn)
10. Orange peels
11. Annatto seeds
12. Bug and plants that free-range chickens forage

By feeding hens a diet rich in these foods, the yolks of their eggs will likely have a richer and more vibrant hue. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional value of an egg is not necessarily dictated by the color of its yolk. Eggs with pale yellow yolks can still be a good source of protein and other micronutrients.

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