[shearling]

Hi, the books etc say the eggs should be dark brown but the two we have had are very light in colour. I am not fussed what colour eggs are so long as they taste well  or make good chooks  . Any thoughts? I checked that OH and children were not substituting

[Beewyched]

Hiya Shearling 

I've noticed that 1 of our Barnis lays a light-coloured egg too, it seems to be a bit bigger than the dark ones as well - tastes ok though 

Funny thing is, when we offer them to "friends & family" they always go for the dark eggs (even if they're smaller  )  I think I recall vaguely reading something about the egg colour being connected to show strains - but don't ask me which way round or where I saw it 

[wellywearer]

Our Barnvelders don't lay in the winter, but at the beginning of the spring they lay nicely brown eggs that "fade" as the summer goes on, until they are quite a lightish brown (don't ask me why, just an observation!!) but even at their best they are never as brown as the Welsummer eggs. I agree, given the choice people seem to want to choose the brownest eggs to buy, so I make up mixed boxes. We, however, always seem to end up with all the small ones and odd shaped ones!! lol  never mind they all taste good!

[shearling]

  BW Glad its not just me then. Probably why we got them for a good price at the sale. Both hens seem to be laying very light coloured, but large eggs. As you both say makes no odds they still taste great. Do either of you know if its a genetic thing, so if we hatch them (presuming the cock is doing his stuff and it all works) any hens would also give light eggs?

[Beewyched]

I'm guessing that if what I read about the colour of the egg shells being something to do with the strain, then the colour of the egg shell will be inherited.  I'm still at a trialing stage at the mo Shearling - our adult Barnis were bought-in, as are our teenagers.  But I have hatched 2 lots in the incy over the past few months only from the dark eggs - so only time will tell 

In the meantime, all the chucks are keeping us (& the dogs) in eggs & I sell almost enough through friends to keep them in feed.  Am looking forward to some lovely Sunday dinners too 

Will keep you posted