Eggshell color can range from white to brown, and even blue. However, not many people know that the color of eggs not only differs in appearance, but also indicates differences in quality and nutritional value.
It is important to note that the color of the shell has nothing to do with the quality of the egg itself. The color depends on the breed of hens, their age and housing conditions, and the time of year.
The main factor affecting shell color is heredity. Some breeds of hens, such as Rhode Island Red, lay eggs with red shells, while others, such as Leghorns, lay eggs with white shells. Also, the age of the laying hen influences the color of the shell: the older she is, the lighter the eggs become.
Housing conditions are also important. Hens that spend a lot of time outdoors and eat a variety of foods will have eggs with brighter shells. For example, hens that eat wheat (which contains carotenoids) will have eggs with yellow shells.
The time of year also affects the color of the shell. During the winter months, when daylight hours are shorter, hens lay eggs with darker shells than in summer.