Easter Egger Breed Review

Many years later, I still relish the idea of having colored eggs in my egg basket. Except for this time, I don’t need to paint artificial dye on the eggs. They now come with a natural dye, thanks to the Easter Egger chickens. 

So, what is it about Easter Egger chickens that you should know? Why do they give colored eggs, and what color of Easter Egger eggs should you expect? How about their temperament? Are they suitable for young family settings?

Well, that’s what this article is all about. I’ve gathered all the ins and outs you might want to know about this lovely breed, so let’s dive right in!

Breed Summary Table

Family Friendliness

Suitability for Families With Children

Easter eggers are very friendly and docile chickens that can fit perfectly even in young family settings. These birds are cuddly and cherish their moments with their human companions. 

I currently have four of them, and they’re almost always the first to greet me in the morning. Recently, I have noticed that they will run to me for hugs whenever I squat, one of the most beautiful moments in chicken keeping.  

Temperament

While individual personalities vary, most Easter Eggers are calm, social, and inquisitive. Not sure if this cuts across all chickens in this breed, but I have noticed that the four I have in my flock love attention. 

They often come close to me, hoping I could toss a treat or at least pick them up. I have also noticed that they aren’t very noisy, especially compared to some of my other breeds, making them ideal for urban and suburban settings.

Egg Production & Quality

Egg-laying capacity

Easter Egger chickens don’t just add sweet personality to a flock. They’re also productive. I get an average of 4 to 5 eggs weekly from each of the three hens, which continues reliably throughout the year. 

The fourth Easter Egger is still a pullet and just beginning to show signs of maturity. If she sticks to the patterns of the mature hens, I expect her to lay her first egg in a month or so, somewhere between 5 and 7 months, just like her sisters did. 

Egg Size and Color

Since Easter Eggers are a cross between a blue egg-laying breed like the Araucanas or Ameraucanas and a brown egg-laying chicken like the Rhode Island Red, there are no two Easter Eggers that look exactly the same, and neither do they all give a specific color of eggs. 

I get three different colors of Easter Egger eggs from the three mature hens. One gives me sky blue eggs, another mint green, and the third olive. I’m still waiting to see what color of eggs the pullet will produce, because the only way to know that is to wait and see the first egg. But I hope it will be blue or pink to add more color to my egg basket. 

And in case you didn’t know, each Easter Egger maintains the same egg color throughout her lifetime. So, the chicken that gives me mint green eggs will always deliver that color her whole life. The same applies to the other two — each sticks to the same color of eggs, although the colors vary within the breed. 

So, to have a variety of colored eggs, you will want to add more Easter eggers into your flock, preferably from different hatcheries. 

Coop and Housing Requirement

Space Needs

These chickens don’t come with unusually large space needs. They need as much space as other birds: 4 square feet of coop space and 8 to 10 square feet of run-in space. Just keep in mind that they aren’t so pushy, so working with anything smaller than that can stress them out.

Coop Preferences

These birds enjoy clean, cozy nesting boxes. Mine always compete for the same box, despite having several of them that are equally equipped. They also like mid-level roosts and prefer when the coop is well-ventilated, especially during the hotter months.

Flightiness and Containment

I didn’t know Easter eggers can be quite flighty until one day I found one of my hens, Bella, perched on a low-hanging tree branch just enjoying the view. But in my chicken-keeping journey, I have learnt that most chickens fly for short distances and usually, only when flying is very necessary. 

As long as your flock gets enough stimulation in the run, their chances of flying over the fence are low. But to be safe, install a fence at least 7 feet tall.

Climate Adaptability

Cold and Heat Tolerance

These birds are incredibly adaptable. Their small pea combs make them less prone to frostbite in cold weather, and their feathering helps in winter, too. And, of course, they also handle summer heat well with proper shade and water access.

Health in Different Conditions

The Easter egger is a generally healthy breed that tolerates wet and dry climates. But still, you should always examine them and the coop for parasites like mites and lice, especially if they love to sand bathe in the garden like mine.

Check out our handy guide on how to prevent mites naturally!

Compatibility with Other Breeds

Best Breeds for a Mixed Flock

Easter eggers can be safely grouped with other breeds. I keep mine alongside Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, Australorps, Orpingtons, and different breeds, and I haven’t had an incident. They’re, however, very gentle, so introduce them slowly and monitor for bullying if you have more dominant breeds. 

Foraging and Free-Range Ability

Foraging Skills

Easter Eggers are just as excellent foragers as every other breed in my flock.  Allowed to roam around, you will see them scratching through leaves, pecking at bugs, and nibbling on greens. You can consider letting them out for hours daily to reduce feed costs and boost their egg quality.

Effect on Yard or Garden

With their inquisitive nature combined with excellent foraging, expect Easter Eggers to do natural pest control in your garden for free.  But before you let them into your garden, keep in mind that they also like to peck at some greens, and more often, they don’t discriminate between weeds and your prized vegetables.

Health and Lifespan

Common Health Concerns

Like most backyard chickens, Easter Eggers aren’t immune to lice, mites, and respiratory issues if not cared for properly. You should keep the coop clean and dry to avoid these problems. I’ve had some good years without a single sick day.

Lifespan and Productivity

Easter Eggers typically live 5–8 years, with peak egg production in the first 2–3. Even as they slow down, they remain sweet, lively companions, often earning a permanent retirement in the flock.

Feed and Nutrition

Dietary Preferences

Easter eggers aren’t finicky eaters. They’ll appreciate a well-balanced layer feed, kitchen scraps, and access to grit and calcium supplements like oyster shells. And, of course, tossing them a treat adds delight to their day, but you must do it sparingly to avoid taking the place of their main feed.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid feeding them avocado, chocolate, onions, and anything moldy. Also, check to see that you keep their water safe from the access of other wild birds to minimize the risk of spreading diseases.