Mystic Marans produce one of the most sought-after egg colors. They lay up to 250 dark brown eggs annually, adding beautiful contrast to your egg basket. There are several other color variations of the Marans breed, including Black Copper Marans and Cuckoo Marans.

Chocolate Eggers offer slightly higher production metrics, laying up to 300 eggs per year. This friendly breed is a backyard favorite, perfect for eggs and companionship. If given optimal care, this breed will continue to lay year-round. 

Both of these breeds are hybrids, meaning that they will not breed true. However, their hybrid vigor makes them excellent egg layers. Chocolate Eggers have Rhode Island Red in their parent stock, which makes them reliable egg producers.

Other popular dark brown egg layers include Welsummers and Barnevelders. Over the last several years, these unique breeds have grown in popularity among backyard keepers for their uniquely colored eggs.

What Makes Chocolate Egg Layers Unique

Egg color is determined by the breed and unique genetics of each hen. Chickens that are referred to as "chocolate brown egg layers" deposit higher levels of the pigment protoporphyrin onto the eggshell, which is what makes them brown. When there is excess or uneven application of this pigment, the egg may even come out speckled. 

Aside from producing gorgeous eggs, our dark brown egg laying chickens have a calm and easy-going demeanor that makes them perfect for backyard flocks. They also get along well with other breeds, so they are suitable for mixed flocks. These breeds will thrive in free range or pastured poultry environments where they can express their natural instincts, like foraging and dust bathing. 

Add one of these highly functional bird to your flock today, or go back and view all of our layers here.