Salmon faverolle eggs have a light pink or salmon color. The shells can range from a very light pink to a deeper salmon hue. This breed is known for laying eggs with shells that are a distinctive salmon color, unlike typical chicken eggs that are white or brown.
What causes salmon colored egg shells?
The salmon color of faverolle eggs is caused by pigments that are deposited into the egg shell as the egg develops within the hen. All eggs contain pigments, but most chickens lay white or brown eggs. The pigments that cause the salmon color are a result of the faverolle breed’s genetics.
The main pigments that contribute to egg shell color are protoporphyrin and biliverdin. Protoporphyrin produces brown pigments, while biliverdin produces blue or green pigments. The combination of these two pigments results in the light pink or salmon color of faverolle eggs.
Do all faverolles lay salmon eggs?
Yes, all purebred faverolles will lay eggs with salmon colored shells. This is a defining characteristic of the breed. If a faverolle is laying eggs with white shells, it is likely not a purebred.
There are several different color varieties of faverolles, including salmon, white, black, cuckoo, and more. Regardless of the feather color variety, they will all lay eggs with a salmon shell.
At what age do faverolles start laying salmon eggs?
Faverolles typically start laying eggs at around 6 months of age. However, their egg shells may start out pale or lightly tinted, then become a deeper salmon color over the first few months of lay. The pigments take time to build up in a hen’s system before being deposited into the egg shell.
So you may not see rich, dark salmon egg shells right away at 6 months old. But by 8-12 months old, most faverolle hens will lay eggs with a strong salmon tone.
Do faverolle egg yolks have a unique color too?
While faverolle eggs are most known for their salmon egg shells, the yolks can be a deep golden orange color as well. This rich yolk color comes from the carotenoids in the hens’ feed.
A diet heavy in greens, yellow corn, or other sources of carotenoids will result in darker orange yolks. The salmon egg shell combined with the deep orange yolk makes faverolle eggs very unique and decorative.
How big are faverolle eggs?
Faverolle hens lay large sized eggs, averaging around 2.5-3 ounces each. This is significantly larger than an average chicken egg. For reference, most standard sized eggs are about 1.75-2 ounces.
The eggs are not only large, but they have very sturdy shells which reduce cracks and breakage. The large size and unique color of faverolle eggs makes them popular with backyard chicken owners.
How many eggs do faverolles lay per year?
| Age | Annual Egg Production |
|---|---|
| 6-12 months | 120-180 eggs |
| 1-2 years | 200-250 eggs |
| 2-3 years | 180-220 eggs |
| 4+ years | 150-180 eggs |
On average, faverolles lay about 200 eggs per year once they are mature adults. They tend to have slightly lower egg production than layer breed chickens, but make up for it in egg size and unique color.
Do faverolles go broody?
Yes, faverolles frequently go broody and make great broody hens. The broody instinct is very strong in this breed. They will readily sit on a nest of eggs to hatch and raise baby chicks.
If you do not want your faverolles to go broody, you will need to limit their access to nesting boxes and hatching eggs. But if you want a hen to hatch babies, the faverolle is an ideal breed choice.
Are salmon faverolle eggs good for eating?
Absolutely! Faverolle eggs have large, rich yellow yolks and their large size makes them perfect for baking and cooking needs. The egg shells are strong, minimizing cracks and breakage.
The unique salmon shell color does not affect the flavor or nutrition of the eggs. Faverolle eggs taste just as delicious as standard chicken eggs and have higher nutritional value due to their larger size.
What is the shelf life of faverolle eggs?
Properly stored, faverolle eggs have a typical shelf life of 4-5 weeks. Always store eggs in the refrigerator at 40°F or less. The salmon shell color does not impact their storage life compared to white or brown eggs.
Over time, the eggs may lose some moisture and the whites will thin, but they will still be safe to eat. For peak freshness, try to eat faverolle eggs within 3-4 weeks of being laid.
Can you hatch salmon faverolle eggs?
Absolutely! Faverolle eggs are just as hatchable as any other chicken breed. Their beautiful salmon shell color allows their fertilized eggs to stand out in the incubator.
The incubation time is 21 days. Make sure to carefully regulate temperature and humidity in the incubator for best hatch rates. Candling the eggs periodically will let you see embryo development.
If using a broody hen, faverolles make attentive mothers to hatched chicks. With their strong maternal instincts, they will diligently care for the chicks as they grow.
Where to get salmon faverolle eggs
It may take some searching to find a source of salmon faverolle eggs, since it is not the most common backyard chicken breed. Here are some places to look for fertilized or hatching eggs:
- Local faverolle breeders – check breeder directories or poultry groups online
- hatcheries that specialize in rare/heritage breeds
- Online auction sites like eBay
- Poultry shows and exhibitions
Be prepared to pay more for faverolle hatching eggs than standard chicken eggs, since they are less readily available. But it is worth it for the chance to hatch your own beautiful salmon-egg laying flock!
Conclusion
Salmon faverolle eggs are highly sought after for their beautiful color and large size. This French heritage breed is bred specifically to produce eggs with distinct salmon-colored shells, setting them apart from typical white or brown chicken eggs.
The pigments secreted by faverolle hens as the egg develops give the shells their unique salmon hue. When cared for properly, faverolles will provide a steady supply of gorgeous eggs that are as tasty and nutritious as they are decorative.
So for backyard chicken owners looking for something different, the salmon eggs of the faverolle will brighten up any carton or basket of eggs gathered from the coop. They are sure to get attention and comments every time their special shells are seen!
