How to Tell if an Easter Egger is a Hen, and Other Important Identification Tips

How to Tell if an Easter Egger is a Hen, and Other Important Identification Tips

Jan 15, 2024


Easter Eggers are a unique breed of chickens that have become increasingly popular among backyard poultry keepers.


They’re known for their colorful eggs, friendly personalities, and hardiness.


However, identifying an Easter Egger can be challenging, especially if you’re new to raising chickens.


In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to tell if an Easter Egger is a hen, what color are Easter Egger pullets’ eggs, are Easter Eggers good egg layers, and do all Easter Eggers have beards.


How to Tell if an Easter Egger is a Hen

Identifying the gender of your Easter Egger can be difficult, as they don’t typically display obvious physical differences until they reach maturity.


However, there are some signs that can help you determine whether your bird is a hen or a rooster. Here are a few tips:


Look at the comb: Hens usually have smaller, less prominent combs than roosters. If your Easter Egger has a small, narrow comb, it’s more likely to be a hen.


Listen for crowing: Roosters are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard from far away. If you hear a loud, shrill sound coming from your Easter Egger, it could be a sign that it’s a rooster.


Observe behavior: Hens tend to be more docile and calm, while roosters can be aggressive and territorial.


If your Easter Egger tends to stay in one place and doesn’t show much interest in other birds, it’s probably a hen.


What Color are Easter Egger Pullets’ Eggs?

One of the most exciting things about raising Easter Eggers is the variety of colors their eggs come in.


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While most people associate them with pastel shades like blue and green, Easter Egger pullets can lay eggs in a range of hues, including brown, white, and even pink!


The color of an Easter Egger pullet’s eggs depends on several factors, such as genetics, diet, and environmental conditions.


Generally speaking, though, you can expect your Easter Egger pullets to start laying eggs around 20 weeks old, and their eggs will be a mix of different colors until they settle into a consistent pattern.


Are Easter Eggers Good Egg Layers?

Yes, Easter Eggers are generally considered to be good egg layers.


On average, they can produce up to four eggs per week, although the number of eggs they lay can vary depending on factors like age, health, and environment.


Additionally, Easter Eggers are known for their hardy constitutions, which means they’re less prone to illnesses and injuries that can interfere with their ability to lay eggs.


Do All Easter Eggers Have Beards?

No, not all Easter Eggers have beards.


While many people associate Easter Eggers with their distinctive facial hair, only certain strains of the breed actually grow beards.


Some Easter Eggers may have tufts of feathers around their faces instead of full-blown beards, while others may have none at all.


It all comes down to genetic variation within the breed.