Have you heard about Olive Egger chickens? If you enjoy collecting colorful eggs, this hybrid breed will quickly become one of your favorites.
Many backyard chicken keepers love raising Olive Eggers. They are hardy, attractive birds that lay unique olive-green eggs you won’t find in most flocks.
Whether you’re planning to add them to your coop or simply curious, this complete guide will help you understand the breed.
Here you’ll learn about the history, characteristics, egg production, temperament, size, lifespan, and care of Olive Egger chickens, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What is an Olive Egger Chicken?
Olive Egger chickens aren’t a recognized breed, but beloved hybrids. They’re the result of crossing a blue-egg layer like an Ameraucana or Araucana with a dark brown-egg layer such as a Marans or Welsummer. The goal? To create chickens that consistently lay olive-green eggs.
The eggs are their standout trait—colors range from deep olive and khaki to mossy green, making every egg basket uniquely beautiful.
Olive Eggers come in a variety of feather colors—many are black, brown, or gray, and some enjoy features like puff-cheeks, muffs, or feathered legs depending on their lineage.
Keepers prize these birds for their friendly nature, hardiness, and good-foraging habits. They’re easy to care for and adapt well to mixed or small flock settings.
Origins and History of Olive Egger Chickens
Because Olive Eggers are hybrids, the American Poultry Association (APA) and similar groups do not recognize them as a formal breed.
The concept of Olive Eggers dates back to the early 20th century, when breeders began crossing blue-egg breeds like Ameraucana or Araucana with dark brown-egg breeds such as Marans or Welsummer. Their goal was simple: to produce chickens that laid beautifully colored olive-green eggs.
Over time, breeders fine-tuned these crosses, and today Olive Eggers are known not only for their eggs but also for their hardiness and friendly personalities.
Since Olive Eggers are not a standardized breed, their appearance, temperament, and egg color can vary widely—something many keepers consider part of the charm.
Unique Features of Olive Egger Chickens
Olive Egger hens usually start laying eggs at about 5–6 months of age and are known for their consistent laying habit, averaging 150–200 olive-green eggs per year, sometimes ramping up to 260 eggs depending on genetics and care.
Most of these eggs stay within the olive to khaki green spectrum, but occasional blue-green or tan variations do occur depending on genetic influences.
The eggs typically have medium to large shells, and Olive Eggers are valued for laying them steadily throughout the year—especially beneficial if you’re aiming for regular breakfast supplies.
Another plus is that Olive Eggers are not usually broody, meaning they’re dedicated egg producers rather than mothers. Perfect if you’re looking for eggs, not chicks.
Olive Egger Chicken Lifespan
Olive Egger chickens typically live between 5 and 8 years, similar to many backyard hybrid breeds. A few may reach 10 years or more with excellent care.
Their lifespan depends greatly on your care — a secure, predator-proof coop, balanced nutrition, clean water, and regular health checks all help Olive Eggers stay healthy longer.
Olive Egger Chicken Temperament and Personality
Olive Egger chickens are generally gentle, friendly, and easy to handle, making them ideal for both beginners and families with children. Their calm temperament sets them apart from more flighty breeds.
While most are docile, personality can vary since Olive Eggers are hybrids. Some may be more active or independent, while others are cuddly and curious. Still, they are rarely aggressive and usually mix well with other flock members.
They are also quiet compared to many other breeds, which makes them a good option if you live in suburban or urban areas where noise could be an issue.
Adaptability is another strength. Olive Eggers tolerate both hot summers and cold winters, provided they have a safe, well-ventilated coop. Their calm, social nature and ability to adjust to different climates make them versatile backyard chickens.
Olive Eggers Color Varieties or Breed Standards
Since Olive Eggers are hybrids, they do not have an official breed standard recognized by poultry associations. Their look and traits vary depending on the parent breeds used in the cross.
Most Olive Eggers are medium-sized birds with plumage in shades of black, brown, blue, or gray. Some may inherit special features such as beards, muffs, or feathered legs if their parents carried those genes.
Their egg color also ranges widely—from deep olive green to khaki or mossy shades, depending on the mix of blue and brown egg-laying genetics. This variation is part of their charm and one of the main reasons backyard keepers value them.
No matter their appearance, Olive Eggers tend to share common traits: friendly temperaments, good foraging skills, and strong adaptability in different environments.
Types of Olive Egger Chickens: Chart and Their Eggs
There are different types of Olive Eggers, depending on the parent breeds used. Because they are hybrids, the exact shade of green varies from hen to hen, and sometimes even from year to year as the shell color lightens with age.
Here are some common Olive Egger crosses and the eggs they typically produce:
- Blue Ameraucana × Dark Brown Layer (Marans, Welsummer) → Classic olive-green eggs
- Cream Legbar × Dark Brown Layer → Lighter olive-green eggs
- Welsummer × Blue Ameraucana → Deeper, dark olive-green eggs
- Marans × Cream Legbar → Khaki or sage-green eggs
- Australorp × Cream Legbar → Pale green eggs
These examples show how flexible the Olive Egger “breed” really is. Your flock might have hens laying deep forest-green eggs while others lay lighter sage tones. This variety is part of their charm and one of the main reasons they’re so popular among backyard chicken keepers.
Olive Egger Chicken Appearance
Olive Egger chickens don’t have a single standard appearance because they are hybrids. Their looks depend on which breeds were used in the cross.
Most are medium-sized birds with a stocky build. Plumage colors vary widely—black, brown, blue, gray, or even mixed patterns. Some Olive Eggers may inherit muffs, beards, or feathered legs from their parent breeds.
Skin color is usually white, while legs and toes range from yellow to slate gray. They often carry a pea comb and red wattles, but details like earlobe color can differ.
Their most eye-catching trait, however, is the egg color. Olive Eggers lay shells in shades of dark olive, light green, or khaki, bringing variety and beauty to every egg basket.
Along with their unique looks, Olive Eggers are known for being calm, hardy, and friendly, which makes them ideal for backyard keepers. They also adapt well to different climates and usually mix peacefully in a flock.
Olive Egger Egg Production and Hens Broodiness
Olive Egger hens usually begin laying around 5–6 months of age. Their eggs are the highlight—most are olive-green, but depending on genetics, you may also see shades of blue-green, khaki, or even light brown.
On average, Olive Eggers lay 150–200 medium to large eggs per year, though some productive hens may reach 230–260 eggs annually under good conditions.
The eggs are valued for their strong shells and vibrant yolks, making them both attractive and nutritious. These traits have made Olive Egger eggs popular with backyard keepers and small farms alike.
Another benefit is that Olive Eggers are not typically broody, so they focus on producing eggs rather than sitting on them. This makes them ideal for anyone looking for a reliable layer without the hassle of breaking broodiness.
Olive Egger Size & Weight
Olive Egger hens generally weigh 5½–7 pounds, while roosters range from 6½–8 pounds, depending on the parent breeds used.
They are considered medium-sized chickens with a sturdy, muscular frame. Some take after their Marans heritage with a heavier build, while others resemble Ameraucana or Legbar crosses with a slimmer shape.
This moderate size makes Olive Eggers well-suited for small backyards and mixed flocks. They produce a steady supply of eggs, and while not raised primarily for meat, they are still a decent dual-purpose option for homesteads.
Olive Egger Baby Chicks
Olive Egger chicks are especially charming, often hatching with fluffy down in shades of black, brown, or gray. Their exact coloring depends on the cross, so no two chicks look quite the same. This variety is part of the fun of raising them.
Like all baby chickens, they need a warm, draft-free brooder, lined with clean bedding, and kept at the right temperature as they grow. A balanced starter feed with proper protein helps them develop strong feathers and a healthy immune system.
Olive Egger chicks are naturally curious and active. If given enough space to scratch, peck, and explore, they quickly grow into hardy young birds. With proper care, these chicks will reward you with their beautiful olive-colored eggs once they mature.
Olive Egger Hen vs. Rooster: Differences and Similarities
Olive Egger hens and roosters share many traits, but there are clear differences that help tell them apart. Both can have feathers in shades of black, brown, or gray, though patterns vary depending on the parent breeds.
Roosters are usually larger and more striking than hens. They tend to have brighter plumage, longer tail feathers, and larger combs and wattles, which make them stand out in the flock. Hens, by contrast, are more compact and have smaller facial features.
In terms of behavior, both hens and roosters are active foragers, scratching the ground for seeds and insects. Roosters often act as protectors of the flock, while hens focus on egg laying. Olive Egger hens produce olive-green eggs, with some laying variations of blue-green or brownish shades.
While these general differences hold true, appearance and personality can vary greatly since Olive Eggers are hybrids. Genetics from parent breeds determine whether a bird is more docile, colorful, or assertive.
How To Care Olive Egger Chickens: Tips and Guidelines
Olive Egger Common Health Issues
Like most backyard chickens, Olive Eggers are generally hardy, but they can face certain health issues if not managed properly:
- Parasites: External pests like mites and lice can cause itching, feather loss, and stress. Regularly check under wings and around vents, and provide dust baths with sand or wood ash to help prevent infestations.
- Respiratory Problems: Poor ventilation or overcrowding may lead to illnesses like mycoplasma or infectious bronchitis. Signs include coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, or watery eyes. A clean, well-ventilated coop greatly lowers the risk.
- Egg Binding: Sometimes hens struggle to pass an egg, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include straining, lethargy, or sitting in a hunched posture. Quick veterinary care is critical if this happens.
- Nutritional Issues: A poor diet may result in thin-shelled eggs, weak bones, or slower growth. A balanced layer feed with proper calcium (via oyster shell or supplements) keeps them healthy and productive.
- Predator Stress: Even without physical harm, constant predator threats can stress hens and reduce laying. Secure fencing and a safe coop help prevent this.
By watching for these problems early and keeping a consistent care routine, you can ensure your Olive Eggers remain active, productive, and long-lived.
FAQs
Q. How many eggs does an Olive Egger lay?
A. Olive Egger hens are considered reliable layers. On average, they produce 150–200 eggs per year, though some productive strains can reach 230–260 eggs annually if well-fed and housed. Their eggs are usually medium to large in size and have sturdy shells. While not the heaviest layers like Leghorns, Olive Eggers give a steady supply of unique, olive-green eggs that brighten any egg basket.
Q. When do Olive Eggers start laying eggs?
A. Most Olive Egger hens begin laying at about 5–6 months of age. Some may take a little longer—up to 7 months—depending on genetics, nutrition, and environment. Early layers tend to lay slightly smaller eggs at first, but within a few weeks, the eggs reach their regular medium-to-large size. Ensuring they have access to a balanced 16–18% protein layer feed and proper daylight exposure will help them start on time and stay productive.
Q. Are Olive Egger hens broody?
A. Olive Eggers are not typically broody, which means they rarely sit on their eggs to hatch them. This trait is useful for backyard keepers who want consistent egg production rather than hens stopping to incubate eggs. However, broodiness can still occur in individual hens since Olive Eggers are hybrids, and personality traits vary. If you want to hatch eggs, you may need to use an incubator or a more broody breed like Silkies or Cochins.
Q. What colors are Olive Egger chickens?
A. Olive Eggers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Common feather shades include black, brown, gray, and blue, sometimes mixed with mottling or barring. Because they are hybrids, their appearance depends on their parent breeds—such as Ameraucanas, Marans, or Legbars. Some may inherit special features like muffs, beards, or feathered legs. This lack of a set “breed standard” is what makes Olive Egger flocks so diverse and visually interesting.
Q. What size eggs do Olive Eggers lay?
A. Olive Egger hens usually lay medium to large eggs, with an average weight of about 50–60 grams. The exact size can vary by hen and age. Younger pullets often start with smaller eggs, but as they mature, the eggs become larger and more uniform. The shells are often thicker and stronger than average, making them ideal for storage and transport.
Q. How long do Olive Egger chickens live?
A. With proper care, Olive Eggers live about 5–8 years, similar to many backyard breeds. Some may live up to 10 years, but peak egg production usually happens in the first 2–3 years. To extend their lifespan, provide them with a safe coop, predator protection, fresh feed, clean water, and regular health checks.
Q. How often do Olive Eggers lay eggs?
A. During their best laying years, Olive Eggers produce around 4–5 eggs per week, which means a steady supply for families. Like all hens, their laying slows in winter or when molting. Supplemental light during shorter days and a high-protein diet can help maintain better production levels year-round.
Q. How big do Olive Egger chickens get?
A. Olive Eggers are medium-sized birds. Hens usually weigh 5½–7 pounds, while roosters reach 6½–8 pounds. Their sturdy build makes them suitable for small backyard setups, yet they’re not too large to manage easily. This size also makes them a modest dual-purpose option, as they provide both eggs and some meat for homesteads.
Q. Are Olive Eggers friendly?
A. Yes, most Olive Eggers are known for being gentle, curious, and friendly. They adapt well to backyard life and are good with children. Roosters are usually less aggressive compared to other breeds, though personality can vary since they are hybrids. Their calm and social nature makes them excellent additions to mixed flocks.
Q. Are Olive Eggers cold-hardy?
A. Olive Eggers handle a wide range of climates. Thanks to their mixed genetics, they tend to be cold-hardy if given proper shelter, insulation, and protection from drafts. They also cope well in warmer climates if they have shade and fresh water. However, as with all chickens, extreme heat or cold requires extra care, like providing ventilation in summer and dry bedding in winter.
Q. What chickens lay olive eggs?
A. Olive-colored eggs come from Olive Egger chickens, which are hybrids created by crossing a blue egg layer (such as an Ameraucana, Araucana, or Cream Legbar) with a dark brown layer (such as a Marans or Welsummer). The genetic mix produces eggs ranging from light khaki to deep olive green. Not all hens from these crosses lay exactly the same shade, but most will give a variation of olive.
Q. What is the temperament of an Olive Egger rooster?
A. Olive Egger roosters are usually gentle and protective compared to many other breeds. They keep watch over the flock but are less aggressive toward humans than some purebred roosters. Since they are hybrids, personalities can vary, and a few may be more dominant. Overall, they are considered a good choice for backyard flocks where children or beginners are involved.
Q. Do Olive Eggers lay year-round?
A. Yes, Olive Egger hens are fairly steady layers throughout the year. They typically produce 4–5 eggs per week, even during colder months, although laying may slow slightly in winter or during molting. Providing supplemental light in winter and maintaining a balanced diet will help keep their production consistent.
Conclusion: Are Olive Egger Good for Your Backyard Coop?
Olive Egger chickens are one of the most exciting hybrid breeds you can add to your backyard coop. With their unique olive-colored eggs, calm temperament, and adaptability, they combine beauty with practicality.
These birds are not just egg producers; they also add variety to your flock with their diverse appearances and friendly personalities. Whether you’re a first-time chicken keeper or an experienced poultry enthusiast, Olive Eggers are easy to raise, low-maintenance, and rewarding.
Their egg production of 150–200 colorful eggs per year, along with their ability to thrive in both cold and warm climates, makes them a versatile choice for small backyards or larger homesteads. While they are not recognized as a standard breed, their charm lies in their variety and the colorful surprise they bring to every egg basket.
If you want a breed that offers hardiness, gentle behavior, and eye-catching olive-green eggs, the Olive Egger is an excellent addition to your flock. With proper care, these hybrid hens will give you years of enjoyment, healthy eggs, and plenty of character in your coop.
