Why Are Some Eggs Brown and Some White? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Are-Some-Eggs-Brown-and-Some-White Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 2, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The color of an eggshell is determined primarily by the breed of the hen that laid it. This trait is genetic: hens with white earlobes typically lay white eggs, and those with red earlobes usually produce brown eggs. Diet and environment can influence the shade of the shell but not its fundamental color. A nutrient-rich diet may deepen the vibrancy of the shell, and factors such as living conditions or stress can also affect its appearance. Still, these factors won’t turn a white egg brown or vice versa—the basic color remains fixed by genetics. A common misconception is that brown ...(100 of 135 words)

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