Explore the Splendor: 10 Best Blue Chicken Breeds for Your Coop

Discovering blue chicken breeds that suit your coop can be exciting and daunting. Our guide simplifies your search by highlighting top blue feathered varieties for beauty, egg production, and temperament. Embark on a journey to find your flock’s blue-hued companions right here.

Exploring the Shades: A Spectrum of Blue Chicken Breeds

The term ‘blue chicken breeds’ encompasses many breeds showcasing beautiful blue plumage. These include the majestic Blue Andalusian, the fluffy Blue Cochin, and the versatile Blue Plymouth Rock Chicken, to name a few. Each breed boasts unique characteristics, from distinctive physical features to varying temperaments, making them a delightful addition to any backyard flock.

The reasons to raise blue chicken breeds are numerous and compelling. Here are a few:

• These breeds add beauty and diversity to poultry collections thanks to their striking blue feathers.
• Their sociable behaviors make it easy for them to integrate into an existing flock.
• For instance, with its assertive nature and preference for the company of its breed, the blue-laced Red Wyandotte adds an exciting dynamic to the coop.

The Majestic Blue Andalusian

The Blue Andalusian is a sight with its striking bluish-gray color and laced pattern in its plumage. Originating from Andalusia, this breed has a medium-sized comb with a unique five-point structure, white earlobes, and substantial wattles. Weighing around 7 pounds for males and 5 pounds for females, these birds are a sizable addition to any flock.

The Blue Andalusian has several advantages:

• Prolific egg-laying abilities, capable of laying up to three white eggs in a week.
• It exhibits remarkable alertness and keen awareness, efficiently avoiding predators.
• It is vocal, serving as an effective alarm within the flock.

The Blue Cochin

Next on our list is the Blue Cochin, a breed that charms with its:

• abundance of fluffy blue feathers
• vibrant red wattles and earlobes
• gentle demeanor
• feathered legs

These birds add a touch of softness and warmth to any coop with their voluminous blue feathers and easygoing nature.

While Blue Cochins may not be prolific egg layers, they can still produce two to three medium-sized eggs in a week, providing a steady supply over time. However, their primary appeal lies not in their egg-laying capabilities but in their suitability as pets.

The Dual-Purpose Blue Plymouth Rock Chicken

The Blue Plymouth Rock Chicken is a versatile breed that serves a dual purpose – it’s an excellent egg layer and also provides a good source of meat. This breed has blue-gray feathers with a soft lavender touch, darker tones around its head and neck, and its robust size. A native USA breed, the Blue Plymouth Rock Chicken is a product of crossbreeding between Barred Rock and Andalusian Chickens.

• Its size and egg-laying abilities
• Its friendly and curious nature
• Energetic behavior while exploring its surroundings
• A diverse diet that includes feed, grains, fruits, vegetables, and insects
• Adaptability and resourcefulness
• Being well-adapted to various weather conditions

A Closer Look at Unique Blue Egg Layers

Even though blue chicken breeds are admired for their captivating blue plumage, it’s not a given that all lay blue eggs. Among the recognized breeds, only the Araucanas and Ameraucanas are known for their unique ability to lay blue eggs. However, their unique egg-laying prowess and striking blue plumage make these breeds a fascinating subject of study.

Despite the common misconception, most blue chicken breeds do not actually produce blue eggs. Nevertheless, there are breeds like the Blue Ameraucana and Sapphire Olive Egger that lay unique blue and green eggs, respectively. These breeds not only add a touch of color to your egg basket but also bring diversity to your poultry collection.

Blue Ameraucana

The Blue Ameraucana, developed in the 1970s from Araucana chickens originating from Chile, is a breed that stands out for its unique ability to lay blue eggs. Characterized by distinct features like a beard and muffs, slate-blue shanks, and pea combs, these birds are a sight to behold in any flock.

Besides their striking appearance, Blue Ameraucanas have more to offer than just aesthetics. These birds have a friendly nature, and their ability to get along well with humans, make them a great addition to any backyard flock.

With hens weighing around 5.5 pounds and roosters slightly heavier at around 6.5 pounds, these medium-sized birds are just as robust as they are beautiful.

Sapphire Olive Egger

The Sapphire Olive Egger is a hybrid breed as unique as its name suggests. Characterized by bluish-gray feathers and a sturdy, muscular build, this breed stands out for its ability to lay green eggs. With an impressive average of 290 green eggs per year, the Sapphire Olive Egger adds a splash of color to your egg basket.

Even though the Sapphire Olive Egger is a hybrid breed, its lifespan of five to ten years makes it a durable addition to any flock.

Blue Bantam Beauties

Blue bantam chickens are an ideal choice for those searching for smaller breeds with ornamental charm. These breeds, including the Blue Rosecomb Bantam and the Blue Silkie, are smaller, making them perfect for small spaces. Despite their petite size, these breeds are big on charm, with their distinctive blue feathers and friendly personalities.

Bantam breeds are not just for show, though. While they are predominantly raised for display and exhibition purposes, some bantam breeds like the Blue Dutch Bantam also have functional benefits. For instance, despite their small size, Blue Dutch Bantams still manage to lay up to 150 eggs yearly, proving that size isn’t everything in the poultry world.

Blue Rosecomb Bantam

The Blue Rosecomb Bantam is a small, friendly breed known for its distinctive blue feathers and flat, wide red comb that sits close against the head. Weighing no more than 2 pounds, these petite birds are perfect for small spaces and make for endearing pets.

Additionally, don’t underestimate Blue Rosecomb Bantams due to their small size. These birds can lay several small cream-colored eggs, providing a functional benefit in addition to their ornamental appeal. Whether you’re a novice breeder or a seasoned poultry enthusiast, the Blue Rosecomb Bantam, with its petite elegance and gentle nature, is a breed worth considering for your backyard flock.

Blue Silkie

The Blue Silkie is another delightful bantam breed that charms with its soft, blue-grey feathers and friendly, cuddly nature. These adorable birds, known for their uniquely fluffy-looking feathers, are incredibly cute and desirable as pets.

Blue Silkies, though their appearance is striking, have more to offer than just their looks. These birds are known for their endearing and sociable personality, making them a popular choice among hobbyists and families alike.

Whether you’re looking for a pet or a unique addition to your backyard flock, the Blue Silkie is a breed that’s sure to bring joy and charm to any home.

Large Blue Chicken Breeds

If you’re seeking larger breeds with eye-catching blue plumage, the Blue Jersey Giant and the French Blue Copper Maran are your best options. Despite their size, these breeds are known for their gentle, sociable personalities, making them suitable for families and hobby farms.

The Blue Jersey Giant, as its name suggests, is a giant among chickens, with females typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. On the other hand, the French Blue Copper Maran is a medium-sized breed known for its dark brown eggs and a solid, strong appearance.

Blue Jersey Giant

The Blue Jersey Giant is a large, gentle bird known for its deep blue feathers, large eggs, and suitability for families and hobbyists. These birds are sociable and integrate well with both other chickens, such as the Blue Sumatra, and humans, making them a soothing presence in any flock.

The Blue Jersey Giant has several characteristic strengths, including:

• Its gentleness
• Excellent egg-laying abilities, providing a steady supply of large eggs for the family table
• Longevity, often living more than eight years, can contribute to the lasting bond between the chickens and their keepers.

French Blue Copper Maran: Rare Elegance

The French Blue Copper Maran is a rare, elegant breed known for its blue and copper feathers and large, dark brown eggs. Originating in Marans, France, in the late 19th century, this breed is a good meat source recognized for its ability to lay large dark brown eggs.

Even though the French Blue Copper Maran is a medium-sized breed, it’s known for its prolific brown egg production, typically averaging about 150 to 200 eggs annually. The eggs are of exceptional quality and size, making this breed a valuable addition to any flock.

Comparing Egg-laying Prowess of Blue Chickens

Egg-laying abilities vary across blue chicken breeds. Some breeds, like the Blue Australorp and Rhode Island Blue, are renowned for their impressive egg-laying prowess, providing a steady supply of eggs throughout the year.

The Blue Australorp, for instance, has exceptional egg-laying abilities, having set records in egg production. On the other hand, the Rhode Island Blue is known for its consistent egg-laying performance, producing a steady supply of large brown eggs throughout the year.

Knowing the egg-laying capabilities of different breeds can help you choose the right breed for your specific needs, whether you’re raising chickens for fresh eggs, meat, or simply for their companionship.

Blue Australorp: Record-Breaking Layers

The Blue Australorp is a breed that stands out for its record-breaking egg-laying prowess. Known for its blue-grey feathers and high egg production, this breed holds a notable record, with one hen laying 364 eggs in 365 days, demonstrating its exceptional productivity.

The Blue Australorp is more than just a record-breaker. It’s also a breed with a friendly, docile nature, making it easy to handle and a joy to raise. Whether you’re raising them for their eggs or their companionship, Blue Australorps make a great addition to any backyard flock.

Rhode Island Blue: Consistent Performance

The Rhode Island Blue is another breed known for its consistent egg-laying performance. These birds lay an average of 260-290 eggs annually, providing a steady supply of large brown eggs for your family table.

Moreover, numerous factors influence the consistent egg-laying performance of the Rhode Island Blue., including their breed genetics, environmental conditions, and the individual characteristics of the hens. These birds lay large brown eggs, contributing to their reputation for considerable egg size among poultry enthusiasts.

Understanding Blue Chicken Genetics

The blue coloration in chickens is mainly determined by two genes. These are the diluted black gene and the lavender gene. When these genes interact, they result in a range of offspring coloration. For instance, breeding two birds with a diluted black gene can yield 25% black, 25% lavender, and 50% splash-colored offspring.

Understanding these genetic interactions can help breeders predict the appearance of subsequent generations and create a flock that’s as diverse as it is beautiful.

Caring for Your Blue-Feathered Friends

The care of blue-feathered chickens holds equal importance in understanding their genetics and egg-laying capabilities. These birds require regular care, including providing dry sand bedding, maintaining a clean environment, and ensuring a sociable atmosphere.

Blue chicken breeds require the following for optimal comfort and well-being:

• At least 2-3 square feet of floor space per bird in the coop
• 8-10 square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run
• Fresh, clean water
• High-quality feed with protein
• Proper housing
• Regular health maintenance

By providing your blue feathered friends with the care and attention they need, you can ensure they live happy, healthy lives in your backyard flock.

Where to Find Blue Chicken Breeds

Several places offer blue chicken breeds for diversifying their backyard flock. You can purchase blue chicken breeds from hatchery sites or private sellers, with exotic breeds being more expensive and difficult to find.

Top-rated hatcheries for buying blue chicken breeds include Murray McMurray Hatchery and Meyer Hatchery. Certified disease-free breeders, such as Sadie-Girl Farm, also offer shipping of chicks and eggs across the continental U.S..

No matter where you choose to purchase your blue chicken breeds, it’s crucial to select a reputable and knowledgeable breeder to ensure you’re receiving healthy, high-quality birds.

Summary

Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or a novice breeder, blue chicken breeds offer unique beauty, versatility, and charm that make them a delightful addition to any backyard flock. From the majestic Blue Andalusian to the fluffy Blue Cochin, from the record-breaking Blue Australorp to the consistent Rhode Island Blue, these breeds bring diversity and color to any coop.

Understanding the genetics behind their distinctive blue plumage and learning how to care for these birds can enhance your poultry-raising experience. So why not add a touch of blue to your coop? Your backyard flock will thank you for it!