Complete Guide to Sapphire Splash Chicken Breed

24 July 20238 September 2023

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Diving into the world of the Sapphire Splash Chicken breed can be both exciting and daunting. These Czech-origin, dual-purpose birds are a treasure with their unique plumage and high egg production. However, the limited availability of the breed creates a significant barrier for aspiring keepers.

Understanding their broodiness and ensuring optimal conditions for their varying climate preferences can also be challenging. So our complete guide aims to provide you with comprehensive knowledge to make your journey with this breed a joyous one.

Quick Overview of Sapphire Splash Chicken

Origin: Czech Republic
Purpose: Dual-Use
Color: Blue/Grey
Parent Breed: Sapphire Gem
Lifespan: 7 years average
Male Weight: 3.1 kg
Female Weight: 2 kg
Broodiness: Yes
Personality: Calm
Care Level: Low
Comb: Single
Egg Yield: 300/year
Egg Size/Weight: Medium, 45-50g
Egg Color: Brown
Foraging: High
Climate Preference: Both Hot/Cold
Available: Limited Hatcheries

Breed Profile of Sapphire Splash Chicken

Sapphire Splash chickens are a distinct Czech breed whose roots trace back to Sapphire Gem chickens from the Czech Republic. The creation of Sapphire Splash involved meticulous breeding and refinement of characteristics over many years, starting with the cross-breeding of Blue Plymouth Rock and Barred Plymouth Rock to form the Sapphire Gem.

Sapphire Splash is not a heritage breed but a hybrid known for its low maintenance and high egg production. These chickens possess a dominant blue gene, which accounts for their distinctive blue feathering. Despite their appealing characteristics, Sapphire Splash chickens don’t breed true and are not ideal for breeding purposes because of their splash coloring. Their primary value lies in their egg-laying capability and hardiness.

Physical Appearance of Sapphire Splash Chicken

Sapphire Splash Chickens are easy to identify due to their unique appearance. They have specks of darker feathering compared to Sapphire Gem chickens, with light to medium dark blue and grey color splashes all over their feathers. Their head and neck feature grey feathers with hints of blue. They have dark grey eyes surroundings, which makes their eyes stand out.

The body color is a lovely shade of grey, which is paired with a dusty grey underbelly. Their legs and beaks are a mix of peach and yellow. The multicolor plumage of Sapphire Splash chickens may show some variation, but the overall color pattern is consistent.

They sport a single type of comb, which is larger in males. Males are a bit bigger, averaging around 3.1 kg in weight, while females weigh about 2 kg and have smaller combs and wattles. Their suitable weight and impressive egg-laying ability make this breed an excellent choice for dual-purpose farming.

Personality of Sapphire Splash Chicken

Sapphire Splash Chickens are known for their calm, docile, and friendly personality, making them great choices for families and children. They interact well with other chickens and need minimal attention, happily exploring their environment and foraging.

Despite their calm nature, they’re also active and curious, loving to scratch the ground in search of insects and other small prey. They even enjoy dust baths, which help keep their feathers clean and healthy.

Their personality is not just limited to being docile and calm; they also have a cuddly side and don’t mind occasional human interaction or lap time. These chickens are vigilant and protective, especially the males who protect their flocks from predators.

Moreover, these chickens are hardy and adapt well to different climates, they are cold and hot weather hardy. They can tolerate cold weather without declining egg production and acclimatize easily during the summer as well. Given their amiable nature, adaptability, and hardiness, Sapphire Splash Chickens make a fantastic addition to backyard poultry setups.

Sapphire Splash Chicken Egg Production

Sapphire Splash Chickens are esteemed for their robust egg-laying ability. These chickens, thanks to years of careful breeding, can lay as many as 300 large brown eggs in a year. Their egg production efficiency is commendable across different climates.

Farmers often prefer Sapphire Splash Chickens due to their high egg production, coupled with their decent weight and meat. The breed produces large-sized eggs with a brown shell. Sapphire Splash hens can exhibit broodiness, which allows them to provide excellent care for their chicks.

Compared to many chicken breeds that are primarily layers, the Sapphire Splash’s egg production is superior. Even in colder climates, these hardy chickens continue to lay eggs, although production might slow down temporarily.

Health Concerns of Sapphire Splash Chicken

Sapphire Splash Chickens, like their Sapphire Gems parents, are considered both cold and hot weather hardy birds with minimal health problems. However, like any chicken breed, they can be susceptible to common poultry health issues.

Parasites such as lice, mites, and worms threaten all chicken breeds if not properly managed. Regular cleaning of the coop and timely replacement of food and water can help keep these pests at bay.

Cleanliness in the chicken enclosure is crucial to prevent diseases such as fowl pox, coccidiosis, and avian influenza. These conditions are not specific to Sapphire Splash Chickens but can affect any poultry if the environment isn’t adequately maintained.

For overall health, providing a nutritious diet and shelter from extreme weather conditions is essential. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor their health and preemptively address any potential health concerns.

Availability of Sapphire Splash Chicken Breed

Sapphire Splash Chickens, being a recent variation of the Sapphire Gem breed, are quite rare and exclusive. They have been developed entirely in captivity. Their availability is limited as they are distributed through just a few select hatcheries. This scarcity makes it challenging for aspiring chicken keepers to find and acquire these unique birds.

Where to Buy This Breed?

In the United States, only a few hatcheries offer Sapphire Splash chicks. One of the renowned places where you can find them is Hoover’s Hatchery. They offer pure-colored, light to medium dark gray plumage Sapphire Splash chicks and even provide an online ordering and delivery service.

Before placing an order, make sure you have the knowledge about brooding and housing requirements to provide the best care for these chickens once they arrive.

Conclusion

The Sapphire Splash Chicken breed is a unique and versatile addition to any poultry setup. With their beautiful grey and blue plumage,high-performing egg producer, and docile temperament, they add both utility and aesthetic appeal to your backyard flock.

This guide provides an all-encompassing look at these chickens, highlighting their origins, physical attributes, personality, egg production, and care requirements, enabling you to make an informed decision about adding this wonderful breed to your backyard or farm.

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