Welcome to the intriguing domain of blue egg-laying chickens! These special breeds add a vibrant splash of color to your traditional egg basket.
So let’s embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the blue egg layers.
Common Questions About Blue Chicken Eggs
What makes chickens lay blue eggs?
The magical hue of blue chicken eggs is a marvel of genetics and nature’s intricate biological processes.
Unlike white or brown eggs, blue eggs owe their unique color to a pigment called oocyanin that is deposited on the eggshell as it is formed in the hen’s oviduct (similar to a woman’s fallopian tube).
This pigment is derived from bile and is applied early in the eggshell formation process so that it’s coloring not just the surface but the entire shell.
Are blue chicken eggs healthier?
No, blue chicken eggs are not healthier than eggs of other colors.
The nutritional content of an egg is largely determined by the diet and health of the chicken – not the color of the eggshell.
Blue eggs have the same nutritional value as white or brown eggs. They provide similar levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Are blue chicken eggs safe to eat?
Absolutely! Blue chicken eggs are just as safe to eat as any other egg color.
The blue color of the shell is due to a genetic trait of the chicken and does not affect the egg’s safety or quality. As with all eggs, proper handling and cooking are essential to ensure safety.
Do blue chicken eggs taste different?
The flavor of blue chicken eggs is quite similar to that of traditional white and brown eggs. The blue shell does not impart any distinct taste to the egg itself.
The taste of a chicken egg – regardless of shell color – is mainly influenced by the hen’s diet and environment.
Hens with access to a diverse, nutritious diet and ample foraging opportunities typically produce eggs with richer, more robust flavors regardless of the egg’s shell color.
Are blue chicken eggs rare?
Blue chicken eggs are relatively rare compared to the more common white and brown eggs. This is mainly because fewer chicken breeds lay blue eggs.
However, with the growing popularity of breeds like Araucana, Ameraucana, and Cream Legbar, blue eggs are becoming more widely available.
What are other rare-colored chicken eggs?
In addition to blue eggs, other rare egg colors include olive green, pink, and even chocolate brown. These colors are often produced by specific breeds or hybrids.
For example, Olive Eggers (a crossbreed) lay olive green eggs, and breeds like Marans are known for their rich chocolate brown eggs.
What color eggs do different chicken breeds lay?
Different chicken breeds lay a variety of egg colors.
Here is a short list of a few of the different breeds and their egg colors:
- Araucana and Ameraucana: Known for blue eggs.
- Easter Egger: Can lay blue, green, cream, or brown eggs.
- Marans: Renowned for their dark chocolate brown eggs.
- Leghorns: Typically lay white eggs.
- Rhode Island Red and Sussex: Known for laying brown eggs.
Each chicken breed brings its unique palette to the egg basket, making the world of poultry keeping a colorful and fascinating experience.
Do chickens that lay blue eggs need different feed than other chickens?
Chickens that lay blue eggs do not require a different type of feed than other chickens. The color of the egg is determined by the breed of the chicken and its specific genetics, not its diet.
Regardless of the egg color, a balanced diet is essential for all chickens to ensure they remain healthy and continue to produce eggs.
A typical chicken diet includes layers of pellets or mash that can be supplemented with kitchen scraps, corn, and free-range foraging.
Read our Chicken Food Guide for more information on caring for your chickens.
Breeds of Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs
The allure of chickens that lay blue eggs is undeniable. These little miracles of nature come from a select group of chicken breeds that have fascinated poultry enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Here are a few of the blue egg-laying chicken breeds:
Araucana
Araucanas are a captivating breed recognized for their unique appearance, affable nature, and ability to lay blue eggs.
Here’s what makes Araucanas stand out:
Eggs
- Araucanas lay approximately 3 eggs per week or 150-200 eggs annually.
- The eggs are typically medium in size.
- Araucanas are renowned for their beautiful light blue eggs.
Breed
- This breed originated in Chile and is known for its distinctive appearance.
- Araucanas are a medium-sized breed and bantam varieties are also available.
- They’re known for their tufted ears and lack of tail (rumpless), Araucanas have a unique look. They typically do not have feathered legs or beards/muffs, their skin color is usually white, and they have a pea comb.
- While they come in various colors, the most common are black, white, and lavender.
- Araucanas are recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) in the following colors: black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, buff, self blue, silver, wheaten, and white.
- Araucanas generally have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years depending on their care and environment.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
- Araucanas are known for their friendly and intelligent nature but can become cranky if confined.
- They are fairly adaptable to both cold and warm climates but prefer ample space to roam, which helps in regulating body temperature and maintaining overall health.
- Araucanas do best when they can forage, roam, and explore since they can become anxious in confined spaces.
- Primarily valued for their unique egg-laying ability, Araucanas are also appreciated for their distinctive appearance in backyard flocks.
Araucanas are a unique and charming addition to any poultry collection for their unusual blue eggs and distinctive rumpless appearance.
Their friendly nature and adaptability to different climates make them a versatile choice for both novice and experienced poultry keepers.
Ameraucana
Ameraucanas (often mistaken for Araucanas) are another breed known for laying blue eggs.
What sets them apart is their distinctive beard and muff around their faces, giving them a uniquely charming look.
Here are the key characteristics of Ameraucanas:
Eggs
- Ameraucanas are known to lay around 3-4 eggs per week, which is about 150-180 eggs per year.
- The eggs are typically medium-sized.
- Ameraucanas are celebrated for their sky-blue eggs.
Breed
- The Ameraucana breed was developed in the United States. They originate from the Araucana chickens of Chile but were bred to eliminate some genetic issues.
- This breed is medium-sized, with bantam varieties available as well.
- Ameraucanas are recognized for their beards and muffs. They also have a pea comb and slate-colored legs, and do not have feathered legs.
- The American Poultry Association recognizes a range of colors, including black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, buff, self blue, silver, wheaten, and white,
- Similar to other chicken breeds, Ameraucanas generally have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years depending on their care and environment.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
- Known for their friendly and docile temperament, Ameraucanas are often easy to handle and suitable for families.
- They are particularly resilient to cold climates due to their fluffy feathering but can adapt to various weather conditions.
- Ameraucanas can tolerate confinement but, like most chickens, they thrive better when they have space to roam and forage.
- Primarily raised for their unique egg-laying capabilities, Ameraucanas are also appreciated for their aesthetic appeal in backyard settings.
Ameraucanas – with their striking appearance and friendly disposition – are a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts.
Their ability to thrive in various climates and their social nature make them an excellent addition to diverse backyard flocks.
Cream Legbar
The British breed, Cream Legbar, is known for more than just its blue eggs. They’re also one of the few chicken breeds that are auto-sexing – meaning you can determine the sex of the chicks at hatching.
Cream Legbar Pullet
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Here are a few other notable traits of Cream Legbars:
Eggs
- Cream Legbars typically produce around 5 eggs per week.
- Their eggs are medium-sized.
- They’re known for laying eggs that are light blue to light green.
Breed
- This breed was developed in England and is a mix of Leghorn, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Araucana.
- Cream Legbars are medium-sized chickens. There is also a bantam variety of this breed.
- They have a single comb, yellow legs, and are adorned with a crest. They do not generally have muffs/beards or feathered legs.
- The primary coloring of Cream Legbars includes a barring of creams and grays. This chicken breed is not recognized by the American Poultry Association.
- Cream Legbars have a typical lifespan of 6 to 8 years depending on care and environmental conditions.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
- Cream Legbars have varying temperaments. Some strains of this breed are friendly and docile, while others can be more flighty and noisy. They are not known for being particularly broody.
- They’re reasonably hardy in cold weather and can manage in warmer climates with proper shade, ventilation, and plenty of water.
- While they can adapt to confinement, Cream Legbars do much better and are happier when they have more space to roam and forage.
- Cream Legbars are primarily raised for their egg-laying capabilities but are also valued for their unique appearance in a backyard setting.
Cream Legbars offer a delightful combination of utility and aesthetics, making them a charming addition to many backyard flocks.
However, their temperament and space requirements should be considered when integrating them into a mixed flock or a small backyard environment.
Cream Legbar Pullet
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Easter Eggers
This mixed breed is well-loved among poultry enthusiasts for their friendly personalities and their penchant for laying eggs of varied colors.
Their name, inspired by the colorful array of their eggs, reminds one of joyfully painted Easter eggs.
Easter Egger Straight Run
Not available online.
{{storeQuantity}} in stock in {{wg.store.city}}
Limited stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Out of stock in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Not carried in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Cannot be sold in {{wg.store.city}} Check nearby stores
Here are some key characteristics of the Easter Eggers:
Eggs
- Easter Eggers typically lay about 4 eggs per week, which adds up to around 200-280 eggs annually.
- The eggs are generally medium to large.
- What sets Easter Eggers apart is the variety in egg color – they can lay eggs in shades of blue, green, cream, and even pink. Each hen will only lay eggs in one color and this remains consistent throughout her lifetime.
Breed
- Easter Eggers are not a breed per se but a hybrid chicken derived from different breeds.
- They are medium-sized chickens, with a bantam variety also available in some cases.
- Easter Eggers display a wide variety of appearances, often sporting muffs, beards, and a variety of feather colors and patterns. Their leg color can also vary, and they typically have a pea comb.
- Easter Eggers are not recognized by the American Poultry Association.
- As with many chicken breeds, Easter Eggers generally live around 6 to 8 years depending on their care and environment.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
- Easter Eggers are known for their friendly and curious nature, making them a great choice for families with children. Their temperament can vary but they are generally sociable and adaptable to various flock dynamics.
- They are adaptable to a range of climates. Their diverse genetic background gives them a good degree of hardiness in both cold and warm conditions.
- While they can tolerate confinement, they thrive when given space to forage and explore.
- Primarily kept for their egg-laying abilities and the aesthetic appeal of their colorful eggs, they also make for delightful pets due to their friendly disposition.
Easter Eggers’ diverse genetic makeup not only makes them hardy and adaptable to various environments but also contributes to the charm and individuality of each bird.
They are particularly appealing to those who enjoy a surprise element in the egg basket and are looking for a sociable and engaging chicken breed.
Arkansas Blue
The Arkansas Blue is a unique hybrid breed known for its medium size and distinctive egg-laying ability. These birds are hardy and notably produce a large number of eggs.
Here are some key characteristics of the Arkansas Blue:
- They are known to produce 200-300 eggs a year.
- The Arkansas Blue is a medium-sized bird and is a suitable breed for backyards of various sizes.
- These birds are not particularly fond of being around people (which might be a consideration if you’re looking for a pet-like interaction with your chickens).
- As for space requirements, like most chicken breeds, they would appreciate enough room to move around and forage.
Whiting True Blue
Next up is a newer entrant in the blue egg-laying league – the Whiting True Blue. This breed is gaining popularity for its consistent production of blue eggs.
What sets Whiting True Blues apart is their adaptable nature. Whether you live in a cooler or warmer climate, these hardy chickens are likely to thrive making them an excellent choice for various homesteads.
Some of their characteristics are:
- They lay an average of 6 eggs a week or 250 a year.
- They lay beautiful blue eggs ranging from pale sky blue to deep turquoise.
- They’re medium-sized chickens known for their hardiness and adaptability.
- Whiting True Blues’ friendly and docile nature makes them a joy to raise.
- Whiting True Blues are fairly active and enjoy free-ranging. They need a coop for shelter and nesting but also require a good amount of outdoor space for exercise and foraging.
Each of these blue egg-laying chicken breeds brings a unique charm to your farm. Whether you choose one or decide to welcome a mix into your coop, you’re in for a treat with their beautiful blue eggs and personalities.
Considerations Before Selecting Blue Egg-Laying Chickens
Choosing to raise blue egg-laying chickens can be an exciting venture. However, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re selecting quality breeds and adhering to breed standards.
Here are some considerations to guide you through this process.
Select quality chickens
Know the breed standards
When selecting quality blue egg chicken breeds, it’s important to understand the specific characteristics of each breed.
For instance, Araucanas are known for their tail-less rump and tufts, while Ameraucanas are recognized for their muffs and beards. Cream Legbars, on the other hand, are auto-sexing, meaning male and female chicks can be distinguished at hatching by their color.
Understanding these traits can help you identify healthy, true-to-breed birds. It’s also crucial to choose chickens that appear active and alert with clean, glossy feathers since these are signs of good health.
Look beyond egg color
While the allure of blue eggs is strong, consider other aspects like temperament, egg-laying capacity, and adaptability to your environment.
For example, Araucanas are known for their distinctive appearance and friendly nature, whereas Ameraucanas are adaptable to colder climates.
Source responsibly
Choose reputable breeders or hatcheries that prioritize the health and well-being of their chickens.
Reputable sources will provide detailed information about the breed’s lineage and care requirements.
Where to purchase chickens
Here are a few places to purchase chickens that lay blue eggs:
- Local breeders: Local poultry breeders are an excellent source of quality birds. They can offer valuable insights into the breed’s characteristics and care requirements.
- Poultry shows and clubs: Attending local poultry shows or joining breed clubs can connect you with experienced breeders and offer opportunities to see various breeds up close.
- Online hatcheries: For a broader selection, online hatcheries and poultry forums can be valuable resources. However, exercise caution and research thoroughly to ensure the credibility of the source.
- Farm stores: Some farm supply stores offer chicks seasonally, but the selection of blue egg-laying breeds may be limited.
Just remember, when purchasing chickens, it’s best to buy from reputable breeders or hatcheries. These sources usually adhere to breed standards and prioritize the health and genetic diversity of their flocks.
And before your baby chicks arrive, read our Caring for Baby Chicks guide to get ready for the newest additions to your backyard flock!
The Charm of Chickens with Blue Eggs
Blue eggs are a delightful curiosity in the world of egg-laying chickens. By understanding and appreciating each blue-egg-laying chicken breed, you can enjoy these splendid blue wonders for what they truly are – a natural and delightful product of our feathered friends.
Always source your chickens responsibly, and you’ll soon be on your way to having a colorful and vibrant egg basket!
