Blue Eggs Uncovered: The Fascinating Breeds You Need to Know!
Welcome to an episode of The Happy Chicken Coop that promises to leave you both egg-cited and egg-ucated!
In this one-of-a-kind video, we're diving into the fascinating world of blue egg-laying chicken breeds.
Have you ever wondered about the breeds behind those captivating blue eggs you've seen?
Look no further! From the rare Araucana to the friendly Cream Legbar, we'll uncover everything you need to know about these unique breeds.
Get ready to learn about their heritage, personalities, care tips, and, of course, those stunning blue eggs.
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In this comprehensive video, we'll discuss eight
chicken breeds that lay beautiful blue eggs. The process of laying blue eggs is quite different from the production of brown or white eggs, as it involves a genetic trait.
While brown eggs get their color from a dye called Proto-porphyrin, blue eggs have a pigment called oh cyanin. We'll start with the Araucana breed, a rare combination of kayankas and cuetros chickens from Chile, known for their blue eggs and unique characteristics.
Moving on to the Cream Legbar breed, we'll explore their near-extinction and their friendly nature, along with the approximately 200 eggs they lay per year. Additionally, we'll delve into Easter Eggers, hybrid chickens that can lay blue, pink, brown, olive, or green eggs, making them perfect for family flocks.
Other breeds we'll cover include the Dongshang and Lushi breeds from China, the Whiting True Blue breed created in Colorado, the experimental Arkansas Blue Chicken, and the Americana breed, also known as Araucana.
So get ready for a fascinating journey through the blue egg-laying chicken breeds that will leave you clucking for more information.
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Araucana
Origin and history
The Araucana breed of chicken has a fascinating origin and history. The chickens originate from South America, specifically Chile.
They are a combination of two chicken breeds, the kayankas and cuetros chickens. The kayankas laid blue eggs and were rumpless, meaning they had no tail feathers or tailbone.
On the other hand, the cuetros had tufted ears, a full tail, and laid brown eggs. In the 1880s, Dr. Reuben Bustos bred these two breeds together to create the Araucana as we know it today.
Characteristics
The Araucana breed is known for its unique and distinctive appearance. They have a small, compact body with no tail feathers.
They come in both bantam and standard-size varieties. The Araucana chickens have a variety of feather colors, including black, white, and various shades of blue. They have a pea comb, small wattles, and ear tufts.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, Araucanas are not known to be very friendly or cuddly.
They are not the best choice for backyard chicken keepers who want chickens that are social and friendly.
However, some individual Araucanas may have more friendly dispositions than others.
Egg production
One of the most notable characteristics of the Araucana breed is its ability to lay blue eggs. Araucanas are known for their beautiful blue eggs, which are a result of a liver pigment called oh cyanin.
The blue pigment is laid into the calcium carbonate base of the shell during the egg production process. Araucanas can lay around 200 to 250 blue eggs per year.
However, it is important to note that, unlike other chicken breeds, not all Araucanas will lay blue eggs. Some may lay eggs of other colors, such as brown or green.
Cream Legbar
Origin and history
The Cream Legbar breed of chicken was created in England and has an interesting history. The breed was developed in the early 20th century by two professors at Cambridge University who were working with chicken genetics.
Their goal was to create an auto-sexing chicken, meaning that the gender of the chicks can be easily determined at hatching.
During the breeding process, they incorporated genes from Leghorn, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Araucana chickens.
Characteristics
Cream Legbars are known for their unique and attractive appearance. They have a slim, elegant body shape with a prominent crest on top of their head.
The chickens have a mix of colors and patterns, including cream, brown, and speckled feathers. They have clean, yellow legs and slender necks.
Temperament
In terms of temperament, Cream Legbars are generally described as friendly birds. They are known to be good foragers and have a curious and active nature.
Cream Legbars are also quite muscular and predator-savvy, which makes them well-suited for free-ranging environments.
Egg production
One of the main reasons why Cream Legbars are popular is because of their blue egg-laying ability. These chickens lay beautiful blue eggs that are sought after by egg enthusiasts.
Cream Legbars are prolific layers and can produce around 200 eggs per year. The exact number of eggs may vary from individual to individual and can be influenced by factors such as diet and environmental conditions.
Easter Eggers
Origin and history
Easter Eggers are not a recognized breed, but rather a hybrid or mutt chicken. They are a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers because of their ability to lay eggs in various colors, including blue, pink, brown, olive, or green.
Easter Eggers have ancestral ties to the Araucana or Americana breeds, which is why they possess the blue egg gene.
Characteristics
Easter Eggers come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They are known for their variability in feather color and egg color.
Some Easter Eggers may have tufted ears or other unique characteristics inherited from their Araucana or Americana ancestors, but their appearance can vary greatly from bird to bird.
Temperament
Easter Eggers are often described as friendly and docile birds. They are known to be good with children and can make excellent family flock members.
Easter Eggers are generally social and curious birds that adapt well to various environments. They are good foragers and are predator-aware, which can help them stay safe in outdoor settings.
Egg production
Easter Eggers are prized for their ability to lay a wide range of colored eggs. The exact egg color can vary, but blue, pink, brown, olive, and green eggs are all possibilities. Easter Eggers can lay around 250 eggs per year, making them a reliable choice for egg production.
Dongshang
Origin and history
The Dongshang breed of chicken comes from China. There is limited information available about this breed, but it is known for its ability to lay blue eggs. The Dongshang chicken is not commonly found outside of China.
Characteristics
The Dongshang chickens are characterized by their black skin, muscles, and organs. They have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds.
The exact physical characteristics of the Dongshang breed may vary, as more detailed information about this breed is not readily available.
Temperament
There is limited information about the temperament of the Dongshang breed due to its rarity and limited availability outside of China.
Since they lay blue eggs like other blue egg-laying breeds, it can be inferred that their temperament may be similar to those of other breeds known for their blue egg-laying abilities.
Egg production
The Dongshang chickens are known for laying blue eggs. While specific information about their egg production is not readily available, it can be assumed that their egg production would be similar to other blue egg-laying breeds.
Blue egg-laying breeds generally lay a moderate number of eggs per year.
Lushi
Origin and history
Similar to the Dongshang breed, the Lushi breed of chicken also originates from China. Limited information is available about this breed, but it is known for its ability to lay blue eggs.
Characteristics
Since detailed information about the Lushi breed is scarce, specific characteristics such as physical appearance and plumage cannot be provided. It is likely that the Lushi breed shares some similarities with other blue egg-laying breeds.
Temperament
Due to the limited information available, the temperament of the Lushi breed is not well-documented. However, it can be assumed that their temperament may be similar to other chicken breeds known for their blue egg-laying abilities.
Egg production
The Lushi breed is known for its ability to lay blue eggs. While the exact number of eggs they lay per year is not readily available, it can be inferred that their egg production would be comparable to other blue egg-laying breeds.
Blue egg-laying breeds generally produce a moderate number of eggs annually.
Whiting True Blue
Origin and history
The Whiting True Blue breed of chicken was created by Dr. Tom Whiting of Colorado, USA. Dr. Whiting had an interest in both blue egg-laying capabilities and superb hackle feathers, which are used for fly tying.
He wanted to develop a breed that possessed both characteristics.
Characteristics
Whiting True Blue chickens are known for their excellent blue egg-laying abilities and attractive plumage.
Their appearance can vary, but they often have a chipmunk pattern or exhibit a range of colors similar to Easter Eggers. They have a slim body shape and are considered good flyers.
Temperament
Whiting True Blue chickens are described as alert, active, and friendly. They are known to be good foragers and have a curious nature. Their friendly and curious disposition makes them a suitable choice for backyard enthusiasts who are looking for engaging and interactive chickens.
Egg production
Whiting True Blue chickens are prolific layers and are known for their ability to lay over 200 eggs per year.
This makes them an excellent choice for those who are looking to have a consistent supply of blue eggs. The exact number of eggs may vary depending on factors such as diet and environmental conditions.
Arkansas Blue Chicken
Origin and history
The Arkansas Blue Chicken is an experimental breed that is believed to have been created by Dr. Keith Bromwell at the University of Arkansas. The breed is a cross between Araucana and a commercial strain of white Leghorn.
Characteristics
Arkansas Blue Chickens have a unique appearance, similar to Sumatra hens. They have clean faces, peacombs, and yellow skin and legs.
Their feathers may exhibit various colors and patterns. In terms of size, they are smaller chickens, with roosters weighing less than four pounds and hens weighing less than three pounds.
Temperament
According to accounts from owners, Arkansas Blue Chickens are described as flighty and not friendly towards humans. They may require more time and effort to socialize compared to other chicken breeds. Their temperament may make them best suited for experienced chicken keepers.
Egg production
Arkansas Blue Chickens are exceptional layers, producing a substantial number of eggs per year.
They are known to lay between 250 to 350 eggs annually, making them a reliable breed for egg production. The exact number of eggs can vary depending on individual hens and environmental factors.
Americana (Araucana)
Origin and history
The Americana breed, also known as Araucana, has an interesting origin and history. Before 1976, Araucana breeders had their own visions of what constituted the perfect Araucana chicken.
Some breeders selectively bred for tufts and rumplessness, while others focused on tails and muffs. The breed was eventually standardized and admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1976.
Characteristics
Americana chickens have a mild temperament and are known for their distinctive appearance.
They have a small to medium-sized body with a pea comb, small wattles, and ear tufts. They come in various feather colors, including black, white, and blue.
Temperament
Americana chickens are generally docile and have a friendly disposition. They can be a suitable choice for backyard chicken keepers who are seeking chickens that are easy to handle and interact with. Their mild temperament makes them good candidates for family flocks.
Egg production
Americana chickens are prized for their ability to lay blue eggs, similar to their Araucana ancestors.
They can produce around 180 to 200 eggs per year, making them consistent layers. However, it is important to note that not all Americana chickens will lay blue eggs. Some may lay eggs of different colors, particularly if they have been crossbred with other breeds.
Americana (Easter Eggers)
Origin and history
The Americana breed, commonly known as Easter Eggers, is not a recognized breed but rather a term used to describe chickens with mixed ancestry that possess the blue egg gene.
Easter Eggers may have ancestral ties to the Araucana or Americana breeds, which is why they are known for their ability to lay blue eggs.
Characteristics
Easter Eggers are known for their variability in appearance and egg color.
They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and their feather coloring can vary greatly from bird to bird. They may exhibit characteristics inherited from their Araucana or Americana ancestors, such as tufted ears or muffs.
Temperament
Easter Eggers are generally described as friendly and docile birds.
They are known to be good with children and can integrate well into family flocks. Easter Eggers have a reputation for being good foragers and have a predator-like appearance, which may deter attacks from small animals.
Egg production
Easter Eggers are most popularly known for their ability to lay a variety of colored eggs.
While their egg color can range from blue to pink, brown, olive, or green, the exact color can vary depending on individual hens. Easter Eggers can lay around 250 eggs per year, making them a reliable choice for those looking for a consistent supply of colorful eggs.
In conclusion, blue egg-laying chicken breeds are fascinating and unique.
From the Araucana, Cream Legbar, and Easter Eggers to the Dongshang, Lushi, Whiting True Blue, Arkansas Blue Chicken, and Americana breeds, each has its own origins, characteristics, temperament, and egg production capabilities.
Whether you're drawn to the rare and rare Araucana breed, the friendly and versatile Easter Eggers, or the experimental Arkansas Blue Chicken, there are options to suit different preferences and needs.
Blue eggs add a vibrant touch to your egg carton, and these breeds offer a delightful variety of colors.
So if you're looking to add a touch of blue to your flock, explore these breeds and enjoy the beauty and biodiversity they bring to your chicken-keeping experience.
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