Are you intrigued by the idea of adding some blue eggs to your morning breakfast routine? If so, you’re not alone! Blue eggs are captivating, and having chickens that lay them can add a unique touch to your backyard flock. We are going to explore different breed and egg colors. We are going to talk about what chickens lay blue eggs.
When it comes to eggs, I’m not going to lie, I’m a little vain. For years we had our red sexlink chickens who gave us plenty of eggs. They are a breed that is known for their high egg production. They are one of those breeds that give you some serious bang for your buck. For this frugally-minded woman it made sense to purchase a breed that gives you a lot of eggs.
Still, my heart longed for blue eggs. I saw them all over the internet and they were just so…pretty. I admit it, I like things that are aesthetically pleasing, and eggs are no exception.
Blue eggs are even prettier when they are mixed in with light brown, dark brown, and white eggs. Did you know there were so many different colors of eggs? The breed of chicken you decide on will determine what color eggs you are filling your egg carton with.
So, eventually we decided to invest in some blue egg chickens. And I’ll be straight up honest with you, finding blue eggs in our chicken coop made my heart sing more than it probably should.
But it’s the little things in life, right? And if it’s blue eggs that bring you a little joy in your life, I am here to tell you that you should embrace it! And if you want a mix of colors when it comes to eggs, you’ll want to get a few different chicken breeds.
So, let’s talk about what breeds of chickens will give you those beautiful, blue eggs!
The Best Breeds of Chickens that Lay Blue Eggs
When it comes to blue eggs, there are a few key players in the chicken world. Two popular breeds known for their blue eggs are the Ameraucana and the Araucana. These breeds originated in South America and have made their mark in the United States and Canada, captivating chicken keepers with their unique egg colors.
Ameraucana Chickens
Ameraucana chickens are true blue egg layers, known for their striking azure-blue eggs. This is the breed we had that gave us the prettiest eggs ever! These birds boast a friendly disposition and a unique appearance, with tufts of feathers adorning their cheeks and a pea comb atop their heads. Unlike some other breeds, Ameraucanas are recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) as a distinct breed, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks across the country.
Araucana Chickens
Originating from Chile, Araucana chickens are another breed prized for their blue eggs. These birds are known for their unique ear tufts and lack of a tail, giving them a distinctive appearance. While Araucanas are not as common as Ameraucanas, they’re still a favorite among chicken enthusiasts who appreciate their history and rarity.
Easter Eggers
If you’re looking for a chicken that lays blue eggs but offers a variety of egg colors, Easter Eggers are an excellent choice. These friendly birds come in various shades and can lay blue, green, pink, or even olive eggs. They’re not a pure breed like Ameraucanas or Araucanas but are a mix of different breeds, making them a fascinating addition to any backyard flock. Easter Eggers are just an all around fun breed to have in your backyard!
Cream Legbars
Cream Legbars are another popular breed known for their striking blue eggs. Originating from Great Britain, these birds not only lay beautiful blue eggs but also boast a friendly disposition just like the Ameraucanas, making them an ideal choice for families with children or first-time chicken keepers.
Olive Eggers
If you want to add some diversity to your egg basket, consider adding Olive Eggers to your flock. These chickens are the result of crossing blue egg layers with dark brown egg layers, resulting in hens that lay olive-colored eggs. It’s like having a little piece of Easter in your backyard, all year round! So, it’s technically not a blue egg, but it’s close enough! Olive is still a fun color to have in an egg.
The Science Behind Egg Color
Ever wondered why some chickens lay blue eggs while others lay brown or white? It all comes down to genetics and the pigments present in the hen’s oviduct. Blue egg layers have a specific gene that causes the deposition of a blue pigment called oocyanin on the inside of the shell, giving the eggs their distinctive hue.
Are blue eggs healthier?
Contrary to popular belief, the color of the eggshell does not determine the overall health of the egg. Brown eggs are not healthier than white eggs. And blue or green eggs aren’t either. But the good news is, they aren’t inferior to white eggs either! Blue chicken eggs are safe to eat, just like every other colored egg that comes from a chicken.
Where to Find Blue Egg Layers
If you’re ready to add some blue eggs to your basket, you can find blue egg-laying chickens at your local feed store or hatchery. Companies like Cackle Hatchery offer a variety of breeds, including Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Easter Eggers, allowing you to choose the perfect addition to your flock. Of course, depending on where you live you may be limited to what chickens you can find.
Choosing the Right Chickens for Your Flock
When selecting chickens that lay blue eggs, it’s essential to consider factors like climate, space, and your own preferences. Some breeds, like Ameraucanas and Araucanas, are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, while others, like Cream Legbars, thrive in free-range environments.
It’s great if you can give your chickens a free-range environment, but not everyone can do that. We learned the hard way that we couldn’t free-range our chickens after we tried it and lost a few to coyotes. It was a very hard lesson for us to learn. If you have a big guard dog for your farm you will probably be able to free range, but if you don’t and have a lot of predators in your area, it’s probably best to not take the free range approach.
Add Chickens that will lay Blue Eggs to your Flock
Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting, adding chickens that lay blue eggs to your backyard flock is sure to bring joy and excitement. From the unique appearance of the eggs to the friendly disposition of the birds, there’s something truly special about having your own colorful egg basket. So why wait? Start your blue egg-laying adventure today and enjoy fresh, colorful eggs straight from your backyard coop!
