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Are you curious about chickens but looking for something a bit more unusual? Let’s delve into the intriguing world of blue chicken breeds. In poultry circles, the presence of the “blue” gene is a truly remarkable and slightly mysterious genetic twist.
What’s fascinating is that this gene doesn’t always result in chickens adorned with entirely blue plumage. Rather, it creates a range of hues, from deep black to the eye-catching ‘splash’ — a whimsical pattern where white intermingles with black or blue feathers.
This variety is all thanks to the genetic magic of both parent birds. Intrigued? Join us as we explore 11 incredible blue chicken breeds, each displaying a captivating array of feather colors thanks to this extraordinary genetic feature.
Popular Blue Chicken Breeds
Here’s a rundown of different types of blue chickens:
1. Blue Ameraucana
Meet the blue Ameraucanas, unique chickens that not only boast a touch of blue feathers but also lay blue eggs. While you might imagine them draped in vivid blue, these chickens often display more subtle shades of grayish-blue or blue-black.
This is due to a recessive gene that tones down the black pigment in their feathers. If a chicken doesn’t inherit this blue gene, its feathers will stay a classic black.
As for size, blue Ameraucanas are on the lighter side, with hens weighing about 5.5 pounds and roosters a bit more at around 6.5 pounds. They thrive on high-quality feed, love fresh fruits and veggies, and enjoy treats like mealworms or scratch grains.
2. Blue Silkie
Blue silkie chickens are truly a standout among chicken breeds, with their entire bodies, from head to feet, covered in feathers that feel as soft as silk or satin. These chickens are particularly cherished for their striking blue and lavender plumage.
Despite their luxurious feathering, silkies are quite small, with males averaging around 4 pounds and females about 3 pounds. They have diverse diets, happily munching on insects, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Blue silkies are known for their affectionate nature, making them great for those looking for a cuddly pet chicken.
Beneath their fluffy exterior lies an unusual feature: their skin, meat, and bones are all black.
3. Blue Copper Maran
The blue copper Maran, often referred to as the French blue copper Maran due to its origins in France, is a medium-sized chicken known for its unique, silky-feeling feathers.
These birds are particularly striking, with hens displaying a rich copper color on their head and neck, which contrasts beautifully with the dominant blue of their bodies. Their tails are distinctively narrow and straight, setting them apart from other breeds.
Their diet includes insects, larvae, and even larger prey like small reptiles. They are generally calm and easygoing, although some may show a more spirited side. Despite this, they’re completely safe around humans, including children, making them great family pets.
A notable feature of this breed is their exceptionally large brown eggs.
4. Blue Rosecomb Bantam
The blue rosecomb bantam, originating from England in the 1300s, is a small chicken breed known for its striking features. It has blue-grey feathers, distinct white earlobes, and a unique, vivid red comb that is flat and wide and sits closely against the head, ending in a pointed tip.
Weighing no more than 2 pounds, these chickens have a diet that includes pellets, grain crumbles, and whole grains. While they are generally gentle and friendly, they might not be the best fit for first-time breeders due to their occasional fighting spirit.
Primarily, the blue rosecomb bantam is admired for its ornamental value, often raised for show and exhibition rather than for egg-laying, making them a favorite among those who appreciate their decorative appeal.
5. Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
The blue-laced red Wyandotte, though not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association yet, has recently gained attention for its striking color patterns. These birds are plump and rounded, with a full chest and a gently curved back. They feature a rose comb on their head, accompanied by red wattles and earlobes.
Their eyes are a deep red-bay, situated above a horn-colored beak, and their skin has a yellow tone. This sturdy body is supported by short, strong legs. The blue-laced red Wyandotte is particularly noted for its dense under feathers of grayish-blue that extend from the abdomen to the tail, overlaid with reddish-chestnut feathers with gray or blue edges on their back, chest and flanks.
Wyandottes are a larger breed, with hens weighing around 6.5 pounds and roosters about 8.5 pounds. They enjoy a diet that includes various seeds and insects.
6. Blue Andalusian
Blue Andalusians, named after the Spanish region they originate from, were introduced to the United States in the 1850s, where their distinctive coloring was further refined.
These chickens are known for their beautiful bluish-gray feathers, which have a unique blue, laced pattern with darker blue borders. They also come in a splash variety, which is mostly white with blue splashes.
Characterized by medium-sized, five-point combs and white earlobes with substantial wattles, Blue Andalusians are quite striking. The males weigh around 7 pounds, and the females weigh about 5 pounds. Their diet is versatile, including chicken pellets, grains, and mash.
7. Blue Sumatra
The blue Sumatra chicken, originating from Sumatra island in western Indonesia, is often admired in exhibitions for its ornamental beauty. Both males and females of this breed develop a stunning shimmering blue feather coat as they mature, alongside grayish legs.
Their lavish tails, including the sickles and coverts, are long enough to gracefully touch the ground when well-groomed. In terms of size, females typically weigh around 4 pounds, and males are slightly heavier at about 5 pounds.
These chickens are natural scavengers and are often found in gardens, hunting for fresh bugs and pests. Interestingly, blue Sumatras are among the few chicken breeds capable of flying significant distances. Blue Sumatra chickens are not prolific layers, typically producing only one or two eggs per week.
8. Blue Australorp
The blue Australorp chicken, a rare variant from Australia, is known for its feathers that shimmer in sunlight, displaying stunning bluish-gray hues. These chickens stand out with their upright tails and broad, rounded chests, highlighting their strong build. Adult roosters weigh about 8 to 9 pounds, while hens are slightly lighter at 6.5 to 7.5 pounds.
Their diet is varied, including greens, seeds, insects, worms, and occasionally small animals like mice and lizards. Due to their large size, blue Australorps need plenty of activity to stay healthy and avoid obesity, a common issue in bigger chicken breeds, particularly in confined spaces.
9. Rhode Island Blue
The Rhode Island blue chicken breed, developed in the United States, is a cross between the resilient Rhode Island red and the blue Australorp, known for its striking blue color.
These chickens display various blue shades in their feathers and have a broad, sturdy frame suitable for meat production. Males typically weigh between 8 and 9 pounds, with females slightly lighter at 6 to 7 pounds.
Their diet includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and some table scraps. Known for their efficient brown egg-laying and excellent foraging abilities, these chickens can help with pest control and potentially reduce feeding costs if they have enough space to roam.
10. Blue Jersey Giant
The Jersey giant, originating from New Jersey, USA, is one of the largest chicken breeds. These birds are recognized for their classic look with a single comb, red wattles, and earlobes, and typically have brown eyes and sturdy legs.
The blue variety, known as the blue Jersey giant, sports stunning deep blue feathers with a glossy sheen. Adult females weigh about 10 pounds, while males can reach around 13 pounds.
Their diet is similar to that of other chickens, including high-quality feed, grains, and greens. Blue Jersey giants are known for their gentle nature, making them great for families and hobbyists. They’re sociable, get along well with other chickens and humans, and are also valued for their large eggs and meat.
11. Blue Cochin
Originating from China, the cochin is a fluffy and docile chicken breed. The blue cochin stands out with its soft, voluminous blue feathers, contrasting beautifully against its bright red wattles and earlobes. They also have feathered legs, adding to their fluffy appearance.
Blue cochins are medium to large, with females weighing about 8 pounds and roosters around 10 to 11 pounds. Their diet includes high-quality poultry feed, grains, fruits, and vegetables, with extra protein needed during molting.
Known for their sweet and laid-back nature, blue cochins are sociable and friendly. They are not great egg layers but still produce a good number of large brown eggs, roughly 150 to 180 annually.
Conclusion
Blue chicken breeds, with their stunning plumage and varied sizes, offer a delightful mix of beauty, personality, and utility. Whether it’s the striking blue cochins or the robust blue Jersey giants, these breeds not only enhance the aesthetics of a poultry collection but also bring gentle, sociable natures, making them a joy to raise for hobbyists and families alike.
