What Chicken Lays Blue Eggs? A Complete Guide

Have you ever cracked open a chicken egg and been surprised to see a blue shell instead of the typical white or brown? While most grocery store eggs are white or brown, some special chicken breeds actually lay eggs with beautifully colored blue shells.

In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about blue egg laying chickens, including:

• Why some chickens lay blue eggs
• The major breeds of blue egg laying chickens
• Differences between purebred and hybrid blue egg layers
• Benefits of raising blue egg layers
• How to choose the right blue egg chicken breed for you

Why Do Some Chickens Lay Blue Eggs?

The blue egg color comes from a pigment called oocyanin that is deposited onto the eggshell as it develops within the hen. Some chicken breeds carry a genetic mutation that causes them to produce the oocyanin pigment

When this pigment is incorporated early in the egg’s development, it penetrates the entire shell rather than just coating the outer layer. This results in blue colored eggs both inside and out.

Major Blue Egg Laying Chicken Breeds

There are a few main pure breeds of chickens that reliably produce blue eggs thanks to their genetics:

• Araucana – This breed originated in Chile and has distinctive tufted ears. It lays medium sized blue eggs in shades ranging from sky blue to rich royal blue.

• Ameraucana – Developed in the U.S. this breed has a beard and muff. It lays blue eggs in lighter shades of blue to blue-green.

• Cream Legbar – Originating from Britain, this breed has a crest of feathers on its head. It lays medium sized blue eggs.

• Easter Egger – This mixed breed chicken carries the blue egg gene and comes in a variety of feather colors. Their egg colors range from blue to green to pinkish.

Purebred vs Hybrid Blue Egg Layers

There are some important differences between purebreds and hybrids when it comes to blue egg layers:

Purebreds like Ameraucanas breed true, meaning their offspring will consistently lay blue eggs. The blue pigment penetrates the entire shell.

Hybrids like Easter Eggers don’t always pass down the blue egg gene reliably. Their eggs may appear blue on the outside but have less pigment inside. However, hybrids produce a greater variety of egg colors.

Benefits of Raising Blue Egg Layers

Adding some blue egg layers to your backyard flock offers a few advantages:

• Unique appearance – Blue eggs stand out and make your egg basket more colorful.

• Consumer appeal – Customers often enjoy the novelty of blue eggs if you sell extras.

• Educational value – Blue egg layers provide a great opportunity to teach children about genetics.

• Marketability – Blue eggs are popular with chefs and food bloggers for their visual appeal.

Choosing the Right Blue Egg Layer

With so many breeds to choose from, which blue egg layer is the best fit for your needs? Here are some tips:

• Consider the breed’s egg laying consistency – some only produce blue eggs while hybrids offer more variety

• Factor in the breed’s temperament – some are more friendly while others are more independent

• Ensure the breed is suited for your climate – some do better in cold or heat

• Understand special needs – some may require more free ranging space

• Decide if you want a purebred or are open to hybrids

Take the time to research breeds and choose chickens that will thrive in your specific environment. Focus on selecting birds with the egg qualities and personality traits that matter most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Araucana chickens lay blue eggs?

Yes, purebred Araucanas will consistently lay medium blue eggs thanks to their genetics.

Can hybrid blue egg layers produce white eggs?

It’s rare, but possible. Hybrids sometimes produce off-white or light brown eggs rather than pure white.

What’s the best diet for blue egg layers?

A quality complete feed designed for laying hens, plus free access to calcium sources like oyster shell.

The Takeaway on Blue Egg Layers

When you want to add some color variety to your egg basket, chickens that lay beautiful blue eggs are a great option. A few pure breeds like Ameraucanas and Araucanas have the genetics to produce blue eggs consistently, while hybrids like Easter Eggers offer more surprises across a rainbow of egg colors. Adding a few blue egg laying hens can give you a premium product to sell or just brighten up your daily egg collection!