Blue chicken eggs have become increasingly popular in recent years, adding a pop of color to backyard coops and kitchen counters across the country. But what chicken breeds actually lay these beautiful blue eggs? While white and brown eggs are the most common, several breeds with unique genetics produce eggs with blue shells.
What Causes Blue Eggs?
The blue egg color is the result of a pigment called oocyanin that is deposited early on during the egg’s development in the hen’s oviduct. This results in a blue shell color that penetrates through the entire egg, unlike brown egg shells where the pigment only coats the outermost layer.
The blue egg gene originated from ancient chicken breeds in South America and Asia that were infected with a unique type of retrovirus long ago. This retrovirus inserted itself into the chickens’ DNA, altering their genetics to produce blue eggshells instead of the typical white or brown.
Top Blue Egg Laying Chicken Breeds
Here are some of the most popular and prolific blue egg laying chicken breeds
Ameraucana
- Originated in the U.S. from Chilean stock
- Recognized as a breed since the 1970s
- Always lays blue eggs in shades from sky blue to deep blue
- Excellent layer, averaging 150 eggs per year
- Docile, friendly personality
- Comes in a variety of color patterns
Araucana
- Originated in Chile
- Known for very active, energetic, and friendly personality
- Excellent forager and enjoys free ranging
- Lays medium to large light blue eggs, around 160-180 per year
- Distinguished by tufted ears and lack of a tail
Easter Egger
- Not a true breed, but a hybrid mutt that carries the blue egg gene
- Extremely variable in appearance with no standard
- Lays eggs in shades of blue, green, pink and brown
- Very friendly, excellent layers averaging 200 eggs per year
- Great foragers that do well in mixed flocks
Cream Legbar
- Developed in 1930s England by crossing Leghorns, Plymouth Rocks and Araucanas
- Lays very large, light blue eggs at a high rate of 250+ per year
- Intelligent foragers that thrive on pasture
- Slightly standoffish, not as people-friendly
- Recognizable by their crested head and barred color pattern
Blue Andalusian
- Originated in Spain and recognized since the 1850s
- Lay large pale blue eggs at a rate of approximately 175 per year
- Docile, calm temperament
- Striking slate blue coloration with bright red face and wattles
Benefits of Blue Eggs
While the nutritional value and taste are the same as any other egg color, blue eggs offer several advantages:
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Unique appearance – Blue eggs stand out and add diversity to your egg basket.
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Easy to identify – Since they are less common, blue eggs are easy to distinguish if you have multiple chicken breeds.
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High production – Many blue egg layers like Ameraucanas Easter Eggers and Cream Legbars are very prolific laying up to 250 eggs per year.
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Foraging ability – Breeds like Araucanas and Easter Eggers are excellent foragers that thrive on free ranging.
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Friendly personalities – Most blue egg layers like Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers are calm and docile.
So if you’re looking to add some color to your egg basket, consider one of these blue egg laying chicken breeds. Just remember that no matter the shell color, the quality and taste of the egg inside remains the same. Happy egg hunting!
A Splash of Blue in Your Egg Basket
Imagine gathering a basket of colorful eggs in shades of soft blue. Blue egg layers bring this dream to life, offering you a daily surprise with their beautiful blue eggs. These eye-catching colored eggs are not only beautiful but also just as nutritious and delicious as white and brown eggs.
Get an even more colorful egg basket by raising chickens that also lay brown or white eggs. Colored egg layers create a unique experience that backyard chicken enthusiasts will surely enjoy.
Our Range of Blue Egg Laying Chickens
These unique and beautiful birds add a touch of magic to your flock, producing stunning blue chicken eggs that are sure to impress. Whether youre a seasoned poultry enthusiast or just starting your backyard chicken adventure, our selection of colored egg layers offers something special for every coop.
Find breeds of chicks such as Splash Ameraucana, Cream Legbar, and much more. If you’re looking for more information on breed is right for you, feel free to refer to our guide on Selecting a Poultry Breed.
Blue Eggs Uncovered: The Fascinating Breeds You Need to Know!
FAQ
What breed of chickens lay blue eggs?
Ameraucana: The All-American Blue Egg Layer
The blue eggs they lay can range from light blue to greenish-blue, adding a lovely variety to your egg basket. And they’re hardy birds, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Do blue chicken eggs taste different?
No, blue chicken eggs do not taste different than white or brown eggs, according to America’s Test Kitchen.
Are blue chicken eggs good to eat?
Yes, blue chicken eggs are perfectly safe and good to eat.
What kind of chicken lays purple eggs?
While no chicken breed naturally lays eggs that are a true, vibrant purple, some Black Copper Marans can lay eggs with a very dark brown color that, due to a heavy bloom, can appear purple or mauve. This “purple” appearance is a result of the bloom, a coating on the eggshell, rather than the egg’s pigmentation itself.