23 Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs: Breeds, Care & Production Guide

I still remember the morning I found my first blue egg. I’d been raising chickens for about a month, collecting the same brown and white eggs every day, when there it was—a stunning, sky-blue egg nestled in the nesting box.

I actually pulled it out, turned it over in my hands, and wondered if I was seeing things.

That single egg sparked an obsession that completely transformed my backyard flock. What started as a simple desire for fresh eggs became a daily treasure hunt, with each collection revealing a new palette of blues, greens, and earth tones.

If you’ve ever wondered which chickens lay those gorgeous blue eggs—or if you’re ready to add some serious color to your morning omelet—you’re in the right place.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about blue egg layers, from the science behind the color to choosing the right breed for your backyard.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which chickens to choose, where to find them, and what to expect when those first brilliant blue eggs appear.

Here are the Top Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Your Backyard Flock

The Science Behind Blue Eggs: Why Some Chickens Lay Blue

Before we dive into specific breeds, let’s understand what makes these eggs so special. Knowing the biology helps you appreciate your blue layers—and explains why egg color sometimes varies.

Every chicken egg starts out white. The shell itself is made of calcium carbonate, which is naturally white. What happens next creates the color.

Blue egg-laying chickens produce a pigment called oocyanin—a byproduct of bile formation in the hen’s liver. This pigment is deposited onto the eggshell early in the formation process as the egg travels through the hen’s oviduct.

Unlike brown pigment (protoporphyrin), which is applied late and only coats the outside, oocyanin actually penetrates the entire shell structure during formation.

This is why blue eggs are blue all the way through—crack one open, and even the inside of the shell shows color. It’s the difference between painting a piece of paper versus dyeing fabric.

• What about green eggs?

When a hen carries both the blue egg gene and genes for brown pigment, you get green. The blue base gets coated with brown, creating shades from olive to sage to mint. This is how Olive Egger breeds are created—by crossing blue layers with dark brown layers.

• Does color affect nutrition or taste?

No. Shell color has zero impact on taste, protein, vitamins, or cholesterol. What matters is diet and how your hens are raised. A chicken with access to pasture and quality feed will lay nutritious eggs regardless of shell color.

The appeal of blue eggs is purely aesthetic—but the joy of a beautiful egg basket shouldn’t be underestimated.

Before You Start: Legal and Practical Considerations

Before ordering chicks, check your local regulations. Many cities allow backyard chickens but restrict the number of birds or prohibit roosters. Some homeowner associations ban chickens entirely.

Visit your city’s website or call the zoning office to confirm chickens are permitted and learn any restrictions.

Budget realistically for the full investment. While blue egg layer chicks cost $3-$30 depending on breed, you’ll also need:

• Coop and run: $300-$2,000 (or DIY for less)
• Feeders, waterers, nesting boxes: $50-$150
• Initial feed and bedding: $50-$100
• Monthly feed costs: $15-$30 per bird per year
• Occasional veterinary care: variable

Most backyard keepers find eggs “pay for themselves” within 1-2 years through savings on store-bought eggs, but the upfront investment deserves planning.

Top Breeds That Lay Blue Eggs

Let’s explore the best blue egg layers and what makes each unique. I’ve included practical details to help you choose the right fit.

Ameraucana: The Reliable Blue Layer

Developed in the United States during the 1970s from Araucana stock, Ameraucanas were bred specifically to produce consistent blue eggs while eliminating health issues in their ancestors.

They’re now one of the most popular blue egg breeds—when you can find the real thing.

Credit: wikipedia

• Appearance:

Medium-sized with distinctive muffs and beards (fluffy cheek feathers), small pea combs, and moderate feathering. They come in eight recognized colors: Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, and White.

• Eggs:

3-4 medium to large blue eggs weekly (200-250 annually). Egg color ranges from sky blue to blue-green and stays consistent. First eggs appear around 5-6 months of age.

• Temperament:

Generally calm and friendly. They’re curious without being aggressive, handle children well, and adapt to both confinement and free-ranging, though they prefer space to roam.

• Climate:

Excellent cold hardiness due to pea combs and moderate feathering. They tolerate heat reasonably well with shade and water.

• Why Choose Them:

If you want a purebred, APA-recognized chicken that reliably lays blue eggs with a friendly personality, Ameraucanas are your best bet—just be sure you’re getting the real thing (more on that later).

Easter Egger: The Colorful Surprise

Easter Eggers are the mutts of the chicken world, and I mean that affectionately. These aren’t a standardized breed but rather any chicken carrying the blue egg gene without meeting strict Ameraucana or Araucana standards.

• Appearance:

Anything goes. You might get beards and muffs or not, pea combs or single combs, any feather color imaginable. This unpredictability is part of their charm—every Easter Egger is unique.

• Eggs:

4-5 large eggs weekly (200-280 annually). Here’s the catch: while they carry the blue egg gene, individual hens might lay blue, green, sage, olive, or even pinkish eggs.

You won’t know until your hen starts laying, but whatever color she produces, she’ll stick with it for life.

• Temperament:

Most Easter Eggers are friendly, hardy, and forgiving of beginner mistakes. They adapt well to various climates and housing situations, making them ideal for first-time chicken keepers.

• Climate:

Generally very hardy in both cold and heat, though this varies by individual bird.

• Why Choose Them:

For most backyard keepers, Easter Eggers are actually the best choice. They’re affordable ($3-8 per chick), productive, healthy due to hybrid vigor, and widely available. If you want guaranteed blue eggs, buy multiple hens—the odds are in your favor.

Araucana: The Rare Original

The Araucana is where blue eggs began. Originating from Chile, this breed is the genetic source of all blue egg-laying chickens. They’re distinctive, somewhat quirky, and definitely not your average hen.

• Appearance:

Unmistakable. True Araucanas are rumpless (no tail) and have ear tufts—feathers sticking out from their head like wild sideburns. Medium-sized with pea combs, they come in Black, White, and various patterns.

• Eggs:

3-4 medium blue eggs weekly (150-200 annually) in a beautiful, true blue shade.

• The Challenge:

The gene creating those ear tufts is lethal when inherited from both parents, resulting in 50% or lower hatch rates. This makes Araucanas rare, expensive, and largely unavailable from commercial hatcheries.

• Temperament:

Highly variable—some are sweet and friendly, others flighty and nervous. This inconsistency reflects breeding challenges and bloodline variation.

• Climate:

Generally hardy in various climates with proper shelter.

• Why Choose Them:

Only if you’re an experienced keeper who values heritage breeds and can source them from specialized breeders. They’re challenging to breed and expensive.

Cream Legbar: The Auto-Sexing Wonder

Cream Legbars offer something special: they’re auto-sexing, meaning you can identify males from females at hatch based on down color. This eliminates the surprise rooster problem that frustrates many chicken keepers.

• Appearance:

Elegant birds with cream and gray barred feathers. Hens often have salmon-colored feathers on breast and neck. Both sexes sport a distinctive crest—a jaunty tuft on their head. Males show more pronounced barring than females.

• Eggs:

4-5 large eggs weekly (200-250 annually) ranging from sky blue to soft blue-green, often with a pale, delicate tint.

• Temperament:

Active, alert, and friendly but not cuddly. They love to forage and can be flighty if confined without adequate space. They’re excellent free-rangers and reasonably predator-savvy.

• Climate:

Cold-hardy with proper shelter; handle heat well if given space and shade.

• Why Choose Them:

If avoiding roosters is important and you have space for active foragers, Cream Legbars are excellent. They’re also one of the more beautiful blue egg breeds.

Whiting True Blue: The Production Champion

Developed by poultry geneticist Tom Whiting specifically to produce vibrant blue eggs reliably while maintaining high production, this breed represents modern chicken breeding at its finest.

• Appearance:

Variable in feather color and pattern since breeding focused on egg production and color, not appearance. Typically medium-sized with clean faces.

• Eggs:

5-6 large, vibrant blue eggs weekly (250-300 annually). These eggs are among the bluest you’ll find—consistently rich in color.

• Temperament:

Generally calm and friendly without being overly cuddly. Good foragers that handle various climates well.

• Climate:

Adaptable to both cold and heat with appropriate shelter.

• Why Choose Them:

For maximum blue egg production with the most vibrant color, Whiting True Blues deliver. They’re productive, healthy, and purpose-bred for exactly what you want.

More Blue Egg Layers Worth Considering

Beyond the five most popular breeds, several other chickens lay beautiful blue eggs. Some are readily available designer hybrids created by hatcheries, while others are rare specialty breeds. Here’s what else is out there.

Readily Available Designer Breeds

These hybrid breeds were specifically developed to combine high egg production with blue egg genes. Most are available from major hatcheries and offer excellent production with the hybrid vigor that comes from crossbreeding.

Prairie Bluebell Egger

Developed by crossing Araucanas with White Leghorns, Prairie Bluebells merge the blue egg gene with Leghorn productivity. The result is an impressive layer that can produce 5-6 large blue eggs weekly—up to 300 annually under optimal conditions.

These medium-sized birds vary in appearance but typically have clean faces without beards or muffs. They’re active, athletic chickens that need space to move and can be somewhat flighty.

They’re excellent foragers but not particularly cuddly. Prairie Bluebells handle both cold and heat reasonably well, making them adaptable to most climates.

The breed was trademarked by Hoover’s Hatchery and is sold exclusively through them and Tractor Supply stores. If maximum blue egg production is your priority, Prairie Bluebells deliver impressive numbers.

Sapphire Jewel

Created exclusively for Meyer Hatchery, Sapphire Jewels were designed to lay large quantities of blue eggs. These prolific layers produce 6-7 large blue eggs weekly—among the highest production rates of any blue layer.

Sapphire Jewels are hybrids, so their appearance varies. They typically have white feathers with gray or black flecks, though leg color, earlobe color, and comb type can differ between individuals.

Don’t confuse these with Sapphire Gems (which have blue feathers and lay brown eggs) or Sapphire Olive Eggers (which lay green eggs).

These birds are friendly and sweet-natured, making them good backyard chickens. However, some keepers report occasional broodiness, which can interrupt egg production. They’re generally hardy and adaptable to various climates.

Sapphire Jewels are sold exclusively through Meyer Hatchery.

Steel Egger

A collaboration between Meyer Hatchery and poultry expert Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily, Steel Eggers feature stunning splash or blue plumage with distinctive beards and crests. They’re available in both large fowl and bantam varieties.

Steel Eggers produce 3-5 blue or green eggs weekly (180-250 annually). There’s a small chance—about 1 in 64 birds—that a hen might lay tan eggs instead. Their eggs are typically medium to large in size.

These are attractive, personable birds with a calm temperament. They handle various climates well and make good backyard chickens for keepers who value both egg production and ornamental appearance.

Steel Eggers and Steel Egger Bantams are sold exclusively through Meyer Hatchery.

Lakeside Egger

Another Meyer Hatchery exclusive, Lakeside Eggers were named after Lake Erie and bred specifically to lay blue eggs consistently. These attractive birds are crested, bearded, and feature barred plumage.

Lakeside Eggers lay 4-5 medium to large blue eggs weekly. They reach sexual maturity around 5 months and typically begin laying shortly after. The eggs are true blue in color—consistent and attractive.

These chickens are hardy in all climates, handling both cold winters and hot summers well. They have friendly, calm personalities, making them suitable for families and backyard settings.

Their manageable temperament and reliable blue egg production make them a solid choice.

Available exclusively from Meyer Hatchery.

Super Blue Egger

Custom-created for My Pet Chicken, Super Blue Eggers were developed by crossing high-production layers with vibrant blue egg layers. The specific parent breeds remain proprietary, but the results are impressive.

These birds lay 5-6 large, vibrant blue eggs weekly. The blue color can vary from pale to intense blue, but most hens produce richly colored eggs. Like most hybrids, about 1 in 16 birds may lay non-blue eggs.

Super Blue Eggers have sweet, curious personalities, though they do tend toward broodiness more than some other hybrids.

If you’re not planning to hatch eggs, you’ll need to break broody hens promptly to maintain production. They’re generally hardy and adaptable.

Sold exclusively through My Pet Chicken.

Bluebar Blue Egger

Also custom-created for My Pet Chicken, Bluebar Blue Eggers feature attractive cuckoo (barred) coloring and were specifically bred to lay blue eggs consistently.

Bluebars produce 5 large blue eggs weekly, though as with most hybrids, roughly 1 in 16 hens may lay brown eggs. These are hardy birds that handle winter well, making them suitable for cold climates.

Bluebars are friendly and intelligent chickens. They adapt well to both free-ranging and confinement, though they appreciate the opportunity to forage. Their manageable size and pleasant temperament make them good choices for backyard flocks.

Available exclusively from My Pet Chicken.

Opal Legbar

A stunning lavender-colored variant of the Cream Legbar, Opal Legbars were created by crossing Cream Legbars with other Legbar varieties carrying the lavender gene. The result is an auto-sexing chicken with gorgeous lavender plumage that lays sky-blue eggs.

Opal Legbars produce 3-5 medium to large blue eggs weekly. Like Cream Legbars, males and females can be distinguished at hatch by down color—males show gold barring while females display grey with silver barring or yellow accents.

These chickens share the Cream Legbar’s active, foraging nature. They prefer free-ranging but can adapt to runs with adequate space. They’re friendly without being overly cuddly and handle cold weather well.

Opal Legbars are still fairly new and not yet considered a standardized purebred, though breeding efforts continue. Currently available from Meyer Hatchery, though they sell out quickly.

Frost White Legbar

Another color variant of the Cream Legbar, Frost White Legbars have striking white plumage while maintaining the breed’s blue egg-laying ability and auto-sexing characteristics.

These birds lay approximately 4 medium to large blue eggs weekly. They share the Cream Legbar’s active, intelligent personality and strong foraging instincts. They’re hardy in both cold and heat, making them adaptable to various climates.

Frost White Legbars remain rare and uncommon, making them highly desirable among chicken enthusiasts who want something unique. Their combination of white plumage, blue eggs, and auto-sexing ability makes them particularly special.

Available from My Pet Chicken, though availability is limited.

Rare and Specialty Breeds

These breeds are harder to find but offer unique characteristics and genetic diversity. Most aren’t available from commercial hatcheries and require sourcing from specialized breeders or importing.

Arkansas Blue

Developed at the University of Arkansas as an experimental breed, Arkansas Blues were created by crossing Araucanas with White Leghorns. The goal was to combine the blue egg gene with Leghorn productivity while eliminating Araucana breeding challenges.

The university succeeded impressively. Arkansas Blues are highly vigorous, minimally broody, and remarkably healthy.

Average egg production ranges from 250-300 large blue eggs annually—exceptional productivity. These birds lay consistently through seasons when many breeds slow down.

The downside? Arkansas Blues have a reputation for being standoffish, flighty, and definitely not pet material. They’re excellent foragers but won’t seek human attention.

Additionally, they remain rare, only now slowly spreading across the U.S. through specialized breeders.

If maximum blue egg production matters more than cuddly personalities, Arkansas Blues are worth tracking down.

Isbar

Pronounced “ice bar,” Isbars originated in Sweden in the mid-1900s. Like Cream Legbars, they’re auto-sexing—chick sex can be determined at hatch based on down pattern.

Isbars lay approximately 3-5 medium to large blue to blue-green eggs weekly, sometimes with attractive speckling. Egg color can vary from light blue to greenish-blue depending on the individual hen.

These are active, alert birds that thrive when free-ranging. They’re cold-hardy (unsurprising given their Swedish origins) and generally healthy. Isbars have crests and come in several color varieties, with blue and splash being most common.

Finding Isbars in the U.S. requires connecting with specialized breeders, as few hatcheries carry them. Greenfire Farms occasionally offers them.

Ice Cream Bar

A clever hybrid created by crossing Cream Legbars with Isbars, Ice Cream Bars combine two auto-sexing breeds to produce chicks that are sexable at hatch and lay blue to blue-green eggs.

These birds produce 3-4 medium to large eggs weekly, with colors ranging from light blue to teal. Their plumage varies but often includes attractive barring patterns.

Ice Cream Bars are active foragers with friendly dispositions. They handle cold particularly well, inheriting hardiness from both parent breeds.

However, finding them is challenging—this isn’t a widely available hybrid, and breeding your own requires sourcing both parent breeds first.

Schijndelaar

A Dutch breed developed relatively recently, Schijndelaars are unique chickens featuring crests, beards, and barred plumage. They lay attractive blue to olive-green eggs.

Schijndelaars produce approximately 3-4 medium eggs weekly. Their eggs can vary in color from blue to greenish-blue depending on individual genetics.

These birds are friendly and calm with interesting, eye-catching appearances. They’re moderately cold-hardy and adaptable to various climates with proper shelter.

Schijndelaars are extremely rare in the United States. Greenfire Farms occasionally offers them, though availability is very limited. This breed appeals to those wanting unusual genetics and appearances.

Dongxiang

A mysterious Chinese breed, Dongxiang chickens are completely black—feathers, eyes, beak, skin, muscles, and even internal organs.

They carry the Fibromelanosis gene causing hyperpigmentation throughout their bodies. Despite this striking appearance, they lay dark royal blue eggs.

Dongxiang hens are small, typically weighing under 3 pounds at maturity. Egg production is modest—around 2-3 medium blue eggs weekly—but the eggs are prized in China as delicacies.

Both eggs and meat command premium prices in their homeland, where Dongxiang chickens are raised specifically for high-end markets. However, these birds remain virtually unknown in the West, with precious few examples in Europe or the United States.

As interest in rare chicken breeds grows, hopefully, we’ll see Dongxiang genetics become more available. For now, they remain largely inaccessible to American backyard keepers.

Lushi

Another small Chinese breed, Lushi chickens originate from China’s Henan Province. These diminutive birds weigh only about 3 pounds at maturity and lack standardized appearance—they come in various colors and patterns.

Lushi hens don’t lay abundantly—expect only about 2 eggs weekly—but those eggs are beautiful shades of blue and sometimes pink. The blue eggs are typically light to medium blue in color.

Like Dongxiang chickens, Lushi remain rare and difficult to source outside China. Their modest production and small size make them more novelty birds than practical layers, but they represent interesting genetic diversity in blue egg-laying chickens.

Shetland Hen

A rare landrace breed from Scotland’s Shetland Islands, these chickens have been raised there for centuries. Shetland Hens are small, hardy birds adapted to the islands’ harsh climate.

They lay beautiful blue and green eggs, often with attractive speckling. Production is moderate—around 3 eggs weekly—but the eggs are prized for their unique appearance.

Shetland Hens feature distinctive tufted feathering on their heads, similar to Araucanas. They’re extremely hardy, having evolved in challenging Scottish weather, and handle cold exceptionally well.

Finding Shetland Hens in the United States is difficult, though Greenfire Farms occasionally imports rare British breeds. They appeal most to heritage breed enthusiasts and those wanting historically significant genetics.

Azure Blue

A fairly recent hybrid breed, Azure Blues were developed specifically to lay sky-blue eggs consistently. They feature striking white plumage and produce approximately 5-6 large blue eggs weekly.

Azure Blues are friendly and easy-going, making them suitable for backyard flocks. They’re cold and heat-hardy, adapting well to various climates with proper shelter.

However, Azure Blues aren’t widely available yet. Few hatcheries carry them, and sourcing requires connecting with breeders who specifically work with this hybrid. As they become better established, availability should improve.

Favaucana

Created by crossing Faverolles with Ameraucanas, Favaucanas combine the docile nature and fluffy appearance of Faverolles with the blue egg gene. The result is an attractive, friendly bird that lays sage-green to blue eggs.

Favaucanas feature muffs, beards, and often lightly feathered feet (from the Faverolles heritage). They’re calm, gentle birds that handle confinement well and are excellent for families with children.

These hybrids lay approximately 3-4 medium to large eggs weekly. Egg color varies from blue to sage green depending on how much brown pigment each individual hen deposits over the blue base.

Favaucanas are offered exclusively by My Pet Chicken.

Fibro Easter Egger

One of the most striking blue egg layers, Fibro Easter Eggers are completely black chickens carrying the Fibromelanosis gene for hyperpigmentation.

They have black feathers, black skin, dark legs, and dark lobes—similar to Ayam Cemani chickens—but carry the blue egg gene.

Creating Fibro Easter Eggers requires breeding chickens that carry both the blue egg gene and the gene for Fibromelanosis, making the breeding process challenging.

Hens lay 4-5 eggs weekly in colors ranging from light blue and green to dark olive, turquoise, and sometimes brown.

These birds are excellent foragers who thrive in free-range environments. They’re generally hardy and adaptable, though their dark coloring can make them more susceptible to overheating in extreme heat.

Fibro Easter Eggers remain fairly rare. Meyer Hatchery occasionally offers them, and some private breeders specialize in Fibro chickens.

Choosing the Right Blue Egg Layer

With so many breeds to choose from, matching chickens to your specific situation matters. Here’s how to narrow down your options.

• If you’re a beginner, start with Easter Eggers or Ameraucanas. Both are forgiving, widely available, and productive. Easter Eggers cost less and offer more color variety, while Ameraucanas provide consistent blue if you buy from reputable sources.
• If you want maximum production, choose Whiting True Blues, Prairie Bluebell Eggers, or Sapphire Jewels. All three can produce 250-300+ eggs annually under good management.
• If you want guaranteed blue (not green, not pink, just blue), stick with purebred Ameraucanas from reputable breeders, Whiting True Blues, or specialized hybrids like Super Blue Eggers or Lakeside Eggers.
• If you want to avoid roosters, Cream Legbars, Opal Legbars, Frost White Legbars, and Isbars are all auto-sexing breeds. You can determine sex at hatch with near-perfect accuracy.
• If you want something unique and rare, consider Arkansas Blues (if you can find them), Schijndelaars, or any of the Legbar color variants. These breeds make conversation starters and add genetic diversity to your flock.
• If you have limited space, choose Ameraucanas or Easter Eggers. Both adapt reasonably well to smaller coops and runs. Avoid highly active foragers like Cream Legbars or Prairie Bluebells in confined spaces.
• If you free-range, Cream Legbars, Araucanas, and Arkansas Blues excel. They’re active foragers, predator-aware, and happy roaming large areas.
• If budget matters, Easter Eggers are your best value—productive, hardy, affordable, and widely available. They offer the most bang for your buck in backyard blue egg layers.

Quick Comparison Table

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of blue egg layers to help you decide:

Breed	Eggs/Week	Egg Color	Availability	Cost Range	Temperament	Best For
Easter Egger	4-5	Blue, green, pink	Very Easy	$	Friendly	Beginners, budget
Ameraucana	3-4	Blue to blue-green	Moderate	$$$	Calm	Purebred enthusiasts
Araucana	3-4	True blue	Rare	$$$$	Variable	Heritage breeds
Cream Legbar	4-5	Sky to blue-green	Moderate	$$	Active	Free-range, auto-sexing
Whiting True Blue	5-6	Vibrant blue	Limited	$$	Friendly	Maximum production
Prairie Bluebell	5-6	Bright blue	Limited	$$	Flighty	High production
Sapphire Jewel	6-7	Blue	Limited	$$	Friendly	Maximum eggs
Steel Egger	3-5	Blue/green	Limited	$$	Calm	Ornamental + production
Lakeside Egger	4-5	Blue	Limited	$$	Friendly	Consistent blue
Super Blue	5-6	Vibrant blue	Limited	$$	Curious	High production
Opal Legbar	3-5	Sky blue	Rare	$$$	Active	Lavender color, auto-sexing
Frost White	4	Blue	Rare	$$$	Active	White color, auto-sexing
Arkansas Blue	5-6	Blue	Very Rare	$$$	Flighty	Maximum production
Isbar	3-5	Blue/green	Rare	$$$	Active	Cold climates, auto-sexing
Schijndelaar	3-4	Blue/olive	Very Rare	$$$$	Friendly	Unique genetics

Cost Key:

• $ = $3-8 per chick
• $$ = $8-15 per chick
• $$$ = $15-30 per chick
• $$$$ = $30+ per chick

Where to Buy Blue Egg Layers

Finding quality blue egg layers requires knowing where to look and what to ask.

Commercial Hatcheries offer the widest selection and ship nationwide. Most carry Easter Eggers year-round, with other breeds available seasonally. Reputable options include:

• My Pet Chicken: Purebred Ameraucanas, Super Blue Eggers, Bluebar Blue Eggers, Frost White Legbars, Favaucanas
• Meyer Hatchery: Cream Legbars, Opal Legbars, Easter Eggers, Sapphire Jewels, Steel Eggers, Lakeside Eggers, Fibro Easter Eggers
• Cackle Hatchery: Araucanas (early season), Ameraucanas, Easter Eggers
• Murray McMurray: Whiting True Blues, standard breeds
• Hoover’s Hatchery: Prairie Bluebell Eggers (exclusive)

Specialty Breeders and Farms:

• Greenfire Farms: Rare breeds including Schijndelaars, Isbars, Shetland Hens (when available)
• Ameraucana Breeders Club: Directory of reputable Ameraucana breeders at ameraucana.org

Local Feed Stores often stock Easter Eggers and sometimes Ameraucanas during spring (March-May). Call ahead to learn arrival dates—popular breeds sell out within hours.

What to Ask Before Buying:

• For Ameraucanas: “Are these APA-standard Ameraucanas or Easter Eggers?” (Many hatcheries mislabel)
• “What percentage of this hybrid lays blue eggs?” (Most designer breeds have 80-94% blue layers)
• “What’s your health guarantee?”
• “When do they typically start laying?”

Timing Matters: Order early. Most hatcheries begin shipping chicks in February, and popular breeds sell out by April. Many require minimum orders (often 4-6 chicks) for safe shipping during cold weather.

What to Expect From Your Blue Egg Layers

When Will They Start Laying?

Most blue egg breeds begin laying between 5-7 months of age, though individual variation is common. Easter Eggers sometimes start earlier (4-5 months), while Araucanas might take longer (6-8 months).

First eggs are often smaller than mature size, and color may be lighter than it will eventually become. Give your pullets 4-6 weeks to reach full production and egg quality.

• Seasonal timing matters:

Pullets hatched in early spring typically start laying in late summer or fall. Those hatched in summer may not begin until the following spring due to decreasing daylight triggering their bodies to delay maturity. Plan chick purchases accordingly if you want eggs by a specific date.

Egg Production Through the Seasons

Expect 3-6 eggs weekly depending on breed, with highest production in the first 2-3 years. Production naturally decreases each year—a hen laying 250 eggs in year one might produce 200 in year two, 150 in year three, and so on.

• Winter presents the biggest challenge.

Chickens need 14-16 hours of daylight to maintain production. As days shorten in fall, laying slows or stops entirely.

Some keepers add supplemental lighting to maintain winter eggs, while others let hens take a natural break. I prefer the natural approach—it allows hens to rest and seems to extend their productive lifespan.

If you choose supplemental lighting, add it gradually (15 minutes more per week) starting in early fall to avoid shocking their systems.

Use timers and place lights to turn on before dawn rather than after dusk—this prevents hens from being caught off their roosts when lights suddenly switch off.

• Molting also stops laying.

Most hens molt in fall, losing and regrowing feathers over 8-16 weeks. No feathers = no eggs during this period. It’s natural and necessary. Boost protein during molts (20-22% instead of 16-18%) to support feather regrowth.

Understanding Color Variations

Don’t expect every blue egg to look identical. Even within the same breed, individual hens produce different shades.

I have three Ameraucanas: one lays pale, almost-white eggs with a blue tint; another produces medium sky-blue eggs; the third lays vivid robin’s egg blue. All are purebred—it’s just individual variation.

Factors affecting color intensity:

• Genetics matter most. Some lines produce darker blue than others.
• Age: First eggs are often lighter, darkening as pullets mature. Color may fade slightly as hens age.
• Health and stress: Sick or stressed hens sometimes lay lighter eggs.
• Time of year: Some keepers report slightly lighter eggs in winter, though this isn’t universal.
• Individual variation: Some hens simply lay lighter or darker eggs—it’s their normal.

The bloom (protective coating) on fresh eggs can make blue eggs appear lighter or chalky. After washing, the true color shows more vibrantly.

Egg Size

Most blue egg breeds lay medium to large eggs, though size varies by breed and individual hen:

• Easter Eggers: Large to extra-large
• Ameraucanas: Medium to large
• Cream Legbars: Large
• Whiting True Blues, Prairie Bluebells, Sapphire Jewels: Large
• Rare specialty breeds (Lushi, Dongxiang, Shetland): Small to medium

First eggs from young pullets are always smaller, gradually increasing to full size over several weeks.

Broodiness

Most blue egg layers are not particularly broody—they rarely want to sit on eggs and hatch chicks. This is good if you want consistent egg production but less ideal if you hope to hatch naturally.

Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers occasionally go broody but can usually be broken of it by removing them from the nest repeatedly or using a “broody breaker” cage.

Cream Legbars, Whiting True Blues, and most designer hybrids rarely go broody. Araucanas can be broody and make decent mothers when they are.

Caring for Your Blue Egg Layers

Housing Requirements

Blue egg layers need standard chicken housing: 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop, 8-10 square feet per bird in the outdoor run.

Many blue egg breeds are active and do best with more space—Cream Legbars, Isbars, Arkansas Blues, and active foragers particularly need room to roam.

Coop essentials:

• Roosts positioned higher than nesting boxes (chickens prefer sleeping elevated)
• One nesting box per 3-4 hens, filled with soft bedding
• Proper ventilation near the roof (not drafty at roost level)
• Protection from predators (hardware cloth, secure latches)
• Easy access for cleaning

Here’s How to Keep Mice and Rats Out of Your Chicken Coop: Effective Tips & Strategies

Run considerations:

• Covered overhead protection from hawks
• Buried hardware cloth or apron to prevent digging predators
• Dust bathing area with sand or dirt
• Some shade for hot days

Read the Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Backyard Chickens from Predators

Many blue egg breeds, especially Easter Eggers and Ameraucanas, tolerate confinement reasonably well. Cream Legbars, Araucanas, Isbars, and Arkansas Blues strongly prefer free-range access and may become flighty or stressed without it.

Feed and Nutrition

Feed quality layer feed containing 16-18% protein. This provides the balanced nutrition laying hens need for both egg production and overall health.

Calcium is crucial for strong shells—whether blue, brown, or white. Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice in a separate container.

Hens self-regulate calcium intake; those actively laying eat more, while others take less. Never mix calcium into feed directly, as excess calcium can harm non-laying birds.

Allow foraging access if possible. Hens that can hunt bugs, scratch for seeds, and eat greens produce eggs with richer, more orange yolks and higher omega-3 content.

While foraging won’t make eggs more blue (color is genetic), it substantially improves nutrition and reduces feed costs.

Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Hens drink surprising amounts—a flock of six chickens can empty a gallon waterer daily in hot weather.

 Unlock the Benefits of Fermented Chicken Feed for Healthier Hens

Health Management

Blue egg breeds are generally hardy without special health concerns, with one exception: purebred Araucanas can experience health issues related to their ear-tuft gene.

Watch for common chicken health issues:

• External parasites (mites, lice): Check regularly and treat proactively
• Respiratory infections: Ensure good coop ventilation
• Egg binding: Provide adequate calcium and don’t over-feed treats
• Bumblefoot: Keep roosts smooth and not excessively high

Preventive care is easier than treatment:

• Keep coops clean and dry (spot-clean weekly, deep-clean seasonally)
• Provide dust bathing areas to help chickens control parasites naturally
• Quarantine new birds for 30 days before integrating with your flock
• Learn normal behavior so you can spot problems early

Most backyard flocks never need veterinary care, but locate an avian vet before you need one. Not all vets treat chickens.

Read the Guide to Preventing and Treating Common Chicken Illnesses

Troubleshooting Common Blue Egg Issues

“My ‘Ameraucana’ Isn’t Laying Blue Eggs”

You probably have an Easter Egger sold as an Ameraucana. Many hatcheries do this—it’s misleading but common.

If your bird lays green, olive, or brown eggs, she’s an Easter Egger with diluted blue genetics. She’s still a fine chicken producing beautiful eggs, just not what you expected.

Prevention: Only buy from hatcheries explicitly selling “APA-standard Ameraucanas” or from breeders affiliated with the Ameraucana Breeders Club. Expect to pay significantly more ($15-30 vs. $5-8 per chick).

“My Blue Eggs Have Turned Lighter/Greenish”

Several causes:

• Early laying: First eggs are often lighter. Color usually darkens after 4-6 weeks.
• Stress: Major changes, predator pressure, or illness can lighten eggs temporarily.
• Age: Egg color may fade slightly as hens age, though most maintain reasonable color.
• Bloom: The protective coating can make eggs appear chalky or lighter; wash one to see true color.
• Individual variation: Some hens simply lay lighter eggs than others.

If your hen laid vibrant blue eggs and suddenly they’re very light, assess for stressors or health issues. Otherwise, accept that her normal may be lighter than expected.

“My Designer Hybrid Isn’t Laying Blue”

Most designer breeds (Prairie Bluebells, Sapphire Jewels, Super Blues, etc.) have 80-94% blue egg layers, meaning 1 in 6 to 1 in 16 hens might lay non-blue eggs. This is stated in hatchery descriptions but often overlooked by buyers.

If you bought multiple hens and one lays brown or cream eggs, this is within normal variation for hybrids. She’s genetically from the same cross but didn’t inherit the blue egg gene. Her eggs are still fresh and delicious, just a different color.

“My Hen Stopped Laying”

Common causes:

• Season: Decreasing daylight in fall naturally stops or slows laying
• Molting: Hens don’t lay while regrowing feathers (8-16 weeks annually)
• Broodiness: If she’s sitting on eggs all day, she’s broody and won’t lay
• Age: Production naturally declines each year
• Stress: Predator attacks, flock changes, or environmental disruptions
• Health: Internal parasites, illness, or poor nutrition
• Hidden nest: Free-range hens sometimes lay elsewhere

Assess seasonality and molt first—these are normal and resolve naturally. If laying stops at other times, check for stressors and health issues.

“My Blue Eggs Have Weak or Thin Shells”

Usually a calcium deficiency. Ensure oyster shell is always available free-choice and that your hen is actually eating it (watch her). If she’s new to laying, shells often improve as she matures.

If the problem persists, increase dietary calcium or consult a vet—internal parasites or reproductive issues can cause shell problems.

Lifespan and Long-Term Production

Blue egg layers typically live 6-10 years with good care, though productive laying decreases significantly after 3-4 years. Here’s what to expect:

• Years 1-2: Peak production. Hens lay the most eggs with the strongest shells and best color.
• Years 3-4: Production decreases 15-30% annually but eggs remain good quality. Many hens still lay reliably 3-4 days weekly.
• Years 5+: Most hens lay sporadically—maybe 1-2 eggs weekly or only seasonally. Some stop entirely; others surprise you with occasional gifts.

Retirement decisions are personal. Some keepers maintain older hens as pets, accepting the decreased production. Others cull birds that stop laying.

There’s no right answer—it depends on your goals, space, and budget. I keep my older girls as long as they’re healthy and happy; they earned their retirement.

Maximizing Your Blue Egg Collection

Want more blue eggs? Try these strategies:

• Maintain consistent lighting if you choose to supplement in winter. Inconsistent light causes stress and can trigger early molts. Use timers set to turn lights on before dawn (not off after dusk).
• Reduce stress wherever possible. Predator-proof your coop thoroughly, minimize flock changes, maintain consistent routines, and provide adequate space. Stressed hens lay less—or stop entirely.
• Collect eggs daily, ideally twice daily in hot or cold weather. Regular collection prevents broodiness, keeps eggs cleaner, reduces breakage, and discourages egg-eating behavior.
• Feed quality layer ration consistently. Cheap feed or excessive treats dilute nutrition and reduce production.
• Ensure calcium availability at all times. Without adequate calcium, hens either produce thin-shelled eggs or slow production to conserve resources.
• Provide enrichment: Perches at varying heights, dust bathing areas, things to explore. Engaged, active hens are healthier and more productive.
• Manage molting by increasing protein to 20-22% during feather regrowth. This shortens the non-laying period.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are blue eggs safe to eat?

Absolutely. They’re nutritionally identical to eggs of any other color.

• Do blue eggs taste different?

No. Shell color doesn’t affect taste—diet and freshness do. Blue eggs from well-fed chickens taste incredible, just like any farm-fresh egg.

• Can I breed my own blue egg layers?

Yes. The blue egg gene is dominant. Breeding two blue egg layers together produces chicks that will also lay blue eggs (assuming both parents carry the gene). Crossing blue layers with brown layers creates Olive Eggers that lay green eggs.

• Why do some blue eggs look almost white?

Individual variation in pigment deposition. Some hens simply produce lighter eggs than others, even within the same breed. It’s still a blue egg—just a very pale one.

• Will my blue egg layer always lay the same color?

Yes. Whatever color egg your hen first lays, she’ll continue laying that color throughout her life. It may fade slightly with age but won’t change dramatically.

• What’s the difference between Ameraucana, Araucana, and Easter Egger?

Araucanas are the original Chilean breed—rumpless with ear tufts. Ameraucanas were developed from Araucanas in the U.S.—they have tails, beards, and muffs.

Easter Eggers are any mixed-breed chicken carrying the blue egg gene that doesn’t meet purebred standards. All three can lay blue eggs.

• Which breed lays the bluest eggs?

Whiting True Blues, Arkansas Blues, and Araucanas tend to lay the most vibrant, consistent blue. However, individual variation exists within all breeds—some hens lay darker blue than others regardless of breed.

Final Thoughts

Blue egg chickens transform daily egg collection from a routine chore into genuine delight. Whether you choose the reliable Ameraucana, the surprising Easter Egger, the elegant Cream Legbar, a high-production designer hybrid, or a rare specialty breed, you’re in for a treat.

The sheer variety of blue egg layers means there’s a perfect match for every keeper—from complete beginners to experienced breeders, from small urban coops to large free-range operations, from budget-conscious families to collectors of rare genetics.

Yes, blue eggs look special. But the real joy comes from the chickens themselves—their personalities, their antics, and the connection you build while caring for them. Those beautiful blue eggs are simply the delicious bonus.

Start by checking local chicken-keeping laws, then choose breeds that match your climate, space, goals, and budget. Order early—popular breeds sell out fast. Set up proper housing before your chicks arrive, and prepare for 5-6 months before first eggs appear.

When you crack that first blue egg into your pan, you’ll understand why so many chicken keepers become completely hooked on these remarkable birds. The color is wonderful, but the experience of raising chickens that produce them is even better.

Ready to add brilliant blue to your mornings? Choose your breed, set up that coop, and prepare for one of backyard chicken keeping’s greatest pleasures. That first blue egg is going to make your day—I promise.

source https://harvestsavvy.com/blue-egg-laying-chickens/