No one can deny that blue chicken eggs are a beautiful sight to behold.
It’s no wonder that many chicken enthusiasts often ask, “What chickens lay blue eggs?”
There are several reasons why someone might choose chickens that lay blue eggs.
For some, it’s simply a matter of aesthetics – blue eggs can add a pop of color to any kitchen counter.
Others might be interested in the unique taste of blue eggs, which some people describe as richer or creamier than white eggs.
Whatever the reason, chickens that lay blue eggs are an interesting and unique addition to any flock.
In this post, we will discuss:
- Chickens that lay blue eggs
- What causes chickens to lay blue eggs
- If different colored eggs taste the same
- Frequently asked questions
Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs
Blue eggs are a unique and fascinating addition to any egg collection.
While most chickens lay white or brown eggs, there are a few breeds that lay blue eggs.
In this section, we will explore four popular breeds of chickens that lay blue eggs:
Araucana
One of the most well-known breeds of chicken that lays blue eggs is the Araucana.
This breed originated in South America and was brought to the United States in the 1930s.
These chickens have a distinctive appearance, with tufts of feathers on their cheeks, making them appear rather fluffy.
Araucanas lay eggs with a blue-green shell, which is caused by the pigment oocyanin.
These chickens are known for being friendly and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks and chicken enthusiasts.
Cream Legbar
The Cream Legbar is a British breed of chicken that was developed in the early 20th century.
These chickens are known for their blue eggs, which are a result of a blue eggshell gene inherited from their Araucana ancestors.
Cream Legbars are also known for their friendly and docile personalities, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
Ameraucana
Another breed that lays blue eggs is the Ameraucana, which was developed in the United States in the 1970s.
The Ameraucana is a hardy breed that comes in a variety of colors and is known for its blue eggs, which can range in color from light blue to greenish-blue.
Ameraucanas have a distinctive appearance, with a beard and muffs of feathers around their face.
These chickens are also known for being mild-tempered and adaptable, making them a great choice for backyard flocks.
Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is not a specific breed of chicken, but rather a mixed breed that is known for its blue eggs.
These chickens can have a variety of appearances, as they are not bred to a specific standard.
Easter Eggers can lay eggs in a range of colors, including blue, green, and even pink.
These chickens are a popular choice for backyard flocks due to their colorful eggs and friendly personalities.
What Causes Some Chickens to Lay Green and Blue Eggs?
The color of a chicken’s eggshell is determined by genetics.
The genes responsible for eggshell color are located in the chicken’s oviduct and are expressed during the shell formation process.
The blue eggshell color is caused by the pigment oocyanin, which is deposited on the eggshell during the formation process.
The green eggshell color is a result of the interaction between oocyanin and another pigment called biliverdin.
The amount of biliverdin present in the eggshell determines the shade of green.
The genetics of egg color is complex, and it is influenced by multiple genes.
The blue eggshell color is a dominant trait, meaning that a chicken only needs to inherit one copy of the gene responsible for the blue eggshell color to lay blue eggs.
On the other hand, the green eggshell color is a recessive trait, meaning that a chicken needs to inherit two copies of the gene responsible for the green eggshell color to lay green eggs.
It is important to note that not all chicken breeds are capable of laying blue or green eggs.
The Ameraucana, Araucana, Cream Legbar, and Easter Egger breeds are known for their blue eggs, while the Olive Egger breed is known for its green eggs.
These breeds have been selectively bred for their eggshell color over many generations.
Do Different Colored Eggs Taste Different?
Many people believe that the color of the eggshell determines the taste of the egg.
However, this is simply not true.
The color of the eggshell is determined by the breed of the chicken and has nothing to do with the taste of the egg.
The taste of an egg is determined by various factors, such as the chicken’s diet, age, and living conditions.
Eggs from chickens that are raised in a free-range environment and have access to a varied diet tend to have a richer flavor than eggs from chickens that are raised in cages and fed a commercial diet.
While there may be subtle differences in taste between eggs from different breeds of chickens, the color of the eggshell is not a reliable indicator of taste.
In fact, blind taste tests have shown that most people cannot distinguish between eggs of different colors when they are cooked and presented without the shell.
Final Thoughts
Chickens that lay blue eggs are a unique and interesting addition to any backyard flock.
While they may not be as common as chickens that lay brown or white eggs, they offer a fun and colorful twist to egg collecting.
It’s important to note that not all chicken breeds lay blue eggs, so if you’re specifically looking for this trait, be sure to do your research and choose a breed that’s known for producing blue eggs.
Ameraucanas, Araucanas, Cream Legbars, and Easter Eggers are all popular breeds that lay blue eggs.
When it comes to egg quality and nutrition, blue eggs are no different from other colored eggs.
The color of the eggshell is determined by the breed of chicken and doesn’t affect the taste or nutritional content of the egg itself.
Overall, if you’re looking to add some variety to your egg collection or simply want to try something new, consider adding a few chickens that lay blue eggs to your flock.
They’re sure to be a great addition and will add some color to your kitchen counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare are blue chicken eggs?
Blue chicken eggs are considered rare because not all chicken breeds lay blue eggs.
However, several breeds do, including the Ameraucana, Araucana, Cream Legbar, and Easter Egger.
While these breeds are not as common as some other breeds of chickens, they are still widely available.
Are blue chicken eggs healthier?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that blue chicken eggs are healthier than other colored eggs.
The nutritional content of an egg is determined by the chicken’s diet, not the color of the eggshell.
That being said, blue chicken eggs are still a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Are blue chicken eggs safe to eat?
Yes, blue chicken eggs are safe to eat just like any other egg.
As long as the eggs are properly cleaned, stored, and cooked to the appropriate temperature, they are safe for consumption.
Can you purchase chickens that lay blue eggs, and if so, where?
Yes, you can purchase chickens that lay blue eggs.
Many hatcheries and farm supply stores offer a variety of chicken breeds, including those that lay blue eggs.
It is also possible to purchase these chickens online from reputable breeders.
Are there any white or black chicken breeds that lay blue eggs?
No, there are no true white or black chicken breeds that lay blue eggs.
The only chicken breeds that lay blue eggs are those that have been specifically bred for that purpose, such as the Ameraucana, Araucana, Cream Legbar, and Easter Egger.
A few of these breeds come in different colors and may have some white or black in their feather patterns.