The Sapphire Gem chicken is a relatively new breed that has captured the hearts of chicken keepers and backyard homesteaders alike.
This sex-linked chicken variety is known for its unique and striking appearance, with feathers that range from blue to lavender.
The Sapphire Gem is a hybrid chicken that was created by crossing a Blue Plymouth Rock and a Barred Plymouth Rock, resulting in a chicken that is not only beautiful but also a great egg layer.
While the Sapphire Gem may not be recognized as an actual chicken breed, it is still a popular choice among chicken raisers due to its unique appearance and friendly temperament.
In this article, we will discuss:
- The history and overview of the Sapphire Gem chicken
- Breeding process of the Sapphire Gem chickens
- All about their egg production
- Sapphire Gem chicken care requirements and tips
- And some frequently asked questions
Sapphire Gem Chicken Overview
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Weight | Hen: 4-7 lbs, Rooster: 8-9 lbs |
| Appearance | Gray-blue or lavender plumage |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Medium-Large |
| Egg Production | 250-290 per year (5-6 per week) |
| Broodiness Level | Low |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
| Space Needed | 4 square feet per bird inside the coop, 8-10 square feet per bird outdoors |
| Price | $3-$6 per chick |
History of Sapphire Gem Chicken
Origin
There is minimal information about the known origin of the Sapphire Gem chicken breed.
This beautiful new breed is said to be a cross between heritage and hybrid chickens and was developed in the Czech Republic.
A breeder decided to cross a Blue Plymouth Rock with a Barred Plymouth Rock to create this treasured bird.
However, there are some chicken experts that claim that this breed can be bred by crossing other unique variants of Plymouth Rock chickens.
Both the Plymouth Rock and the Barred Plymouth Rock breeds both originated from Massachusetts, most likely in the 19th century.
Evolution
According to the American hatchery that has trademarked the name Sapphire Gem, these chickens are very close in type to the old Andalusian chickens, which are a heritage breed dating back to the mid-1800s.
Sapphire gems have a dominant blue gene which is what gives them their attractive blue or lavender-colored plumage.
These chickens wear shades of lavender and blue on their feathers and have a necklace-like pattern of gold or gray around their necks resembling a string of gems.
Sapphire Gems were ultimately created for their beautiful plumage, high egg production, and easy-going personality, all while being a fairly low-maintenance breed.
Breed Standard
The Sapphire Gem chicken is not currently recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) or the Livestock Conservancy.
However, efforts are underway to have the breed recognized by these organizations.
The Sapphire Gem chicken is still a relatively new breed, and its conservation status is unknown.
While the Sapphire Gem chicken is not currently considered a threatened breed, it is important to conserve genetic diversity in all chicken breeds.
The Sapphire Gem chicken’s unique characteristics make it a valuable addition to the poultry industry, and efforts should be made to preserve this breed for future generations.
There are also still certain standards that breeders strive to meet when producing these birds.
For instance, some Sapphire Gem chickens can have more dark blue or black plumage rather than a gray or lavender appearance.
Despite the difference in feather color, these darker-colored chickens are still considered ‘Sapphire Gem chickens’, they just may not live up to some breeder’s standards.
Sex-Linked Breed
Sapphire Gem chickens are a sex-linked breed, which is a great advantage of breeding these wonderful birds.
This means it is typically easy to determine the sex of the female and male chicks right after hatching by simply looking at the color of their feathers.
Male Sapphire Gem chicks tend to have a little white spot on their heads or wings, while females are typically solid blue all around.
This trait is usually caused by cross-breeding different chicken breeds.
Appearance
Not to be confused with the Sapphire Olive Egger chicken, Sapphire Gems have a striking appearance that is sure to turn heads.
One of the most distinctive features of the Sapphire Gem chicken is its coloration.
Their feathers are a beautiful shade of gray-blue or lavender, with some birds displaying a black or solid blue coloration.
The Sapphire Gem chicken is a medium-sized bird with an upright appearance and a single comb with yellow legs.
Size
Sapphire Gems are a medium-sized breed, with hens typically weighing in at around 4-7 pounds and roosters reaching 8-9 pounds.
Temperament
Sapphire Gems are known for their friendly and docile personalities.
They are easy to handle and make great pets for families with children and other pets.
Sapphire Gems are even known for cuddling with their owners and some are even kept as indoor pets.
These birds are also known for getting along well with other chicken breeds and do best with chickens that have a similar personality to theirs.
Sapphire Gem chickens are also great foragers and love to roam and free-range.
They are smart and more alert than some other breeds and can detect predators easily.
Noise Levels
The Sapphire Gem chicken is a relatively quiet breed.
They do not make a lot of noise, which makes them suitable for urban or suburban environments.
They may make some noise when they lay eggs or when they are disturbed, but overall they are a peaceful and quiet breed.
Breeding Sapphire Gem Chickens
Breeding Sapphire Gem Chickens can be a challenging task.
This section will provide a brief overview of the breeding process and genetic factors that should be considered.
Breeding Process
Breeding Sapphire Gems requires careful consideration of the breeding process to ensure the offspring have the desired traits.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Sapphire Gems do not breed true, which means that their offspring may not necessarily be Sapphire Gems themselves
- Breeding two Sapphire Gems together may result in offspring with undesirable traits or health issues
- To produce healthy and desirable offspring, it is recommended to breed Sapphire Gems with other breeds that have similar characteristics
Genetic Factors
Understanding the genetic factors involved in breeding Sapphire Gems is crucial for breeding healthy and desirable offspring.
Here are some important genetic factors to consider:
- Sapphire Gems have a dominant blue gene that gives them their unique coloring
- Breeding two Sapphire Gems together may result in offspring with a double dose of the blue gene, which can cause health issues and undesirable traits
- Breeding Sapphire Gems with other breeds that have a recessive blue gene can produce offspring with desirable blue coloring without the risk of health issues
Breeding Sapphire Gems requires careful consideration of the breeding process and genetic factors to ensure the production of healthy birds.
Breeders should be aware of the risks involved in breeding two Sapphire Gems together and should consider breeding with other breeds that have similar characteristics.
Sapphire Gem Egg Production
One of the main reasons that people choose to raise Sapphire Gems is for their egg-ceptional egg-laying abilities.
These birds are known to produce 250-290 large brown eggs per year (5-6 per week), making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
They can also lay year-round when given the proper conditions.
Sapphire Gem Chickens typically start laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age, and their egg-laying abilities peak at about 1-2 years of age.
After that, their egg production may gradually decrease, but they can continue to lay eggs for several years.
Some Sapphire Gems have been known to lay eggs well into their older years!
It’s important to note that the Sapphire Gem Chicken is primarily an egg-laying breed and is not typically used for meat production.
In order to ensure optimal egg production, it’s important to provide your Sapphire Gems with a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein and calcium.
You can supplement their diet with commercial feed or provide them with kitchen scraps and other treats.
Raising Sapphire Gem Chickens
Sapphire Gem chickens are a fairly hardy and low-maintenance breed.
They will thrive when given the best conditions for a nutritious diet, adequate housing, and proper healthcare.
Housing
Sapphire Gem chickens are a medium-sized breed that requires a coop that is spacious and well-ventilated.
The coop should be able to provide adequate shelter from harsh weather conditions and predators.
This breed can handle very hot climates, but they are also hardy in cold climates as well.
However, in extremely cold weather, it is best to provide Sapphire Gem chickens with an indoor shelter and possibly some added heat.
It is recommended to have at least 4 square feet of space per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet of space per bird in the outdoor run.
The coop should also have roosting bars and nesting boxes for the hens to lay their eggs.
It is important to keep the coop clean and dry to prevent the spread of diseases.
Feeding
Sapphire Gem chickens are not picky eaters and will thrive on a diet of high-end commercial chicken feed, supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.
They also need access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Chickens also require grit to help them digest their food properly.
It is recommended to provide them with oyster shells or crushed eggshells to ensure they get enough calcium for strong eggshells.
Healthcare
Sapphire Gem chickens are generally healthy birds, but like all chickens, they are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites.
It is important to keep their coop clean and dry to prevent the spread of diseases.
Regularly inspecting your birds for signs of illness and treating them promptly can help prevent the spread of disease.
It is also recommended to deworm your chickens every 3-6 months to prevent parasites.
Consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your chickens are sick or if you have any questions about their health.
Final Thoughts
Sapphire Gem chickens are a unique breed that is known and loved for their beautiful plumage, docile personalities, and excellent egg production.
They are easy to care for and are great for beginners and families with kids and pets.
So, whether you are a seasoned chicken raiser or just starting out, the Sapphire Gem chicken is definitely a breed worth considering.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of Sapphire Gem chickens?
Sapphire Gem chickens have a lifespan of around 5-8 years, which is typical for most breeds of chickens.
However, some can live even longer if given the ideal care and conditions.
How can you tell male and female Sapphire Gem chickens apart?
Sapphire Gem chickens are a sex-linked breed.
This means that their gender can be determined shortly after they hatch by observing their feather colors.
The males have a white spot of feathers on their heads, while the females are a solid color.
What is the size of Sapphire Gem chickens?
Sapphire Gem chickens are a medium-sized breed, with the males weighing around 8 pounds and the females weighing around 6 pounds.
When do Sapphire Gem chickens start laying eggs?
Sapphire Gem chickens typically start laying eggs at around 5-6 months of ag.
This timeframe is about average for most breeds of chickens.
Are Sapphire Gem chickens good layers?
Sapphire Gem chickens are known for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities.
Each hen lays around 5-6 eggs per week and up to 290 eggs per year.
What color egg does a Sapphire Gem chicken lay?
Sapphire Gem chickens lay brown eggs, which are medium to large-sized and have a rich, flavorful yolk.