Chickens that lay blue eggs are one of the most fascinating aspects of backyard chicken farming. By laying eggs that are not only nutritious but also a beautiful sight, these amazing birds defy the ordinary.
Various breeds share this rare ability, each with its own personality and charm. They add a splash of color to the egg basket and turn collecting eggs into a fun experience.
But what’s the secret behind these blue eggs, and which chicken breeds are responsible for them? Read on to learn more about the different blue egg-laying breeds and why many are finding them to be very appealing.
17 Chicken Breeds That Lay Blue Eggs
1. Araucana
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.2 kg); Hen: 5–6 lbs (2.3–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–180 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Friendly, curious, energetic |
Hailing from Chile, the Araucana is a fascinating breed known for laying beautiful blue eggs. But these birds are not just about the eggs; they have a distinct appearance too.
Growing up on a farm, I was always fascinated by our Araucana chickens. Each one was unique; some had tufts of feathers near their ears, while most of them lacked tails entirely.
These chickens are tough and can handle different kinds of weather really well. They are also curious and active, often exploring and foraging when given the chance.
With their quirky features, these chickens not only added to the variety of fowl we had, but they also made our daily routines more interesting and fun.
Their temperament can vary, but many find them to be friendly and good with children. This makes them a great choice for a family pet.
2. Azure Blue
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5 lbs (2.2 kg); Hen: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 295 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Calm, friendly, inquisitive |
A relatively new breed of chicken, the Azure Blue was developed especially for its strong and unique blue egg shells. They are prolific layers, producing nearly 300 large, thick-shelled blue eggs annually.
They start laying eggs when they are about 18 weeks old, and they don’t mind the cold weather much. They keep laying eggs even during the colder months.
These chickens are small, with hens weighing around 4 pounds. They have a silvery-white feather coat with some black spots here and there.
Furthermore, Azure Blue chickens are friendly and curious, which makes them great pets. Their docile nature and adaptability make them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced poultry keepers.
3. Dongxiang
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 3.5lbs (1.5 kg); Hen: 3 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 100 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Small |
The Dongxiang chicken is a rare blue egg-laying breed, primarily found in their native region of China and hardly seen elsewhere.
These chickens carry a captivating mystery in their appearance, being fibromelanistic birds. This means that their feathers, skin, meat, and organs are all black.
They are not particularly prolific egg layers. They typically lay between 2 and 3 blue eggs per week. Still, because of their unique egg color, they are treasured in many poultry collections.
Overall, Dongxiang chickens are a blend of rarity and unique beauty, with their almost entirely black appearance and the charming blue eggs they produce.
Their limited presence outside China adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already fascinating breed.
4. Opal Legbar
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 6 lbs (2.7 kg); Hen: 5 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 3–5 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Friendly, active |
Known for its bright blue eggs, the Opal Legbar chicken is a lovely addition to the world of poultry.
These chickens are a recent addition to the lineup of autosexing breeds. This means you can determine the gender of the chicks as soon as they hatch.
They come in beautiful colors. Males have a barred lavender color with golden highlights that create a shimmering silver effect when the sunlight hits their feathers.
Meanwhile, hens are pearl gray in color, with hints of silver and yellow around their necks, and some even have a soft peach hue on their chests.
Opal Legbars don’t just look good; they also lay lots of blue eggs. But remember, the color of the eggs might look a bit different based on the light and how often the chicken lays.
The eggs of chickens are colored by a natural dye found in their bodies. A hen’s body has less time to absorb the pigment when it lays eggs more often. So, the eggs might be a lighter blue.
5. Schijndelaar
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | 5–8 lbs (2.3–3.6 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue, light green |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Docile, friendly |
The Schijndelaar chicken comes from the small village of Schijndel in the Netherlands. They are known for laying blue eggs, but sometimes they lay green ones as well.
These chickens have a distinctive appearance, with colors ranging from white to chocolate, blue, black, and cuckoo. The white ones are the most common.
Schijndelaar chickens were created by mixing different breeds, like the Araucana for its blue egg gene and the Leghorn for its impressive egg production.
Moreover, they are hardy chickens that can handle most climates. Their ability to thrive in various settings, along with their colorful eggs and unique appearance, makes them a delightful choice for poultry enthusiasts.
6. Steele Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production, ornamental |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 6 lbs (2.7); Hen: 5 lbs (2.3) |
| Egg Production: | 3–5 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue, green, tan |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | High |
| Temperament: | Active, friendly |
Developed by Lisa Steele, the Steele Egger is a designer breed available only at Meyer Hatchery.
These chickens are beloved for the blue and green eggs that they produce. Keep in mind, though, that there’s also a small chance that they’ll lay tan eggs.
In addition to laying brightly colored eggs, these birds also have a hardy nature that makes them well-suited to a wide range of environments.
In terms of appearance, Steele Eggers usually have blue or splash feathers. Some might even have crests and beards to complement their stunning plumage.
7. Ameraucana
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5.5–6.5 lbs (2.5–3 kg); Hen: 4.5–5.5 lbs (2–2.5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Laid back, gentle, curious |
If you like blue eggs, then you’ll enjoy having an Ameraucana chicken in your flock.
Originating from the United States, these birds are a product of breeding the Araucana with other breeds to eliminate certain genetic issues while preserving the blue egg-laying trait.
Appearance-wise, Ameraucanas have a special charm with their fluffy “chipmunk faces,” complete with beards and muffs. Their body is compact, and their upright tail gives them a poised stance.
They come in a variety of colors, including black, buff, white, blue, and more.
Beyond their looks, Ameraucanas are known for their friendly and curious nature. They get along well with other flock members and are generally gentle and calm.
Additionally, you can count on these hens to consistently lay anywhere from 150 to 200 eggs a year. These aren’t your ordinary eggs; the blue color goes all the way through the shell, making them truly unique.
Watch this video if you’re interested in learning more about this breed:
8. Easter Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5–8 lbs (2.2–3.6 kg); Hen: 4–6 lbs (1.8–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–280 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue, green, pink |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Loving, gentle, friendly |
The Easter Egger is an adorable chicken that is popular for its colorful eggs, which come in different shades of pink, green, and blue. They are efficient layers that rarely go broody and produce up to 280 eggs a year.
That said, an Easter Egger hen doesn’t lay a variety of colors, so whatever color eggs it lays, that’s the only color you’ll get. Still, you should be able to get a lot of different colored eggs if you have multiple hens.
Easter Eggers are a hybrid of several different breeds, but they are most closely related to Araucanas and Ameraucanas, from which they get their characteristic blue eggs.
Their appearance is quite varied, with a spectrum of feather colors, and they often sport beards and muffs.
9. Shetland Hen
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 4 lbs (1.8 kg); Hen: 3–4 lbs (1.3–1.8 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 150–200 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue, green |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Temperament: | Gentle, quiet |
One of the rarest breeds of chickens that lays blue eggs is the Shetland Hen. These chickens come from the Shetland Isles in Scotland and have a mix of Spanish and Scottish roots.
They are descended from a cross between native Scottish fowl and Spanish hens that carried the gene for producing blue eggs.
Shetland Hens are known for their colorful feathers and the unique eggs they lay. They can lay up to 200 blue or green eggs annually.
Despite their exotic background, these birds are extremely hardy. They have lived in Scotland’s rough weather for years, so they’re strong and can handle different conditions.
10. Cream Legbar
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg); Hen: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 200–230 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Active, noisy, curious |
Also called the Crested Cream Legbar, the Cream Legbar is the most popular autosexing Legbar today, thanks to its blue eggs. They come from England and have a unique look and personality that many people love.
Cream Legbars are medium-sized chickens, with hens weighing around 5.5 pounds. They have cream-colored feathers with gray barring and a cute crest of feathers on their heads that makes them stand out.
These chickens are very active and like to explore their surroundings. They are also excellent foragers.
Furthermore, they are known for their keen sense of alertness. They are always on guard and good at sensing threats. But this trait also makes them flighty at times.
After several years of raising Cream Legbars, I’ve learned some tricks to manage their flighty behavior. Speaking gently and announcing my presence before entering the coop helped prevent startling them.
Consistent routines, like wearing similar clothes and humming the same tune during visits, also helped them recognize me. With patience, their initial skittishness turned into a more relaxed and familiar behavior over time.
11. Arkansas Blue
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 6 lbs (2.7 kg); Hen: 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 250–350 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Lifespan: | Up to 8 years |
| Temperament: | Alert, active |
A newly developed hybrid chicken that produces blue eggs is the Arkansas Blue. They were created at the University of Arkansas and are a mix of Araucana and White Leghorn breeds.
They’re not the kind you’d find in every backyard, which makes them a unique choice for chicken enthusiasts. These birds are on the smaller side, but don’t let their size fool you. They are full of energy and always on the go, looking for food.
Adaptability is one of their strong suits. They are hardy in cold weather and can also handle heat well.
Moreover, their egg-laying capacity is impressive. Arkansas Blue hens can lay as many as 350 eggs per year. The large, blue eggs laid by these chickens are a stunning addition to any coop.
12. Lakeside Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg); Hen: 5 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 4–5 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Medium to large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Friendly, calm |
A relatively new breed, the Lakeside Egger was created to be a reliable and resilient blue egg layer. They are strong birds that can handle both hot and cold weather really well.
Not only are Lakeside Eggers hardy, but they also produce a lot of eggs, usually around 4 to 5 medium to large blue eggs per week.
What makes them even more appealing is their early maturity. Lakeside Eggers typically begin laying a bit earlier than most.
They start laying at roughly 4 to 5 months of age, which means you’ll get to enjoy their lovely eggs a little sooner.
13. Sapphire Jewel
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Egg Production: | 6–7 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue, tan |
| Egg Size: | Large to extra-large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Friendly |
The Sapphire Jewel is another hybrid chicken that is known for laying blue eggs. These chickens have a unique look. They have clean legs and feathers that are primarily white with some gray or black patches.
Since they are a mix of different chickens, they can have different colors on their legs and ears, and their combs on top of their heads can vary as well.
These chickens lay a lot of eggs, usually 6 to 7 a week. Most of their eggs are blue, but sometimes they can lay a tan egg, which is always a fun surprise.
14. Super Blue Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Egg Production: | 5–6 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue, brown |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Temperament: | Curious, friendly |
The Super Blue Egger is a blue-egg-laying chicken that is exclusively offered by My Pet Chicken. These remarkable birds begin their journey as adorable yellow chicks and gracefully transform into stunning white hens with black flecks.
Their friendly and curious nature makes them a delightful presence in the coop, always ready to explore and interact.
Versatility is one of their strongest traits. Super Blue Eggers thrive in various climates, from warm to cool, always adapting.
Their egg-laying ability is impressive, consistently producing large blue eggs five to six times a week, starting as early as 24 weeks.
This extraordinary rate of laying, combined with their adaptability, makes them an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and charming egg layer.
15. Whiting True Blue
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5–7 lbs (2.2–3.1 kg); Hen: 5–6 lbs (2.2–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 280–300 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Blue |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Lifespan: | Up to 10 years |
| Temperament: | Active, independent |
Cherished for its hardiness and consistent laying of blue eggs, the Whiting True Blue is a remarkable breed. They are peaceful chickens that like to do things on their own, making them easy to take care of.
The history of these chickens dates back to the 1990s when they emerged in Colorado as the result of a crossbreeding experiment by Dr. Tom Whiting.
They bring life to any flock with their variety of feather colors, which include shades of red, black, and blue.
Whiting True Blues are not only beautiful to look at, but they also lay up to 300 blue eggs every year! Unlike other colored eggs, theirs are blue on the inside and out, which makes them special.
On top of that, they have a higher feed-to-egg conversion than most breeds, which means they can produce lots of eggs with less feed consumption.
Thus, if you are looking for a tough breed that is both practical and peaceful, then these chickens might be the right choice for you.
16. Fibro Easter Egger
| Purpose: | Egg production |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 5–7 lbs (2.2–3.1 kg); Hen: 5–6 lbs (2.2–2.7 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 4–5 eggs per week |
| Egg Color: | Blue, brown, green, pink |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Broodiness: | Low |
| Temperament: | Inquisitive, friendly |
Renowned for its striking fibromelanistic or hyperpigmented features, the Fibro Easter Egger is a hybrid that lays blue-colored eggs. Their bodies are covered in black feathers, and even their skin and bones are black!
Friendly and inquisitive, these chickens are always ready to explore their surroundings and make great companions. Their curious nature keeps them engaged, which makes them a joy to interact with.
Originating in the United States, these chickens are a remarkable blend of uniqueness and productivity. They are capable of producing around 4 to 5 eggs per week.
Their eggs come in many colors, such as blue, green, and occasionally rose or brown. They make every day exciting with their beautiful, colorful eggs, which makes them a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts.
17. Lushi
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Adult Weight: | Rooster: 4 lbs (1.8 kg); Hen: 3 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Egg Production: | 100 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Pink, blue |
| Egg Size: | Small |
| Temperament: | Docile, friendly |
The Lushi chicken is a rare breed from China, known for its colorful feathers and unique eggs. Their eggs can be either blue or pink, which adds a bit of variety to any egg basket.
However, Lushi chickens aren’t prolific layers. They produce roughly two eggs each week, totaling around 100 eggs annually.
But what they lack in egg production, they make up for in temperament. These chickens make great pets as they are friendly and easy to take care of.
Besides their beautiful eggs, Lushi chickens are also cherished for their tasty meat.
Even though they are not common, Lushi chickens are loved by those who have them. If you want a chicken that is different and special, this breed might be the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay to Eat Blue Chicken Eggs?
Blue eggs are as safe to eat as eggs of any other color. The color of the shell doesn’t affect the egg’s quality, taste, or nutritional value.
Inside, blue eggs are just like any other egg you might eat. So, if you find blue eggs in your coop, go ahead and enjoy them!
Are Blue Eggs Healthier?
Not really. The color of the shell doesn’t change what’s inside the egg. Just like white or brown eggs, blue eggs are full of protein and vitamins that are good for your body. Eating blue eggs offers no additional health advantages.
Do Blue Eggs Taste Different?
Blue eggs might catch your eye with their unique color, but when it comes to taste, they’re just like any other egg.
The color of the shell doesn’t change the flavor of the egg inside. Whether white, brown, or blue, all eggs taste pretty much the same.
So, if you’re wondering if blue eggs offer a new taste experience, the answer is no. They’re delicious, nutritious, and familiar in flavor!
Why Are Blue Eggs More Expensive?
Blue eggs are pricier mainly because of the unique chickens that lay them. These breeds are not as common and consume more feed. Additionally, blue egg-laying chickens tend to be less consistent in their egg production.
Because of these factors, blue eggs are rarer and cost more to produce, which makes them more expensive to buy.
So, what do you think about chickens that lay blue eggs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
