Meet the Sapphire Gem chicken, a breed known for its distinctive color and friendly temperament. This unique fowl, often confused with the Sapphire Olive Egger, has a fascinating history rooted in its creation.
Beyond their striking appearance, Sapphire Gems offer more than just beauty. For instance, it has been noted that they are some of the best egg-laying chickens around.
In this article, you’ll learn all about Sapphire Gem chickens. From their egg-laying abilities to their traits and care needs, this guide offers insights into why this breed might just be the type of chicken to add to your coop.
Sapphire Gem Chicken Overview
| Height: | 11–15 inches |
| Weight: | 6–7 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5–10 years |
| Plumage Color: | Blue, lavender, bluish-black |
| Price: | $3–$6 per chick |
| Known for Broodiness: | No |
| Egg Production: | 4–6 eggs per week; 200–320 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Brown |
| Egg Size: | Large |
| Suitable for Beginners: | Yes |
| Children-friendly: | Yes |
Sapphire Gem Chicken Origin and History
Originating from the Czech Republic, the Sapphire Gem chicken breed is an intriguing newcomer in the poultry world.
While it has not yet been recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) due to its recent introduction, this breed is already gaining praise among chicken enthusiasts for its unique attributes.
Regarding their creation, Sapphire Gem chickens, occasionally called Blue Sapphire Plymouth Rocks, are believed to be a crossbreed between the Blue Plymouth Rock chicken and the Barred Plymouth Rock chicken.
This combination has given birth to a beautiful breed that presents hues reminiscent of most Plymouth Rocks and even boasts excellent egg-laying abilities.
Sapphire Gem Chicken Appearance
The Sapphire Gem chicken, with its medium-sized body, carries an alert and upright stance that readily catches attention.
For starters, their feathers wear shades of lavender, blue, and bluish-black, like the precious stone it’s named after. Around its neck, a necklace-looking pattern of gold or gray emerges, further enhancing its gem-like appearance.
Furthermore, these chickens’ beaks and legs tend toward black or gray tints. They can also be found flaunting single, red-colored combs and wattles that they’ll puff out while strutting around their coop or yard.
It’s vital to note, however, that Saphire Gems, while carrying the typical traits of Plymouth Rocks, may showcase variations in looks due to their sex-linked chicken status and the fact that they’re not an official breed.
This means their appearances can differ from one Saphire Gem chicken to the next, depending on their gender and whether they have any other genes mixed in with them.
Watch the following video to get an idea of what Sapphire Gems look like in action:
Sapphire Gem Chicken Size and Weight
The Sapphire Gem is a medium-sized breed, with mature ones measuring about 11 to 15 inches in height. This makes it an ideal fit for many backyard chicken coops, combining its notable traits with a manageable size.
In terms of weight, Sapphire Gem hens typically weigh around 6 pounds, while Sapphire Gem roosters can weigh roughly 7 pounds. This slight disparity between genders is a common feature among chicken breeds.
The final height and weight of Sapphire Gem chicks can still vary, as factors like environment, diet, genetics, and general care can affect their growth and development.
I recall my experience raising Sapphire Gem chickens and witnessing their impressive dimensions. These beautiful fowls, known as the Sapphire Blue Plymouth Rock, have a commanding presence in any flock.
In fact, from a young age, my male and female Sapphire Gem chicks exhibit their potential by developing rapidly, reaching a substantial size in just a few weeks. It’s truly remarkable to get a glimpse of such speedy growth.
Sapphire Gem Chicken Temperament and Behavior
The personality of a Sapphire Gem is generally one of gentleness, calmness, and good-naturedness. It has a high level of tolerance for the other chickens in its flock and will not pick fights with them.
My close friend Jane, a long-time chicken enthusiast, added Sapphire Gem chicks to her hatchery a few years ago. She often shares how these fowls, a medium-sized breed of chicken, blend perfectly into her diverse flock.
Whenever I visit her backyard coop, I notice their friendly disposition, noting how effortlessly they interact with other fowl breeds. Their calm nature and adaptability are particularly noteworthy, making her backyard a peaceful poultry haven.
To add to that, Sapphire Gem chickens are both sociable and easygoing with humans. These traits make them an excellent choice for families with young kids or those who are new to raising chickens.
Possessing a curious streak, you can also anticipate that the Sapphire chicken will be an active explorer. It will tend to roam and roost in unusual areas if given the opportunity.
Egg Production of Sapphire Gem Chickens
Sapphire Gem chickens are renowned for their remarkable egg production. As a matter of fact, they are considered one of the best egg-laying chicken breeds, consistently producing 4 to 6 large eggs per week.
This amount accumulates to an impressive 200 to 320 chicken eggs a year, depending on the specific conditions of their environment, diet, and overall care.
On a different note, contrary to the popular belief that this hybrid chicken lays blue eggs, it is worth noting that the Sapphire Gem actually has brown-colored ones.
Remember that such a trait is not uncommon, as Sapphire Gems were bred from heritage and hybrid chickens like Python Rocks and Andalusians.
Noise Levels of Sapphire Gem Chickens
Sapphire Gem chickens do not make a lot of noise. Usually, these fowls have a quiet streak and are not known for being excessively chatty or loud.
To put it simply, you can expect that they’re peaceful and laid-back, which is part of why they’re often recommended for suburban or urban settings where noise can be an issue.
However, note that while the hens of this relatively new breed tend to be reserved, the roosters behave like any other chicken that’s masculine. A Sapphire Gem rooster will crow, much like other roosters would.
This is a natural behavior that can’t be repressed, regardless of breed. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering adding Sapphire Gem roosters to your flock.
Nonetheless, the overall noise levels from Sapphire Gem chickens are generally manageable, making them a popular choice among many chicken enthusiasts.
How to Take Care of Your Sapphire Gem Chicken
Before you start looking for Sapphire Gem chickens for sale, you need to know how to take care of them. After all, it’s important that they have the best environment so they can thrive and supply you with high-quality eggs.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Typically, Sapphire Gem chickens are resilient, with a lifespan ranging from 5 to 10 years. Yet, despite this stability, remember that they can experience health issues common to many chicken breeds.
For instance, fowl cholera, coccidiosis, and avian flu can affect these fowls. Hence, it’s vital to monitor your flock for signs of these illnesses and intervene early with veterinary assistance.
Pests like fleas, lice, and mites can also pose a problem. That’s why regular preventative care, including frequent coop cleanings and dust baths, should be done to help keep your chickens fit and extend their life expectancy.
Pro Tip: Dust baths are more effective if they are combined with diatomaceous earth. This mix should make the feathers of your Sapphire Gems healthier.
Feeding
Generally speaking, proper nutrition is paramount for Sapphire Gem chickens. As chicks, they should be given an 18% to 25% protein chick feed to support healthy growth.
Meanwhile, as they mature, a high-protein diet helps maintain optimal health. During this time, you can switch to a more traditional layer feed that is higher in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
For laying hens and those about to start laying eggs, it is necessary to provide additional calcium in their diets. One should bear in mind that this particular nutrient is crucial for eggshell development and overall wellness.
Apart from that, regular access to clean water is equally essential to keep your chickens hydrated and healthy.
Coop Setup and Roaming
In terms of space, it should be noted that Sapphire Gems require about four square feet per chicken in the coop. This is a somewhat small space that can be easily accommodated in most backyards.
Additionally, even though the Sapphire Gem breed commonly tolerates confinement, remember that chickens of this kind prefer to roam and forage, embodying their natural behaviors.
For this reason, consider setting up an area for roaming within your chicken enclosure. This can be as simple as a few inches of grass or as elaborate as a fully-furnished playpen.
However, if free-ranging isn’t feasible due to space constraints, you’ll need to adjust your coop dimensions accordingly. Be aware that a larger living space can help prevent stress and promote healthier, happier chickens.
Pro Tip: Sand is a good bedding material to use for your chicken coop. It is easy to sift through, absorbs odors, deters pests, and keeps your chicken dry.
Temperature
Sapphire Gem chickens are adaptable and capable of thriving in diverse climates. Therefore, you can raise them anywhere from the coldest parts of the United States to the hottest.
Still, it’s crucial to remember that these chickens have single combs, making them susceptible to frostbite in chillier environments. This means they must be kept indoors when temperatures fall below freezing.
Conversely, in hot summers, ensure the coop is well-ventilated. A Sapphire Gem chicken does well with a small fan, but don’t let the enclosure get too hot, or your flock may suffer from heat stress.
Male vs. Female Sapphire Gem Chickens
When it comes to Sapphire Gem chickens, understanding the differences between males and females can prove insightful. First, you should know that the Sapphire Gem is a sex-linked chicken.
This means you can specify a certain Sapphire chicken’s gender after hatching by its feather color. Notably, male chicks have a white dot on their heads, whereas female chicks sport a ring of gold around their necks.
Size-wise, males are typically larger than females. Along with this physical distinction, their behavioral traits also vary; males tend to be more assertive and inquisitive compared to the calmer nature of females.
Specifically, this assertiveness in Sapphire Gem chicken roosters gives them a reputation for displaying more strength and stamina than the hens.
However, keep in mind that the Sapphire Gem hens steal the spotlight when it comes to egg-laying. They produce eggs diligently, although their egg production rate can decrease as they age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Egg Does a Sapphire Gem Chicken Lay?
While its name might say otherwise, the Sapphire Gem chicken breed lays large brown eggs — not blue ones. It’s just their plumage that makes them look like they’re about to lay a sapphire-colored egg.
Are Sapphire Gems Good Meat Chickens?
Yes, Sapphire Gems may make good meat chickens. However, they’re usually valued for their egg-laying capabilities, as they can produce approximately 200 to 320 eggs annually.
Are Sapphire Gem Chickens Friendly?
Yes, Sapphire Gem chickens are friendly by nature. They exhibit a docile, laid-back, and calm demeanor, which makes them an excellent choice for newbie chicken keepers and families with children.
What Is the Difference Between a Sapphire Olive Egger and a Sapphire Gem?
Sapphire Gems and Sapphire Olive Eggers differ primarily in appearance and egg color. The Sapphire Gem, also known as the Sapphire Blue Plymouth Rock, sports a blue or lavender hue and lays brown-pigmented eggs.
On the flip side, Sapphire Olive Eggers showcase a gray or black shade and are renowned for their bluish-green eggs.
Are Sapphire Gem Chickens Rare?
As a sex-link chicken, the Sapphire Gem does not breed true, so it is indeed rare. Specifically, it is the result of thorough crossbreeding strategies, making it a less common sight in many backyards.
As such, Sapphire Gems can be difficult to find and are typically only available through hatcheries or other specialty breeders.
So, if you’re looking for a chicken of this variety, you should plan ahead.
How Much Are Sapphire Gem Chickens?
Considering their rarity due to being a crossbreed, Sapphire Gem chickens are still quite affordable. They can cost between $3 and $6 each for chicks that are a few weeks old.
However, you should note that female Sapphire Gem chicks tend to be more expensive. This is largely because they mature into prolific egg layers, making them highly valuable to chicken keepers.
Are you now considering adding the Sapphire Gem chicken to your coop? Share with us your insights, thoughts, or questions about this admirable chicken breed by leaving a comment below!
