If you’re into chickens, the Sapphire Olive Egger is a breed you’ve got to check out. These chickens are not just pretty with their unique blue-tinged feathers; they also lay some really cool olive-colored eggs.
What’s more, Sapphire Olive Eggers are as hardy as they are charming. They’re known for their adaptability to various climates and their friendly nature, making them a versatile choice for your backyard flock.
If you’re considering getting some Sapphire Olive Eggers, stay tuned. This article is going to cover everything you need to know about this breed, so let’s get into it.
Sapphire Olive Egger Quick Facts
| Origin: | United States |
| Weight: | Roosters: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.1 kg); Hens: 5–6 lbs (2.2–2.7 kg) |
| Purpose: | Dual-purpose (meat and eggs) |
| Egg Production: | 240–290 eggs per year |
| Egg Color: | Olive |
| Temperament: | Friendly, active, docile |
| Broodiness: | Moderate |
| Hardiness: | Cold and heat hardy |
| Lifespan: | 5–8 years |
| Unique Features: | Lays unique colored eggs with beautiful shades of green |
| Beginner Friendly: | Yes |
What Is a Sapphire Olive Egger Chicken?
The Sapphire Olive Egger chicken is a type of Olive Egger chicken developed by crossing breeds such as Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Blue Plymouth Rocks or Sapphire Gems. This hybrid is known for its smoky-blue feathers and unique olive-colored eggs.
To understand what makes Sapphire Olive Eggers special, it’s essential first to know what an Olive Egger chicken is.
Olive Eggers are not a breed in the traditional sense but a type of chicken produced by mixing two different breeds. Usually, you get them by breeding chickens that lay blue eggs with ones that lay dark brown eggs.
In the case of Sapphire Olive Eggers, the blue egg gene comes from breeds like Ameraucanas or Araucanas.
When these are crossed with Blue Plymouth Rocks or Sapphire Gems, which are known for their brown eggs, the chicks they produce lay eggs in shades of olive green.
Sapphire Olive Eggers are particularly noted for this olive egg color, and it’s a big reason why chicken lovers like having them around.
Now, if you’re curious to learn more about Olive Eggers and the art of breeding them, check out the video below:
Sapphire Olive Egger Appearance
Sapphire Olive Eggers really stand out with their feather color. They’ve got this bluish-gray hue that gives them an elegant and distinctive look. This coloration is especially noticeable on the hens.
Their heads and necks are often darker, creating a nice contrast with the rest of their bodies. Besides their stunning feathers, these chickens usually have medium-sized single combs and wattles, which adds to their overall appearance.
But what’s really eye-catching is the feathered tuft on their heads. This feature, along with their unique feather color, makes them a perfect choice for anyone looking to add an ornamental touch to their flock.
Note: While the feathered tuft on their heads is a standout feature of many Sapphire Olive Eggers, it’s important to remember that not all individuals of this breed will have crests.
The presence of a crest can vary, as imperfections may occur, especially in hybrids. So, you might find some Sapphire Olive Eggers without it.
Sapphire Olive Egger Size and Weight
Sapphire Olive Eggers are medium-sized birds. A fully grown rooster typically weighs around 6 to 7 pounds, while the hens are a bit lighter, usually weighing between 5 and 6 pounds.
Their medium build contributes to their adaptability, allowing them to fit well in various settings, from small backyard coops to larger poultry farms.
This size also makes them resilient to different weather conditions, especially in warmer climates, where they tend to thrive.
Sapphire Olive Egger Temperament and Behavior
Known for their pleasant temperament, Sapphire Olive Egger chickens are a great choice for both beginner chicken keepers and families.
These chickens are generally very friendly and docile, which means they’re easy to handle and get along well with people, including children.
Their mild nature also makes them good flock members. They tend to get along well with other chickens, which is important if you’re planning to keep a mixed flock.
They’re not just laid-back, though. Sapphire Olive Eggers are pretty active and love to explore. I have a neighbor who owns Sapphire Olive Eggers, and I often get to observe their behavior from my backyard.
Watching them peck around the yard and check out their surroundings is pretty fun. They seem to enjoy their little adventures, and it’s clear that staying active keeps them healthy and in high spirits.
Egg Production and Broodiness of Sapphire Olive Eggers
Sapphire Olive Eggers start laying eggs relatively early, typically between 5 and 6 months old. Once they begin, they’re pretty consistent, laying about 4 to 5 eggs a week. That adds up to a hefty 240 to 290 eggs each year.
And these aren’t just your average eggs; they’re large and have a unique olive green color.
In terms of broodiness, Sapphire Olive Eggers tend to show less inclination towards broodiness compared to some other chicken breeds. They can get broody occasionally, but it’s not a constant trait.
This moderate broodiness means they’re not too likely to spend long periods sitting on eggs, which is good news if you’re looking for a steady supply of eggs.
Note: While Sapphire Olive Eggers are known for their olive green eggs, it’s important to remember that this hybrid isn’t perfect. About 5% of the hens may lay brown eggs instead.
Sapphire Olive Egger Care Guide
Caring for Sapphire Olive Eggers can be a rewarding experience, provided you’re aware of their unique requirements. To make sure your Sapphire Olive Eggers are happy and healthy, here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Feeding and Nutrition
For optimal health and egg production, Sapphire Olive Eggers should be fed high-quality layer feed containing about 16% to 18% protein. This ensures they get the necessary nutrients for consistent egg laying.
As prolific egg layers, Sapphire Olive Eggers also benefit from additional calcium in their diet.
Incorporating calcium supplements, like oyster shells, into their diet is a great way to keep their eggshells strong. Just put the shells in a separate dish so they can consume them as needed.
Also, don’t forget to mix in some greens and kitchen scraps for added nutrition. And, of course, always make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water.
Their feeding routine should be consistent, with regular meal times and portions appropriate for their size and egg production levels.
Pro Tip: Boost the well-being and egg production of your Sapphire Olive Egger chickens by providing mealworms as an occasional treat, ideally once or twice a week.
This not only adds variety to their diet but also acts as a stress reliever, positively impacting their consistent laying and helping to improve the overall quality of eggs.
Housing and Shelter
As medium-sized chickens, each Sapphire Olive Egger needs about 4 square feet of space inside the coop to ensure their comfort.
These active birds also need a place to move around, so in the chicken run, aim for at least 8 square feet per bird. This will give them enough space to exercise and stay healthy.
When it comes to nesting boxes, it’s important to ensure they are spacious enough for their comfort, ideally measuring 12x12x18 inches each.
Place these boxes at least 18 inches off the floor to provide a sense of security and privacy for laying eggs.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can guarantee that Sapphire Olive Eggers will have the space they need for a healthy and productive life.
Temperature and Lighting
Like most chickens, Sapphire Olive Eggers thrive in a comfortable temperature range. They prefer temperatures around 70 to 75°F but are adaptable to slightly cooler or warmer climates.
It’s important to ensure their coop is well-ventilated in summer and insulated in winter to maintain this ideal temperature range.
Regarding lighting, laying hens need about 14 to 16 hours of light per day to maintain consistent egg production. In the shorter days of fall and winter, you might need to add some artificial light to their coop to keep those eggs coming.
Ensuring they have enough light will keep your Sapphire Olive Eggers laying eggs regularly throughout the year.
Pro Tip: To enhance the comfort and well-being of your Sapphire Olive Egger chickens, consider installing a solar-powered fan in their coop.
This eco-friendly solution can help maintain a consistent temperature, improve air circulation, and reduce humidity levels, creating an ideal environment for both the chickens and their egg-laying consistency.
Noise Levels of Sapphire Olive Egger Chickens
Sapphire Olive Egger chickens are generally known for being relatively quiet, but it’s important to note that their noise level can depend a lot on the specific breeds used to create them.
Since they’re hybrids, the characteristics of their parent breeds play a big role in determining how noisy they can be.
Like other Easter Egger varieties, Sapphire Olive Eggers can crow, but this is usually not excessively loud. This trait makes them a good option for backyard flocks, particularly in settings where keeping noise to a minimum is important.
Nonetheless, there can still be some variation in noise levels from one chicken to another within the breed.
How Much Does a Sapphire Olive Egger Cost?
The cost of a Sapphire Olive Egger chicken can vary depending on where you buy it and the age of the bird.
Generally, you can expect to pay around $8 to $15 for female chicks. Meanwhile, male chicks’ prices are slightly lower, at around $6 to $10.
For straight-run Sapphire Olive Egger chicks, the price is typically around $7 each. If you’re looking to buy a laying hen, the price can go up to about $60.
You can purchase Sapphire Olive Eggers from various poultry farms and hatcheries. Some places to consider are Hoover’s Hatchery, SeaBreeze Hens, Hilltop Farms, and Spikes & Houles.
Remember to check the minimum order quantities, especially for chicks, as many sellers require a certain number to be purchased at once. Also, always verify the current prices and availability with the seller, as these can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sapphire Olive Eggers Good Egg Layers?
Capable of producing around 4 to 5 eggs weekly, Sapphire Olive Eggers are indeed good egg layers. Annually, you can expect about 240 to 290 large, olive-colored eggs from these hens.
What Color Eggs Do Sapphire Olive Eggers Lay?
Sapphire Olive Eggers lay olive-colored eggs, a unique shade that’s the result of crossing breeds that lay blue and dark brown eggs.
That said, you might find a few brown eggs in the mix, too, as the hybrid isn’t always perfect.
Are Sapphire Olive Eggers Friendly?
Yes, Sapphire Olive Eggers are generally known for their friendly and docile nature. Their temperament can vary slightly depending on their parent breeds, but overall, they tend to be calm and easygoing.
This makes them an excellent choice for backyard flocks, especially for those who enjoy interacting with their chickens.
Are you considering adding Sapphire Olive Eggers to your flock? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences with these unique chickens!
