When I first started raising backyard chickens, I was only focused on having friendly, egg-laying hens. I didn’t think much about the colors of the eggs—until I realized what I was missing out on.
If you love a colorful egg basket, blue eggs are a must-have. They add variety and beauty to your collection while being just as nutritious as brown or white eggs. But which chicken breeds lay these gorgeous blue eggs?
In this guide, I will share the best blue egg-laying chicken breeds, their unique traits, and why you should consider adding them to your flock.
Why Do Some Chickens Lay Blue Eggs
Egg color is determined by genetics. The pigment oocyanin, produced by certain chicken breeds, seeps through the eggshell while it forms, creating the blue color. Unlike brown eggs, where the pigment is only on the shell’s surface, blue eggs are blue inside and out.
Once a hen starts laying eggs, she will lay the same color for life. So if you have a blue egg layer, you will always get blue eggs.
Top Chicken Breeds That Lay Blue Eggs
1. Araucana
The Araucana is one of the most well-known blue egg layers and originates from Chile.
Lays bright blue eggs with an average of 150 to 200 eggs per year
Has tufted ears and a pea comb for a unique look
Friendly and great foragers, perfect for free-range setups
Adapts well to various climates
Araucanas do not have tail feathers, which gives them a rumpless appearance.
2. Ameraucana
Developed in the United States from Araucanas, Ameraucanas are popular among backyard chicken keepers.
Lays light blue to greenish-blue eggs with an average of 180 to 220 eggs per year
Has a fluffy beard and muffs, making them look adorable
Calm, gentle temperament, perfect for families
Hardy in both hot and cold climates
Ameraucanas are a great choice for those who want consistent blue eggs and a friendly, docile breed.
3. Easter Egger
Easter Eggers are not a true breed but rather a mix of breeds that carry the blue egg gene.
Lays pastel-colored eggs in blue, green, pink, or even purple, with an average of 200 to 250 eggs per year
Comes in a variety of feather colors and patterns
Extremely friendly and playful, great for families
Hardy, easy to care for, and low maintenance
Easter Eggers are loved for their colorful eggs, making every egg a fun surprise.
4. Cream Legbar
The Cream Legbar is a rare breed from the United Kingdom, known for its crest of feathers on the head.
Lays medium-sized blue eggs with an average of 200 to 250 eggs per year
Highly intelligent, curious, and independent
Friendly, though some can be a bit bossy
Cold and heat-hardy, great for backyard flocks
Cream Legbars are smart, active, and beautiful blue egg layers that love to explore.
5. Prairie Bluebell
A mix of White Leghorns and Araucanas, the Prairie Bluebell is a prolific blue egg layer.
Lays large bright blue eggs with an average of 250 to 280 eggs per year
Athletic, fast, and excellent foragers
Not the cuddliest breed but friendly and easygoing
Ideal for free-range setups
If you want a high-production blue egg layer, Prairie Bluebells are a great option.
6. Olive Egger
Though not a true blue egg layer, Olive Eggers are worth mentioning. They are a mix of blue egg layers like Ameraucanas and brown egg layers like Marans.
Lays olive green, speckled, or blue-tinged eggs with an average of 180 to 200 eggs per year
Friendly and easy to handle
Hardy in various climates
If you want beautiful, speckled green eggs, Olive Eggers are a great addition to your flock.
How to Keep Your Blue Egg Layers Healthy
Chicken E-lixir
Provides essential vitamins and minerals for better egg production
Helps prevent soft or weak eggshells
Supports overall chicken health and immunity
Golden Graze
Contains oyster shells for stronger eggshells
Provides Omega-3 for richer yolks
Supports digestive health and immunity
Adding blue egg-laying chickens to your flock brings variety and beauty to your egg basket. Breeds like Araucana, Ameraucana, Easter Egger, Cream Legbar, Prairie Bluebell, and Olive Egger offer a mix of productivity, personality, and charm.
With proper care, nutrition, and supplements like Chicken E-lixir and Golden Graze, your hens will stay healthy and continue laying strong, colorful eggs. Blue eggs are a fun and unique addition to any backyard flock, making chicken keeping even more exciting.
FAQ
Which chicken breeds lay blue eggs?
Araucana, Ameraucana, Easter Egger, Cream Legbar, Prairie Bluebell, and Olive Egger are the most common breeds that lay blue eggs.
Are blue eggs different from white or brown eggs?
No, blue eggs have the same taste and nutritional value as white or brown eggs. The only difference is the shell color, which is determined by genetics.
Which chicken lays the most blue eggs?
Prairie Bluebells and Cream Legbars are among the most productive blue egg layers, producing around 250 to 280 eggs per year.
Do blue egg-laying chickens need special care?
No, blue egg layers require the same care as other chickens, including a balanced diet, clean water, and a secure coop.
How can I improve the eggshell quality of my blue eggs?
Providing calcium supplements like crushed oyster shells or a vitamin-rich diet with products like Chicken E-lixir can help strengthen eggshells.
