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Introduction
When it comes to chickens, the color of their eggs is just as important as the breed of chicken. While most chickens lay eggs that are shades of white, brown, green, and blue, some breeds of chicken lay eggs that are blue in color. This article will explore the different breeds of chicken that lay blue eggs, as well as the history and science behind why they lay these unique eggs.
Araucana Chickens
Araucana chickens are a breed of chicken that is native to South America. They are a small breed, with a reputation for being docile and friendly. They are also known for their unique egg-laying abilities: they lay eggs that are blue in color.
The origin of the Araucana chicken is a bit of a mystery. Some believe that the breed was developed by the Mapuche people of Chile, while others believe that the breed was developed by the Incas of Peru. Regardless of their origin, these chickens have been popular among chicken keepers for centuries.
The Araucana chicken is a hardy breed and can tolerate both cold and hot climates. They are also good foragers, which means they can be kept in a free-range environment. The eggs they lay are medium-sized and have a blue-green color. The blue color is due to a pigment called oocyanin, which is found in the chicken’s earlobes and the eggshells.
Ameraucana Chickens
Ameraucana chickens are a breed of chicken that was developed in the United States in the 1970s. They were created by crossing Araucana chickens with other breeds of chickens, such as Leghorns, to create a breed that would lay eggs that were blue in color.
Ameraucana chickens are a medium-sized breed with a calm temperament. They are good foragers and can tolerate both cold and hot climates. They are also known for their unique egg-laying ability: they lay eggs that are blue in color.
The blue color of the eggs is due to a pigment called oocyanin, which is found in the chicken’s earlobes and the eggshells. The eggs they lay are medium-sized and have a blue-green color.
Cream Legbar Chickens
Cream Legbar chickens are a breed of chicken that was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1930s. They were created by crossing Leghorn, Barred Plymouth Rock, and Araucana chickens. The breed was developed with the intention of creating a chicken that would lay eggs that were blue in color.
Cream Legbar chickens are a medium-sized breed with a friendly and docile temperament. They are good foragers and can tolerate both cold and hot climates. They are also known for their unique egg-laying ability: they lay eggs that are blue in color.
The blue color of the eggs is due to a pigment called oocyanin, which is found in the chicken’s earlobes and the eggshells. The eggs they lay are medium-sized and have a blue-green color.
Easter Eggers Chickens
Easter Eggers chickens are a breed of chicken that is a cross between a variety of chicken breeds. They were developed with the intention of creating a chicken that would lay eggs that were blue in color.
Easter Eggers chickens are a medium-sized breed with a friendly and docile temperament. They are good foragers and can tolerate both cold and hot climates. They are also known for their unique egg-laying ability: they lay eggs that are blue in color.
The blue color of the eggs is due to a pigment called oocyanin, which is found in the chicken’s earlobes and the eggshells. The eggs they lay are medium-sized and have a blue-green color.
The Science Behind Blue Eggs
The blue color of the eggs that are laid by these breeds of chicken is due to a pigment called oocyanin. Oocyanin is a type of carotenoid pigment that is found in the chicken’s earlobes and the eggshells. The pigment is responsible for giving the eggs their unique blue color.
The amount of oocyanin in the eggs is determined by the chicken’s genetic makeup. The more oocyanin that is present in the chicken’s earlobes and eggshells, the bluer the eggs will be. Some chickens may lay eggs that are more green in color, while others may lay eggs that are more blue.
Conclusion
Blue eggs are a unique and interesting part of the chicken-keeping hobby. While there are only a few breeds of chicken that lay blue eggs, they are sure to add a bit of color and excitement to any backyard flock. Whether you are looking for a unique egg-laying breed or just want to add a bit of color to your backyard flock, the breeds of chicken that lay blue eggs are sure to be a hit.
