Blue Plymouth Rock chickens typically lay light brown eggs, which can vary slightly in shade but generally remain within the brown spectrum.
Blue Plymouth Rock chickens are a stunning variety of the classic Plymouth Rock breed, known for their slate-blue feathers and reliable egg production. If you’re considering adding these birds to your flock, you’re probably wondering about their egg-laying capabilities. Let’s explore everything you need to know about these beautiful birds.
What Color Eggs Do Blue Plymouth Rock Chickens Lay?
Blue Plymouth Rock chickens lay brown eggs, typically medium to large in size. The exact shade can range from light tan to rich terra cotta, depending on the individual hen. These birds are excellent layers, producing about 200-280 eggs per year under optimal conditions.
Egg Production Details
| Egg Color | Egg Size | Annual Production | Starts Laying At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown | Medium to Large | 200-280 eggs | 18-22 weeks |
Blue Plymouth Rock Characteristics
These chickens are a color variation of the standard Plymouth Rock, known for their:
- Slate-blue plumage with lacing
- Yellow legs and beak
- Single comb
- Medium size (6-7.5 lbs for hens, 7.5-9.5 lbs for roosters)
Personality and Temperament
Blue Plymouth Rocks inherit the friendly, docile nature of their breed. They’re known for being:
- Calm and gentle
- Good with children
- Excellent foragers
- Adaptable to confinement
If you’re interested in training your chickens, check out our guide on how to train chickens to come when called.
Blue Plymouth Rock vs. Sapphire Gem
These two blue-colored breeds are often confused:
| Feature | Blue Plymouth Rock | Sapphire Gem |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Color | Brown | Brown |
| Egg Size | Medium-Large | Extra Large |
| Annual Production | 200-280 | Up to 290 |
| Origin | USA (Plymouth Rock variety) | Czech Republic hybrid |
Caring for Blue Plymouth Rocks
Housing Requirements
These birds need proper housing to thrive:
- 4 sq ft per bird in the coop
- 10 sq ft per bird in the run
- Nesting boxes (12x12x12 inches)
- Proper ventilation
For more on coop setup, see our article on how big a coop you need for 10 chickens.
Feeding
Blue Plymouth Rocks do well on:
- Starter feed (0-8 weeks)
- Grower feed (8-18 weeks)
- Layer feed (18+ weeks)
- Supplemental calcium (for egg production)
Common Health Issues
While generally hardy, watch for:
- External parasites (mites, lice)
- Respiratory infections
- Bumblefoot
- Egg binding
According to Get Strong Animals, similar blue-colored hybrids like Sapphire Gems are particularly cold and heat hardy, a trait shared by Blue Plymouth Rocks.
Breeding Blue Plymouth Rocks
The blue color in chickens follows an interesting genetic pattern:
- Blue x Blue = 50% Blue, 25% Black, 25% Splash
- Blue x Black = 50% Blue, 50% Black
- Blue x Splash = 50% Blue, 50% Splash
As noted by The Feather Brain, Plymouth Rocks have a fascinating history that contributes to their hardiness and versatility.
Why Choose Blue Plymouth Rocks?
These birds offer multiple benefits:
- Beautiful blue plumage
- Excellent brown egg production
- Dual-purpose capabilities
- Friendly temperament
- Cold and heat tolerance
Whether you’re looking for productive layers, beautiful birds for your flock, or both, Blue Plymouth Rocks make an excellent choice for backyard chicken keepers of all experience levels.