Hens laying blue eggs attract attention not only by their unusual appearance, but also by their interesting genetics. The color of the shells of these eggs is due to the presence of a specific pigment, biliverdin, which gives them a blue or greenish tint. This pigment is formed in the bird’s body due to the presence of the SLCO1B3 gene, which affects the transportation of bile acids. In some cases, this gene may be the result of integration of the EAV-HP retrovirus into the chicken genome.
Araucana
The Araucana is one of the best known breeds that lay blue eggs. Originating from Chile, this breed is known for its unique appearance: Araucanas have no tail and grow tufts of feathers on their heads that resemble sideburns. Araucana hens begin laying at about 6 months of age and can lay up to 160 eggs per year. The eggs are blue or greenish in color. However, it should be noted that the Araucana is not a purebred line, but a group of birds with certain traits.
Ameraucana
The Ameraucana was bred in the United States in the 1970s by crossing Araucanas with native American breeds. This breed retains the ability to lay blue eggs, but differs from the Araucana by having a tail and more varied plumage coloration. The Ameraucana is a recognized breed with an official standard of eight different colors. Ameraucana hens start laying at the age of 6-7 months and can lay up to 250 eggs per year.
Legbar
The Legbar is a breed developed in the United Kingdom in the 1930s. Legbar hens are known for their high egg production and ability to lay blue eggs. The breed was developed by crossing the Araucana with other breeds such as the white legburn. The Legbar is a cross, that is, a hybrid, and is not a purebred line. Legbar hens start laying at about 5 months of age and can lay up to 220 eggs per year.
Eggers
Eggers are a hybrid breed obtained by crossing the Araucana with other breeds such as the Maran. These hens can lay eggs in a variety of colors including blue, turquoise, and olive. Eggers are not a separate breed, but a group of hybrids that share certain traits. Eggers start laying at the age of about 7-8 months and can lay up to 200 eggs per year.
Grunlegger
The Grunlegger is a German breed bred to produce green eggs. Grunlegger hens are known for their high egg production and ability to lay eggs with green shells. The breed was developed by crossing the Araucana with local German breeds. Grunlegger hens start laying at about 6 months of age and can lay up to 300 eggs per year.
Why do hens lay blue eggs?
The color of the eggshells depends on the pigmentation produced in the hen’s oviduct. Hens laying blue eggs have an increased amount of biliverdin, a bile pigment in the oviduct, which gives the egg a blue or greenish color. This phenomenon is due to the presence of a specific gene, SLCO1B3, which affects the transportation of bile acids. In some cases, this gene may be the result of the integration of the EAV-HP retrovirus into the chicken genome.
Conclusion
Hens laying blue eggs are a unique group of birds with interesting genetics and a variety of breeds. The choice of breed depends on your preferences and goals: if you are looking for a decorative bird with unusual egg colors, consider the Araucana; if you want a productive breed with high egg production, consider the Ameraucana or the Legbar. Don’t forget that keeping such chickens requires certain conditions and care, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the features of each breed before purchasing.
