The Prairie Bluebell Hen, or the Prairie Bluebell Hen Egger, is a dependable, high-production blue egg layer, making them an excellent selection for a lot of rooster keepers.
Let’s talk about this new hybrid that’s shortly gaining traction in the US.
Fast Overview of Prairie Bluebell Chickens
Prairie Bluebell Chickens, additionally known as Prairie Bluebell Eggers, are barely tough to seek out and buy, however they lay beautiful blue eggs which might be a richer, deeper hue than Aracauna chickens.
They aren’t a real breed however somewhat a hybrid of an Araucana rooster and a White Leghorn hen.
They have been not too long ago developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in 2019.
These birds are light-weight, forage effectively, and are available in a wide range of fairly plumage colours.
They’re a beginner-friendly breed that makes a stunning addition to any yard.
Historical past of the Prairie Bluebell Hen
Prairie Bluebell Chickens have been not too long ago launched by Hoover Hatchery in 2019.
All first-generation (F1) Prairie Bluebell Chickens have at the least one blue egg gene.
Second-generation (F2) chickens might have two blue egg genes about 25% of the time.
For greatest outcomes, breed roosters who carry two blue genes to your hens.
There’s a 25% probability that your offspring hens will lay white eggs, however that’s the “threat” of crossbreeding.
Prairie Bluebell Egger Look and Acknowledged Normal
There isn’t a normal set for these chickens as a result of they’re a hybrid and never a tree breed.
They arrive in a wide range of colours and plumage patterns, each being distinctive and aesthetically pleasing to the attention.
Blacks, blues, partridge, and splash colours are widespread. Frosted white, gold, gray, and lightweight smoke colours additionally happen however aren’t as prevalent.
All have a pea comb. Some have fluffy faces (like their Aracauna fathers), whereas others have clean faces (like their White Leghorn moms).
Prairie Bluebell Egger Temperament and Disposition
These birds like their freedom and revel in free-ranging, however in addition they take pleasure in human companionship.
They tackle among the greatest qualities of each Araucanas and White Leghorns.
Prairie Bluebell Egger chickens are perfect for newcomers, and their placid nature makes them an amazing slot in nearly any local weather.
However even these hardy birds want safety from excessive climate — like sudden warmth waves or chilly snaps — so remember to take additional precautions throughout abrupt climate modifications.
Though they’ll get by with some confinement, it’s greatest that they’ve loads of house to roam freely; it’s essential to have a canopy over your run if you wish to preserve them in or a tall fence.
Seven toes may go for some, however eight toes is what we advise for these agile little birds.
If one or two handle to interrupt away, don’t fear; they are going to come again at nightfall as a result of they usually favor the coop and their pals over a random tree to roost in at evening.
They’re fairly predator savvy — they’re all the time conscious of their environment, plus they’re fast movers who can normally keep away from most floor predators.
Prairie Bluebell Chickens know the way to search for meals on their very own too. They usually favor grasses, seeds, and bugs over what you present within the rooster coop.
They don’t eat a lot to start with, which implies the eggs you get from these candy ladies shall be additional cost-effective.
If you happen to don’t pay a lot consideration to them, they are going to fortunately co-exist with you, however they possible gained’t exit of their technique to greet you (until you’ve got treats).
However, for those who’re keen to place within the time to pet, befriend, and play together with your chickens, these cuties will shortly change into your easiest yard pal.
With Prairie Bluebell Eggers, you actually get out what you set in with them.
Prairie Bluebell Hen Egg Laying
These birds lay about 240 to 280 medium blue eggs yearly, or about 5 eggs per week.
Most Prairie Bluebell hens will begin laying when they’re about 5 months previous.
We consider they are going to lay eggs for a number of years because of their heritage mother and father, however this actually isn’t sure as a result of this cross has solely existed for a number of brief years (since 2019).
Hoover Hatchery (their producer) estimates that this hybrid will lay about 500 eggs in its lifetime.
Most Prairie Bluebells won’t go broody. And since they aren’t a breed, they don’t breed true.
In order for you extra Bluebells, you’ll want to return to the hatchery or cross an Araucana rooster to a White Leghorn hen once more.
If you wish to experiment with shade, strive breeding your Prairie Bluebell hens to a Maran rooster (French Black Copper Marans are possible the most effective).
The ensuing offspring will develop as much as lay beautiful, wealthy inexperienced eggs which might be olive, sage, or pistachio coloured.
These are among the greenest eggs you’ll ever see.
Prairie Bluebell Hen Meat Manufacturing
These small birds solely weigh about 4 or 5 kilos at full maturity. They’re a normal measurement, however they’re on the smaller aspect of the usual.
Their small measurement and stature imply that you just gained’t need to increase them for meat.
They’re positively not a dual-purpose breed. As a substitute, they shine as blue egg producers and companion animals.
Prairie Bluebell Egger Well being Considerations
These hybrid chickens are proof against commonest rooster illnesses, because of their mother and father’ breeds’ sturdy genetics.
Like all different breeds, they do greatest in clear environments the place stressors are lowered, feed is freely accessible, and their water is all the time clear and contemporary.
Their psychological well-being does greatest when they’re allowed to free-range for at the least a number of hours a day.
If you happen to can’t present free-ranging, be certain they’ve a sizeable rooster run that isn’t overcrowded.
Is the Prairie Bluebell Hen Proper for You?
If you happen to’re in search of a sexy hybrid rooster that produces loads of lovely blue eggs, can forage effectively, and is keen to be your pal, then the Prairie Bluebell is a good selection.
In order for you a meat hen that likes confinement although, this isn’t the combination for you.
Do you’ve got Prarie Bluebells? There aren’t lots of them but, however we might like to see them rise in recognition throughout backyards within the coming years.
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