The Prairie Bluebell Chicken, or the Prairie Bluebell Chicken Egger, is a reliable, high-production blue egg layer, making them an ideal choice for many chicken keepers.
Let’s discuss this new hybrid that’s quickly gaining traction in the United States.
Quick Overview of Prairie Bluebell Chickens
Prairie Bluebell Chickens, also called Prairie Bluebell Eggers, are slightly difficult to find and purchase, but they lay gorgeous blue eggs that are a richer, deeper hue than Aracauna chickens.
They are not a true breed but rather a hybrid of an Araucana rooster and a White Leghorn hen.
They were recently developed by Hoover’s Hatchery in 2019.
These birds are lightweight, forage well, and come in a variety of pretty plumage colors.
They are a beginner-friendly breed that makes a lovely addition to any backyard.
History of the Prairie Bluebell Chicken
Prairie Bluebell Chickens were recently released by Hoover Hatchery in 2019.
All first-generation (F1) Prairie Bluebell Chickens have at least one blue egg gene.
Second-generation (F2) chickens may have two blue egg genes about 25% of the time.
For best results, breed roosters who carry two blue genes to your hens.
There is a 25% chance that your offspring hens will lay white eggs, but that’s the “risk” of crossbreeding.
Prairie Bluebell Egger Appearance and Recognized Standard
There isn’t a standard set for these chickens because they are a hybrid and not a tree breed.
They come in a variety of colors and plumage patterns, each one being unique and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Blacks, blues, partridge, and splash colors are common. Frosted white, gold, grey, and light smoke colors also occur but aren’t as prevalent.
All have a pea comb. Some have fluffy faces (like their Aracauna fathers), while others have smooth faces (like their White Leghorn mothers).
Prairie Bluebell Egger Temperament and Disposition
These birds like their freedom and enjoy free-ranging, but they also enjoy human companionship.
They take on some of the best qualities of both Araucanas and White Leghorns.
Prairie Bluebell Egger chickens are ideal for beginners, and their placid nature makes them a great fit in almost any climate.
But even these hardy birds need protection from extreme weather — like sudden heat waves or cold snaps — so be sure to take extra precautions during abrupt weather changes.
Although they can get by with some confinement, it’s best that they have plenty of space to roam freely; you need to have a cover over your run if you want to keep them in or a tall fence.
Seven feet may work for some, but eight feet is what we suggest for these agile little birds.
If one or two manage to break away, don’t worry; they will come back at dusk because they typically prefer the coop and their friends over a random tree to roost in at night.
They are pretty predator savvy — they are always aware of their surroundings, plus they are quick movers who can usually avoid most ground predators.
Prairie Bluebell Chickens know how to look for food on their own too. They typically prefer grasses, seeds, and insects over what you provide in the chicken coop.
They don’t eat much to begin with, which means the eggs you get from these sweet girls will be extra cost-effective.
If you don’t pay much attention to them, they will happily co-exist with you, but they likely won’t go out of their way to greet you (unless you have treats).
On the other hand, if you’re willing to put in the time to pet, befriend, and play with your chickens, these cuties will quickly become your very best backyard friend.
With Prairie Bluebell Eggers, you really get out what you put in with them.
Prairie Bluebell Chicken Egg Laying
These birds lay about 240 to 280 medium blue eggs yearly, or about five eggs a week.
Most Prairie Bluebell hens will start laying when they are about five months old.
We believe they will lay eggs for several years thanks to their heritage parents, but this really isn’t certain because this cross has only existed for a few short years (since 2019).
Hoover Hatchery (their producer) estimates that this hybrid will lay about 500 eggs in its lifetime.
Most Prairie Bluebells will not go broody. And since they aren’t a breed, they do not breed true.
If you want more Bluebells, you’ll need to go back to the hatchery or cross an Araucana rooster to a White Leghorn hen again.
If you want to experiment with color, try breeding your Prairie Bluebell hens to a Maran rooster (French Black Copper Marans are likely the best).
The resulting offspring will grow up to lay gorgeous, rich green eggs that are olive, sage, or pistachio colored.
These are some of the greenest eggs you’ll ever see.
Prairie Bluebell Chicken Meat Production
These small birds only weigh about four or five pounds at full maturity. They are a standard size, but they are on the smaller side of the standard.
Their small size and stature mean that you won’t want to raise them for meat.
They are definitely not a dual-purpose breed. Instead, they shine as blue egg producers and companion animals.
Prairie Bluebell Egger Health Concerns
These hybrid chickens are resistant to most common chicken diseases, thanks to their parents’ breeds’ strong genetics.
Like all other breeds, they do best in clean environments where stressors are reduced, feed is freely available, and their water is always clean and fresh.
Their mental well-being does best when they are allowed to free-range for at least a few hours a day.
If you can’t provide free-ranging, make sure they have a sizeable chicken run that isn’t overcrowded.
Is the Prairie Bluebell Chicken Right for You?
If you’re looking for an attractive hybrid chicken that produces a lot of beautiful blue eggs, can forage well, and is willing to be your friend, then the Prairie Bluebell is a great choice.
If you want a meat bird that likes confinement though, this isn’t the mix for you.
Do you have Prarie Bluebells? There aren’t many of them yet, but we would love to see them rise in popularity across backyards in the coming years.
will roosters of the Prairie Bluebell be able to reproduce with other hens or is he sterile?