Cream Legbar Chickens: My Favorite Blue Egg Layers
As a chicken keeper, I have had the joy of raising many different chicken breeds, but few have stolen my heart quite like my two Cream Legbar chickens. These birds are some of my absolute favorites in my flock, not only because of their friendly personalities but also because they lay the most beautiful blue eggs. If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding addition to your flock, let me introduce you to the Cream Legbar breed—a fascinating British breed with a rich history and stunning appearance.
The Origins of the Cream Legbar Breed
The breed itself was developed through about 15 years of work by British geneticists at Cambridge University. The goal of the geneticists was to create a hardy, productive, and self-sufficient blue egg-laying chicken. By crossing Brown Leghorns, White Leghorns, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Golden Penciled Hamburgs, they achieved a unique and striking bird with both beauty and utility.
Cream Legbar Appearance & Personality
One of the standout features of the Cream Legbar chickens is their small crest on top of the head, giving them a distinguished and somewhat quirky look. Their plumage is a mix of cream shades with faint black barring, making them easily recognizable in any flock. Their single comb is bright red and stands out beautifully against their light-colored feathers.
Beyond their looks, Cream Legbars are also good foragers, meaning they love to roam and scratch around for food. If you’re someone who enjoys free-ranging your flock, these birds will thrive in that environment. I find that my Cream Legbars are incredibly curious and active, always eager to explore and interact with the rest of my chickens.
Auto Sexting Breed
One of the most fascinating and practical traits of Cream Legbar chickens is their auto-sexing ability, meaning their gender can be determined at one-day old based on the color of their down. Female chicks typically have a well-defined dark stripe running down their back with faint black barring, while males have a much lighter, less distinct pattern. This trait, developed through about 15 years of selective breeding, was a key goal of the geneticists who created the Cream Legbar breed. Unlike other blue egg-laying birds, which often require weeks to distinguish male from female, Cream Legbars make it easy for chicken keepers to sex their chicks immediately—an incredibly useful trait for breeding and flock management.
Egg Color: A Blue-Egg-Laying Chicken Dream
One of the biggest draws of the Cream Legbar breed is their blue egg-laying chicken capability. Their eggs are a gorgeous shade of sky blue, sometimes even verging on turquoise. While some people confuse their eggs with green eggs, true Cream Legbars lay beautiful blue eggs thanks to a recessive trait they inherited from their South American ancestry.
This unique egg color traces back to the Araucana chickens of South America, which were originally imported to Britain and used in the genetic development of the breed. It was at the London Dairy Show that the Cream Legbar first gained popularity, dazzling attendees with their striking appearance and their unusual blue eggs. Today, the breed has made its way to the United States, where it continues to gain fans among backyard chicken enthusiasts.
Additional Fun Facts about the Cream Legbar Breed
- Egg Production: Cream Legbar hens lay around 180-220 eggs per year, which is approximately 4-5 eggs per week.
- Temperament: They are generally friendly and inquisitive but can be a bit flighty, especially if they don’t have enough space to roam.
- Cold Weather Concerns: Their large, single comb makes them prone to frostbite in cold climates.
- Heat Tolerance: They handle warm weather better than cold, making them a great option for warmer regions.
- Rooster Behavior: Cream Legbar roosters can be more assertive than the hens, but they are not typically aggressive toward humans.
- Broodiness: Unlike some breeds, Cream Legbars are not very broody, meaning they don’t often sit on eggs to hatch them.
- Predator Awareness: As good foragers, they are naturally alert to predators, which can help them survive in free-range environments.
Why Add Cream Legbars to Your Flock?
If you’re looking for a blue egg-laying bird with personality, charm, and a bit of history, the Cream Legbar is an excellent choice. Their ability to forage well, their autosexing feature, and their stunning egg color make them one of the most practical and beautiful breeds to keep. Plus, they integrate well into mixed Cream Legbar flocks and other chicken breeds, making them a versatile addition to any coop.
Bottom Line
As someone who adores their Cream Legbar hens, I can’t recommend them enough. Whether you’re drawn to their fascinating genetics, their hardiness, or simply the allure of collecting beautiful blue eggs each morning, these birds are a must-have for any chicken keeper looking to add a little extra charm to their flock!
Do you have Cream Legbars in your flock? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience with these incredible birds!
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The Dixie Rainbow Chicken Breed
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