If you’ve heard of the famous Rhode Island Red, then you may be wondering why there’s a Rhode Island Blue. It’s a unique variant of the Rhode Island Red, with its distinctive blue coloring that gives it a gray side hue. Unlike the usual red, the blue tint of the Rhode Island Blue is apparent even in its comb and facial features.
The breed results from chickens that are crossed — the Rhode Island Reds and the Astrolorp. If you haven’t encountered this first before, it’s definitely a surprise, as it’s a kind of chicken not commonly seen.
The feature of the blue tint makes it an extraordinary breed, one that stands out for its beauty and rarity, leaving many people like myself to wonder about its origins and how it came to be.
What Is a Rhode Island Blue Chicken?
The Rhode Island Blue is a crossbreed known for its friendly nature and resilience. It has a striking colorful plumage of light gray, bluish-gray, black, and red, making it a beautiful addition to any spacious farm or modest backyard setup. These chickens are valued for their egg-laying traits, producing plenty of eggs while also thriving in various weather conditions.
As efficient foragers, they are great at controlling pest populations, making them a good choice for both hobbyist poultry keepers and those seeking production birds. Despite being crossbreeds, they are hardy and adaptable to different environments, offering both companionship and productivity in family settings. While not officially recognized by the American Poultry Association, their value as hardy birds cannot be denied, and they are perfect for anyone interested in raising egg-laying chickens in a variety of environments.
Quick Overview of Rhode Island Blue Chicken
| Feature | Details |
| Origin | United States |
| Breed Purpose | Eggs and meat |
| Weight | Roosters: 8–9 lbs (3.6–4.1 kg); Hens: 6–7 lbs (2.7–3.2 kg) |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly, incredibly docile, easy to handle, and quiet |
| Color Varieties | Mix of bluish-gray, light gray, red, black, and reddish-brown |
| Egg Production | 260–290 eggs per year |
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Large |
| Broodiness | Low to moderate |
| Cold Tolerance | High |
| Heat Tolerance | High |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Unique Features | Multi-colored plumage, gray legs and feet, rectangular body frame, deep chests, dark-hued beaks, single combs |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes |
Rhode Island Blue Origin and History
The Rhode Island Blue is a product of crossbreeding between the Rhode Island Red and the Australorp, two breeds known for their excellent egg-laying prowess. This hybrid was developed in the United States as an American innovation, aiming to combine the genetic strengths of both parent breeds.
The Rhode Island Red has its origins in the early 1900s, developed from Oriental birds and brown Leghorns from Italy, while the Australorp was created in Australia around 1890, using the Orpington. This combination of selective breeding resulted in chickens with great potential for egg production, with six Australorps setting a world record of 309 eggs laid by each hen in a year, showcasing the incredible productivity of the breed.
Rhode Island Blue Appearance
The Rhode Island Blue has a unique and attractive build, combining a variety of striking colors in its plumage. The feathers come in a spectrum of colors, including bluish-green, teal color, gray, reddish-brown, and black, creating a beautiful mix. These birds can range from darker shades, with some chickens appearing almost black with a hint of blue tint, to lighter shades like dark gray.
Their gray legs and gray feet, along with a rectangular body shape, deep chests, and single combs, give them a sturdy and robust appearance. Just like their close relative, the Rhode Island Red, the blue-hued chickens are admired for their facial features and strong, elegant look, which make them stand out with their single pattern in any flock.
Rhode Island Blue Size and Weight
The Rhode Island Blue is considered a medium bird. Roosters typically weigh between 8 to 9 pounds, while the hens are lighter, ranging from 6 to 7 pounds. This size gives them a good balance of agility and ease of handling, making them perfect for various backyard setups.
Their weight allows them to fit comfortably in different environments, and the contrast between the roosters and hens’ sizes adds to their versatility.
Rhode Island Blue Temperament and Behavior
The Rhode Island Blue is known for its docile nature, making it an ideal choice for poultry keeping, especially for families with children. These chickens are not only friendly but also show great vigilance and boldness when interacting with their flock. I’ve personally observed their activity level and curiosity, especially with the rooster ensuring the safety and interest of the group.
Hens are especially calm, and their amiable personality makes them great companions for both beginners and experienced keepers. As dual-purpose birds, they are perfect for producing eggs while also being a joy to have around due to their real attributes, behavior in various social situations, and findings from academic studies highlighting their positive traits.
Egg Production and Broodiness of Rhode Island Blues
Rhode Island Blues are known for their high production rate of large brown eggs, producing between 260 and 290 eggs per year. These hens are prolific layers, starting at around 16 to 24 weeks old, making them an excellent choice for those looking for reliable egg production.
While they are heavy egg layers, their maternal instinct is low to moderate, meaning they are less likely to become broody and pause egg production to hatch chicks. This makes them ideal for consumption or personal sale, as their egg production remains consistent throughout the year.
Caring for Rhode Island Blue Chickens
If you’re considering raising Rhode Island Blue chickens, it’s essential to focus on three key areas for their well-being: feeding, housing, and temperature/lighting.
Although Rhode Island Blues are hardy, they can still develop respiratory infections in dusty or poorly managed coops
Here’s a helpful guide to ensure your Rhode Island Blues get the care they need to thrive.
Feeding and Nutrition
For optimal health and egg production, the Rhode Island Blue requires a balanced diet throughout its life. As chicks, they should be fed a protein-rich diet, starting with starter feed containing 20% protein to support their rapid development. Once they grow, transition to finisher feed with 18 to 19% protein for continued dietary progression.
For adults, a layer feed with 15 to 17% protein helps maintain overall well-being. To boost egg production and promote stronger shells, adding crushed oyster shells and mealworms can be beneficial. I noticed that during their molting period, the addition of mealworms made their feathers shinier, further showing the importance of a nutritious, balanced diet.
Housing and Shelter
To keep your Rhode Island Blue chickens healthy and happy, they need a suitable coop and enough floor space. A nesting box of 12x12x18 inches is perfect for egg-laying. Make sure they have perch space for roosting and a running area of at least 8 to 10 square feet for each bird.
This outdoor space allows them to get the necessary exercise and engage in their natural behaviors. Adding environmental enrichments like dust baths, ramps, and other objects will help them stay mentally stimulated. All of these elements are essential for their overall health and well-being.
Temperature and Lighting
When raising Rhode Island Blue chicks, it’s important to start with a warm floor level of 95°F for the first six weeks. After that, you can decrease the temperature by 5°F each week to help them adjust.
As they mature, these chickens can thrive in temps between 65°F and 75°F, making them resilient in both hot climates and cold climates, though they are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. For hens, maintaining 14 to 16 hours of daily light helps to keep their regular laying patterns consistent and supports a productive flock.
Noise Levels of Rhode Island Blue Chickens
The Rhode Island Blue chickens are not particularly loud, and their noise levels are generally manageable. While they make the usual sounds expected from poultry, their noise isn’t overwhelming, making them a good choice for a backyard setting.
Roosters, however, begin crowing as early as three months old, which is a part of their natural behavior to signal their presence and dominance. To keep the flock quieter, it’s best to keep one male for every ten hens, as this reduces competition among the roosters, lowering the crowing.
How Much Does a Rhode Island Blue Cost?
The cost of a Rhode Island Blue chick typically ranges from $3 to $7. However, females and pullets often cost more due to their excellent egg-laying capabilities. The final price can also vary depending on factors like location, shipping costs, and the breeder’s reputation.
To find the best deals, you can check out local poultry farms, hatcheries, online marketplaces, and social media groups dedicated to poultry lovers. Older chickens tend to be pricier, so it’s always important to compare prices and options before making a purchase. Additionally, consider looking at forums or specialized hatcheries for more targeted options, especially if you’re looking for baby chicks.
Breeding and Raising Rhode Island Blue Chicks
When breeding Rhode Island Blue chicks, start with healthy parents to ensure strong genetics. For egg collection, place the eggs in an incubator set at 99.5°F with humidity between 45 to 55%, increasing to 65% just before hatching.
Make sure to turn eggs regularly to promote development. Once hatched, the chicks need a warm brooder with a heat lamp to maintain a steady body temperature of 95°F, reducing by five degrees weekly until they are feathered.
Health monitoring is crucial to check for any signs of distress or sickness. After they are around 16 weeks old, you can integrate them into the flock, making sure to monitor them regularly for development. While Rhode Island Blue hens are not usually broody, adding vaccinations ensures that they stay healthy as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Color Is Rhode Island Known For?
The Rhode Island Red was officially declared a state symbol by Governor Dennis J. Roberts when he signed the bill into law. It represents the pride and hard work of Rhode Islanders across the world, with its rich reddish-brown color that has become a lasting emblem of the state’s identity.
What Color Eggs Do Rhode Island Blue Hens Produce?
Typically, Rhode Island Blue hens produce brown eggs that stand out not only for their rich color but also for their large size, giving them both a striking appearance and practical value.
Are Blue Chicken Eggs Safe to Eat?
Blue-shelled eggs from Araucana chickens and similar breeds are safe to eat. The genetic code behind the blue color comes from a harmless retrovirus passed down through many generations, but it doesn’t affect the eggs. The virus is part of their genetic story, and these eggs are just as safe and nutritious as any other.
Are Rhode Island Blue Chickens Good Layers?
Rhode Island Blue chickens are good layers, with hens producing 260 to 290 eggs annually. This high output is thanks to their parent breeds, the Rhode Island Red and Australorp, known for their prolific egg production, setting high expectations for their offspring.
Conclusion:
Rhode Island Blue chickens are an excellent choice for both egg production and poultry keeping. Their friendly and docile nature makes them ideal for families, while their prolific egg-laying abilities, producing between 260 to 290 eggs annually, ensure a steady supply. These dual-purpose birds are adaptable to various environments and thrive in different climates.
Proper care, including balanced feeding, suitable housing, and attention to temperature and lighting needs, will keep them healthy and productive. Whether you are raising them for eggs, meat, or companionship, the Rhode Island Blue proves to be a versatile and rewarding breed.
