The Rhode Island Red is America’s most-raised backyard hen In a recent Hoover’s survey of 253 backyard keepers, 66% had raised one That’s two of every three keepers, and no other brown egg layer comes close
You may already be raising its descendants The Red Star, Black Sex-Link, Cinnamon Queen, and ISA Brown all trace back to a Rhode Island Red parent, and the New Hampshire was refined straight from Rhode Island Red stock One breed from one small state is the genetic backbone of the modern hen house
With more than 1,600 chicken breeds recognized around the world, it takes something special to stand out The Sapphire Gem manages it with ease Draped in stunning blue-grey plumage and famous for filling the nest box with extra-large brown eggs, this striking hen has quickly become a backyard favorite The Sapphire Gem is also a cousin of the speckled Sapphire Splash, and like its relative, it pairs beauty with a gentle, productive nature Whether you are drawn to its gorgeous color or its impressive egg output, here is everything you need to know about the Sapphire Gem chicken
If you want a backyard hen that is as sweet-natured as she is productive, the Black Australorp belongs at the top of your list This glossy black beauty is one of the best brown egg layers in the world, gentle enough for children to handle and tough enough to thrive in nearly any climate The breed even set an egg-laying record that still impresses chicken keepers a century later Whether you are after a full egg basket, a friendly pet, or both, the Black Australorp delivers on every front Here is everything you need to know about this remarkable
Of the hundreds of chicken breeds out there, only one always looks dressed to attend a wedding The Delaware chicken wears delicate lace every single day, just in case a ceremony is about to start Most backyard flocks lean on Rhode Island Reds, Ameraucanas, Barred Rocks, Australorps, or ISA Browns, and far too few include this dainty yet meaty heritage bird If you want a flock with a little extra elegance and plenty of practical value, the Delaware deserves a closer look
If you want a backyard flock that fills the egg basket with color, the Prairie Bluebell Egger belongs at the top of your list This breed is unique to Hoover’s Hatchery, and its hens lay large, bright blue eggs that turn an ordinary carton into something worth showing off As a keeper who has owned several of these birds over the years, I can tell you they are a dependable, eye-catching staple on any farm Once a blue egg shows up in the nest box, it is hard to go back to plain brown
