Blue Star Chicken Breed | Complete Guide

Imagine a chicken that’s as beautiful as it is practical. That’s the Blue Star Chicken, a hybrid breed that’s stolen my heart with its vibrant blue feathers and friendly vibe.

Developed by Ideal Poultry in Cameron, Texas, this poultry star is a cross between the Blue Andalusian and Barred Rock. The result? A chicken that’s not only an eye-catcher but also a prolific layer.

I first came across Blue Stars when a friend showed me her chicks, which ranged from lavender to slate to almost black. Their specific color patterns were mesmerizing, and as they grew into mature hens, their dark blue feathers and touch of gold at the throat made them stand out.

Here’s everything you need to know to raise these lovely birds.

Overview

Type	Standard Chicks
Comb Type	Single
Egg Color	Brown
Egg Size	Large/Extra Large
Rate of Lay	Around 20 eggs a month
Broodiness	No
Leg Style	​Clean-Legged
Heat Tolerance	Tolerates Well
Cold Tolerance	Tolerates Well
Mature Male Weight	8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Mature Female Weight	6 lbs (2.7 kg)
Purpose	Dual-purpose (Eggs and Meat)
Temperament	Docile and Friendly

What is a Blue Star Chicken?

Blue Star Chicken is a crossbreed. The main breeds used for creating this one are Rhode Island Red and Plymouth Rock. This breed is created by crossing different chicken breeds specially designed for high egg production.

Blue-star chickens have blue feathers all over their bodies except their neck, which has a mix of blue and black feathers, giving them a striking look.

Relying on the lighting, the feathers of Blue Star Chicken can show varying shades of blue. Blue Stars are the eye-catchers of the flock. They are reliable, rounded chickens with quiet and active temperaments.

Blue Star Chicken combines the Blue Andalusian and the Barred Plymouth Rock. The goal is to create a breed with a desirable temperament and a combination of these breeds’ characteristics.

Blue Star Bantam and Blue Star Leghorn are the popular varieties of Blue Star chicken, each with unique characteristics and appearance.

History and Origin

The Blue Star Chicken is a hybrid crafted with purpose. Ideal Poultry, a leading hatchery in Cameron, Texas, wanted to unite the ornamental beauty of the Blue Andalusian with the hardiness and egg production prowess of the Barred Rock (also known as Barred Plymouth Rock). This mix created a dual-purpose breed that’s both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

The Blue Andalusian, originating from Spain, is famous for its vivid blue plumage, while the Barred Rock, a well-liked US breed, is prized for its toughness and reliable output.

By selectively breeding these parental lines, Ideal Poultry produced a sexlink breed, meaning chicks can be sexed at hatch based on color. This invention has made Blue Stars a sought-after choice for backyard flocks since their release to the market. I think this clever pairing highlights how hybrid vigor can enhance a breed’s abilities.

Physical Characteristics

Blue Star Chickens are true eye-catchers. Their feathers shimmer in shades of blue, grey, and splash (white with blue splotches), depending on the gene inherited from their Blue Andalusian parent.

Chicks start with lavender, slate, or almost black markings, making them a delight to watch as they grow. Mature hens develop dark blue plumage with dark eyes, slate legs, and often a touch of gold at the throat. Roosters may show bars or lacing, adding to their striking appearance.

These chickens have a single comb, a clean-legged style, and a solid, round body. Hens typically weigh around 6 pounds, while roosters reach up to 8 pounds, fitting the medium to large size category.

Their beak, toes, and legs are blue or slate, and their faces may show red or white hues, with some yellowy-white accents on the tummies or wings.

The variety in coloring predominates, and their feathering can change slightly depending on sunlight, giving them a glitter that’s enhanced by their unusual design. I love how their coating feels both hefty and lovely, making them a remarkable addition to any farm.

Characteristic	Details
Comb Type	Single
Leg Style	Clean
Weight	Hens: ~6 lbs, Roosters: ~8 lbs
Color Patterns	Blue, grey, splash; mature hens dark blue with slate legs, gold throat
Size	Medium to large

Temperament and Personality

Blue Stars are the amiable companions every poultry keeper dreams of. Their calm, busy personalities make them a joy to have around. These chickens are curious and active, often exploring their surroundings with enthusiasm. Yet, they remain serene, rarely showing aggression, which tolerate handling well, making them ideal for families and beginners.

Their social tendencies allow them to interact harmoniously with humans and other chickens, creating a harmonious flock. They’re notably non-broody, so they keep laying without interruption, a valuable trait for egg enthusiasts. I find their docile disposition makes them approachable, and their gentle nature enhances the enjoyment of raising them.

Eggs Production

Their eggs are a compelling reason for their fame and being favored by all chicken keepers. Blue Star Chicken lays around 240 eggs yearly, which means around 20 eggs a month. The color of the eggs is brown, and they are large/extra large.

Their eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them ideal for weight loss.

How to Boost the Egg Production of Blue Stars.

Regularly checking their health, providing a soft and spacious nesting box for laying eggs, a well-formulated and balanced diet, and maintaining a stress-free environment can boost their egg production rate.

Climate changes, age, improper feed, and disturbances during egg-laying can affect their egg-laying capability.

Egg Characteristic	Details
Egg Color	Brown
Egg Size	Large
Rate of Lay	240–280/year
Broodiness	No

Pros and Cons of Blue Star Chicken

PROS:

• Excellent Eggs Layers
• Hardy Birds
• Adaptable to a Variety of Climates
• Friendly and Docile
• Perfect Pets for Families and Individuals
• Attractive look.

CONS:

• Expensive to Purchase
• Not widely Available
• Difficult to Breed

Care for Blue Star Chicken

Caring for Blue Star chickens is simple and requires attention to their basic needs. Here are some essential tips for caring for Blue Star chickens:

Housing: Provide a safe and comfortable coop for your Blue Star chickens with proper ventilation, insulation, and protection from predators. Ensure the coop is spacious enough to allow them to move around freely.

Feeding: Blue Star chickens have a balanced diet, consisting of commercial chicken feed, fresh water, and occasional treats like fruits and vegetables. Ensure they have access to clean water at all times.

Healthcare: Regularly check your Blue Star chickens for signs of illness or injury. Arrange for regular check-ups and vaccinations from a veterinarian to keep them healthy. Practice good hygiene by keeping their living area clean and free from waste.

Grooming: Maintain the cleanliness of their feathers by providing dust baths, which help keep parasites away. Regularly trim their toenails and beaks to prevent overgrowth.

Socialization: Blue Star chickens are social animals and thrive in the company of other chickens. Ensure they have appropriate space and companionship to prevent boredom and promote their well-being.

Why Blue Stars

Blue Star Chickens are a harmonious fusion of utility and aesthetics. Here’s why they’re a stellar choice:

• Beauty: Their unique shade of blue, lavender, and slate, with gold accents, makes them stunning.

• Usefulness: Large brown eggs in considerable amounts ensure reliable production.

• Temperament: Friendly, calm, and social, they’re ideal for families.

• Hardiness: Tough and adaptable, they thrive in diverse conditions.

• Sexlink Trait: Chicks can be sexed at hatch, simplifying flock planning.

Their versatility makes them appealing to both novice and experienced aficionados. However, their offspring may not be consistent in color or traits due to their hybrid nature, and they can be pricier due to limited availability. Despite this, their multitude of attributes makes them a valuable asset.

Summary

The Blue Star Chicken is a rare species that combines ornamental beauty with practical abilities. Their dark blue feathers, friendly disposition, and prolific egg production make them a highly sought addition to any backyard flock.

Whether you’re drawn to their aesthetically pleasing design or their reliable output, these chickens offer joys and outcomes that are hard to beat.

I’ve loved watching my Blue Stars mature from lavender chicks to dark hens, their calm yet busy personalities bringing life to my farm. If you’re looking for a breed that’s easy to care for and delivers exceptional results, Blue Stars are the answer. Start your flock with these inimitable birds.

FAQs

What color egg do blue star chickens lay?

Blue Star chickens are known for laying brown eggs, which are large and have a rich, earthy color.

What is the temperament of a blue star hen?

Blue Star hens are described as having a calm, friendly, and docile temperament. They are easy to handle, curious, and active, yet remain serene, making them great for families and beginners. 

At what age do blue star chickens start laying eggs?

Research suggests Blue Star chickens typically start laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months of age, which is about 20-24 weeks. As a hybrid breed developed for egg production, they may start slightly earlier than some breeds, but this range is a good estimate based on similar sex-link hybrids.

Are Blue Star Chickens a Rare Breed?

Blue star chicken is rare and not widely available like standard breeds.

How frequently do Blue Star hens lay eggs?

Depending on conditions, they lay around 20 eggs a month, meaning 5 eggs a week.

Do Blue Star Chickens Lay Large Brown Eggs?

Blue star chickens lay brown or dark brown eggs that are large/extra large.

Are Blue Star Roosters aggressive with children?

Yes, they are aggressive, but not always, while they protect their backyards or flocks and protect their friends.

How long does a Blue Star chicken live?

On average, blue star chickens live between 6 and 10 years, with proper care and nutrition.

What’s feed for Blue Star Chickens?

A feed with 16-20% proteins and what’s in what ‘s-3s, prebiotics, probiotics, calcium, and magnesium will boost their productivity.

Are Blue Star Chickens pricey?

Yes, they are expensive compared to other chickens, ranging from $30 to $100 per chicken.

How many eggs do Blue Star Chickens lay?

They lay around 240 eggs a year, meaning 20 eggs a month.

What is the disposition of Blue Star Chickens?

They are friendly with humans and, no worries, play with your children without harm. This temperament makes them perfect for Temperamentmilies or individuals.

Can I keep Blue Star Chicken with other chicken breeds?

Yes, you can keep them with other chickens.