Blue chicken breeds and varieties are some of the most eye-catching birds you can add to a backyard flock. In poultry terms, “blue” usually means slate-gray plumage created by a dilution gene, not a bright sky-blue feather color.
The important detail is that many chickens people call “blue breeds” are actually blue color varieties of established breeds. Others are non-standard project colors or hatchery lines. That difference matters if you care about exhibition, predictable breeding, or buying true-to-type birds.
This updated guide focuses on 18 useful blue chickens and clearly labels which ones are current American Poultry Association varieties, which are recognized outside the U.S., and which are popular but non-APA colors.
What Does “Blue” Mean in Chickens?
In many classic blue chicken varieties, blue plumage comes from the Blue gene, written as Bl. The American Poultry Association explains that it shows incomplete dominance.
In practical breeding terms:
- Black × Black gives black offspring for this color locus.
- Black × Blue averages about 50% black and 50% blue.
- Blue × Blue averages about 25% black, 50% blue, and 25% splash.
- Blue × Splash averages about 50% blue and 50% splash.
- Black × Splash produces blue offspring.
So a blue chicken often does not breed true to blue. Two visually blue parents can produce black, blue, and splash chicks.
Blue vs Self Blue or Lavender Chickens
Blue and Self Blue are not the same genetic color.
Classic Blue uses the incompletely dominant Blue gene and often produces black, blue, and splash offspring. Self Blue, commonly called lavender outside the show standard, is produced by a different recessive dilution gene and breeds differently.
This distinction matters when buying hatching eggs or breeding stock. If a seller says “lavender” and “blue” as if they are interchangeable, ask what genetics and variety they are actually working with.
18 Blue Chicken Breeds and Varieties at a Glance
| Blue chicken | Size | Egg color | Typical temperament | U.S. APA status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ameraucana | Medium | Blue | Generally calm to active | Accepted |
| Blue Andalusian | Medium | White | Active, alert | Accepted |
| Blue Silkie | Bantam | Cream/tinted | Docile, broody | Accepted |
| Blue Cochin | Large or bantam | Brown/tinted | Calm | Accepted |
| Blue Sumatra | Medium | White/tinted | Active, independent | Accepted |
| Blue Bresse-Gauloise | Medium | White | Active | Not APA; French-recognized variety |
| Blue Plymouth Rock | Large or bantam | Brown | Usually calm | Accepted |
| Blue Wyandotte | Large or bantam | Brown | Generally calm, confident | Accepted |
| Blue Old English Game Bantam | Bantam | White/tinted | Very active | Accepted |
| Blue Orpington | Large or bantam | Brown | Docile | Accepted |
| Blue Langshan | Large or bantam | Brown | Calm, active | Accepted |
| Blue Jersey Giant | Very large | Brown | Usually docile | Accepted large fowl |
| Blue Rosecomb Bantam | Bantam | White/cream | Active | Accepted |
| Blue Belgian Bearded d’Anver | Bantam | Cream/tinted | Active, personable | Accepted |
| Blue Modern Game Bantam | Bantam | White/tinted | Alert, active | Accepted |
| White Crested Blue Polish | Medium or bantam | White | Active, can be flighty | Accepted |
| Blue Australorp | Large | Brown | Usually calm | Not currently APA accepted in U.S. |
| Blue Copper Marans | Large | Dark brown | Generally calm | Not currently APA accepted |
1. Blue Ameraucana
If you want blue feathers and blue eggs in the same bird, the Blue Ameraucana is one of the strongest choices.
Blue is currently an APA-recognized Ameraucana variety in both large fowl and bantam. Standard Ameraucanas are known for pea combs, beards, muffs, slate-colored legs, and blue eggs.
They are medium-sized rather than heavy meat birds. Many backyard lines are calm and manageable, although individual temperament varies.
For a complete profile, see my Ameraucana chicken guide.
2. Blue Andalusian
The Andalusian is one of the classic examples used to explain blue poultry genetics.
The Livestock Conservancy lists mature males around 7 pounds and females around 5.5 pounds. Hens generally lay white eggs and are active, excellent foragers rather than cuddly lap chickens.
Blue Andalusian is an APA-recognized variety in large fowl and bantam. The Livestock Conservancy currently lists the breed as Watch.
Read the full Andalusian chicken guide for breed history and care.
3. Blue Silkie
Blue Silkies are ornamental bantams known for soft, hair-like feathering, dark skin, five toes, feathered legs, and strong broodiness.
The APA currently accepts both bearded and non-bearded Blue Silkies. They are not high-output egg layers, but many keepers value them as pets, exhibition birds, and broody hens.
Because Silkie feather structure does not repel rain as effectively as normal hard feathering, they need a reliably dry shelter.
See my Silkie chicken guide for more detail.
4. Blue Cochin
Blue Cochins combine huge feather volume, feathered feet, and generally calm temperament with classic blue plumage.
Blue is currently APA accepted in both large-fowl and bantam Cochins. These birds are better known for exhibition, broodiness, and backyard appeal than for maximum egg production.
Their foot feathering needs extra attention in muddy runs and wet winter conditions.
Read more in my Cochin chicken guide.
5. Blue Sumatra
Blue Sumatra chickens are striking, athletic birds with a much more active personality than Cochins or Orpingtons.
The APA currently recognizes Blue Sumatra in both large fowl and bantam. Sumatras are ornamental and exhibition-oriented birds with strong natural movement and good flight ability.
I would choose them if you want beauty and activity rather than a specialized egg or meat chicken. Secure fencing matters because their athletic build makes them much more capable than heavy backyard breeds.
6. Blue Bresse-Gauloise
Blue Bresse-Gauloise is one of the recognized color varieties maintained in France. It is an active, useful farm chicken rather than a U.S. APA variety.
An important distinction is that the famous protected Volaille de Bresse AOP meat designation is tied to geographic and production rules in France and should not be used casually for any Bresse-type chicken raised elsewhere.
If you see “American Bresse” or blue Bresse-type chickens in the U.S., evaluate the breeder’s stock on its actual genetics and production qualities rather than assuming it carries the French protected designation.
7. Blue Plymouth Rock
Blue Plymouth Rock deserves special attention because older online articles often describe it simply as a hatchery cross.
That is no longer an accurate way to describe the current standardized variety. The APA now lists Blue Plymouth Rock in both large fowl and bantam.
Plymouth Rocks are substantial dual-purpose chickens that lay brown eggs and are generally easier to manage than more flighty Mediterranean breeds.
If you buy them for exhibition or breeding, make sure the seller is working with true standard-bred Blue Plymouth Rocks rather than using the name loosely for a commercial blue hybrid.
8. Blue Wyandotte
Blue Wyandottes are rounded, rose-combed dual-purpose chickens with brown eggs and good cold-weather potential.
The APA currently accepts Blue Wyandotte in both large fowl and bantam. Their rose comb is less exposed than a large single comb, although any comb can still suffer frostbite in severe conditions.
Many Wyandottes are confident and manageable, but some can be assertive with timid flock mates.
See my Wyandotte chicken guide.
9. Blue Old English Game Bantam
Plain Blue is a current APA-recognized variety of the Old English Game bantam.
These tiny chickens are agile, alert, and much better flyers than heavy breeds. They can be excellent exhibition birds, but their activity level means they need secure housing.
The old version of this article mixed standard and bantam information together. For plain Blue, the current APA listing is specifically the bantam variety.
10. Blue Orpington
If you like big, calm backyard chickens, the Blue Orpington is one of the most appealing choices on this list.
The APA currently recognizes Blue Orpington in both large fowl and bantam. Orpingtons are broad, heavily feathered birds known for brown eggs and generally docile personalities.
They are not the strongest flyers, which can make containment easier, but their heavy feathering means shade and airflow are important in hot climates.
Read the full Orpington care guide for general breed management.
11. Blue Langshan
Blue Langshans are tall, elegant chickens with feathered shanks, brown eggs, and a more upright look than Cochins.
The APA currently accepts Blue Langshan in both large fowl and bantam. They are useful dual-purpose birds, but their feathered legs need the same mud-management care as other feather-footed breeds.
Langshans are generally calm but still active enough to forage well when given space.
See my Langshan chicken guide.
12. Blue Jersey Giant
Blue Jersey Giants give you blue plumage on one of the largest recognized chicken breeds.
The APA currently accepts Blue Jersey Giant as a large-fowl variety. The old article overstated adult weights. Jersey Giants are huge birds, but good breeding references generally place standard males around the low-teens in pounds rather than 15 pounds as a routine expectation.
They usually have calm temperaments and lay brown eggs, but they mature more slowly and eat more total feed than lighter egg breeds.
13. Blue Rosecomb Bantam
The Blue Rosecomb is a true bantam ornamental chicken with a large rose comb, white earlobes, and an elegant body.
Blue is a current APA-recognized Rosecomb variety. These birds are kept mainly for exhibition and ornamental value rather than meat or high egg production.
They are light and active, so covered runs or secure fencing can be useful.
14. Blue Belgian Bearded d’Anver
The Belgian Bearded d’Anver is another true bantam, and Blue is currently an APA-recognized variety.
These tiny bearded chickens are ornamental, alert, and full of personality. They need much less physical space than a Jersey Giant, but small size does not mean they should be crowded.
If you want a genuinely small blue show bird rather than a downsized large-fowl breed, d’Anvers are worth considering.
15. Blue Modern Game Bantam
Blue Modern Game is an APA-recognized bantam variety.
Modern Games have extremely upright carriage, long legs, tight feathering, and a distinctive exhibition look. They are active ornamental birds, not backyard production chickens.
If your priority is eggs, choose Ameraucanas, Plymouth Rocks, or another production-oriented breed. If you want an unusual blue show bantam, Modern Game is much more specialized.
16. White Crested Blue Polish
Polish chickens add a completely different look to this list.
The APA currently recognizes Non-Bearded White Crested Blue Polish in both large fowl and bantam.
These birds combine blue body plumage with a contrasting white crest. Their crest can reduce visibility, so they may startle easily and need special attention around predators and dominant flock mates.
Read more in my Polish chicken breed guide if you are considering a crested flock.
17. Blue Australorp
Blue Australorps are popular with backyard keepers in several countries, but the U.S. standard needs a clear distinction.
As of the current APA accepted list, Black is the recognized Australorp variety in the U.S. Blue Australorp should therefore not be described as a current APA variety here.
That does not make a well-bred Blue Australorp a poor backyard chicken. Australorp-type birds are valued for brown eggs, useful body size, and generally manageable temperament. It simply means “Blue Australorp” and “APA-recognized Australorp” are not the same claim in the United States.
See my Australorp chicken guide for general breed care.
18. Blue Copper Marans
Blue Copper Marans are popular because they combine blue plumage with the dark-brown egg genetics associated with Marans.
However, the current APA accepted Marans varieties are Black, Black Copper, Wheaten, and White. Blue Copper is not currently on that U.S. accepted list.
If you buy Blue Copper Marans, look for breeders who select for correct Marans body type, egg color, health, and stable blue-copper color rather than assuming the name alone guarantees quality.
Compare them with my Black Copper Marans guide.
Which Blue Chicken Is Best for You?
| Your priority | Good blue choices |
|---|---|
| Blue eggs | Blue Ameraucana |
| White eggs | Blue Andalusian |
| Brown eggs + calm temperament | Blue Plymouth Rock, Blue Orpington, Blue Wyandotte |
| Dark brown eggs | Blue Copper Marans |
| Very large chicken | Blue Jersey Giant |
| Broody/pet bantam | Blue Silkie |
| Feathered legs | Blue Cochin, Blue Langshan, Blue Silkie |
| Active exhibition bird | Blue Sumatra, Blue Modern Game Bantam |
| Tiny ornamental bantam | Blue Rosecomb, Blue d’Anver |
Do Blue Chickens Need Special Care?
Blue feather color itself does not require special feed or housing.
Care depends on the underlying breed. A Blue Cochin needs mud management for feathered feet. A Blue Andalusian needs room to move. A Blue Silkie needs dry shelter. A Blue Jersey Giant needs more physical space and sturdy roosts.
Choose the breed first for your climate, space, egg goals, temperament preferences, and management style. Treat blue color as a bonus rather than the only reason to buy a chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blue chickens really blue?
They are usually slate-gray, smoky blue, or blue-gray rather than bright blue. Poultry breeders use “blue” as a standard color term.
Do blue chickens breed true?
Classic Blue often does not. Blue × Blue typically averages about 25% black, 50% blue, and 25% splash offspring because the Blue gene is incompletely dominant.
Is blue the same as lavender?
No. Classic Blue and Self Blue, commonly called lavender, are produced by different genes and follow different breeding patterns.
Which blue chicken lays blue eggs?
Blue Ameraucana is the clearest option on this list because it combines an APA-recognized blue plumage variety with the breed’s blue egg color.
Which blue chicken is best for beginners?
Blue Plymouth Rocks, Blue Orpingtons, Blue Wyandottes, and Blue Ameraucanas are all reasonable choices if you buy from a breeder selecting for calm temperament and health.
Are Blue Plymouth Rocks a real APA variety?
Yes. Blue Plymouth Rock is currently listed by the American Poultry Association in both large fowl and bantam.
Are Blue Australorps APA recognized?
Not on the current U.S. APA accepted list. Black is the accepted Australorp variety shown there, so U.S. keepers should not describe Blue Australorp as a current APA variety.
Conclusion
Blue chickens are much more interesting once you understand the genetics behind the color.
Some, such as Blue Ameraucana, Blue Cochin, Blue Plymouth Rock, Blue Wyandotte, Blue Orpington, Blue Langshan, and Blue Jersey Giant, are current APA-recognized varieties. Others, such as Blue Australorp and Blue Copper Marans, are popular blue chickens but need clear non-APA labeling in a U.S.-focused guide.
For a backyard flock, I would choose by temperament, egg color, climate suitability, size, and care needs first. Once those boxes are checked, blue plumage is a beautiful extra.
Sources
- American Poultry Association: Accepted Breeds and Varieties
- American Poultry Association: The Blue Gene and Breeding Poultry
- The Livestock Conservancy: Andalusian Chicken
- Fédération Française des Volailles: Bresse-Gauloise
- Murray McMurray Hatchery: Whiting True Blue
Howmany types in India where can I buy and price
Thanks for writing here, Ramakrishnan
I am afraid blue chickens are very hard to see in India. yes, you can see few Black Australorp chicks seller in India mart.
But I dont know they are pure breed or not.