Prairie Bluebell Egger 101: Everything You Need to Know About This Unique Breed

The Prairie Bluebell Egger is a captivating and unique breed of chicken that has gained popularity among backyard poultry enthusiasts. Known for its striking appearance and excellent egg laying abilities, the Prairie Bluebell Egger offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for chicken keepers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about this delightful breed, from its history and appearance to its care requirements and egg production.

History of the Prairie Bluebell Egger

The Prairie Bluebell Egger is a relatively new breed that was developed to meet the demand for chickens that lay colourful eggs. Here’s a brief overview of its history:

Origin: The Prairie Blue bell Egger is a hybrid breed created by crossing various chicken breeds known for their egg laying abilities and eggshell colours.
Breeding: The breeders aimed to produce chickens that lay blue or green eggs, similar to those of the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds.
Introduction to the Market: Prairie Blue bell Eggers were introduced to the market to provide backyard chicken keepers with a unique and visually appealing addition to their flocks.

Appearance of the Prairie Bluebell Egger

The Prairie Bluebell Egger is known for its distinctive appearance, characterised by:

Plumage: They typically have a combination of blue, grey, and lavender feathers, giving them a beautiful and unique look.
Comb and Wattles: They have small to medium sized red combs and wattles.
Size: They are medium sized chickens, with hens weighing around 56 pounds and roosters slightly heavier.
Egg Colour: The hens lay eggs in various shades of blue, green, or teal, depending on the individual bird.

Personality and Temperament

Prairie Blue bell Eggers are known for their friendly and docile temperament, making them excellent additions to backyard flocks:

Friendliness: They are generally friendly towards humans and other chickens.
Docility: They are calm and easy to handle, making them suitable for families with children.
Activity Level: They are moderately active birds, enjoying foraging and exploring their surroundings.
Hierarchy: They tend to establish a stable pecking order within their flock.

Housing and Coop Requirements

To keep Prairie Blue bell Eggers healthy and happy, it’s essential to provide them with suitable housing and coop conditions:

Space: Provide at least 4 square feet of indoor space per bird and ample outdoor space for foraging.
Protection: Ensure the coop is predator proof, including securing against predators such as raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Nesting Boxes: Provide 1 nesting box for every 34 hens, filled with clean bedding such as straw or pine shavings.
Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues and regulate temperature.
Perches: Install sturdy perches at varying heights for roosting.

Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is essential for the health and egg production of Prairie Bluebell Eggers:

Commercial Feed: Provide a balanced commercial layer feed with around 1618% protein.
Supplements: Offer occasional treats such as mealworms, fruits, and vegetables.
Water: Always provide fresh and clean water, especially during hot weather.
Calcium: Supplement with crushed oyster shells or eggshells for strong eggshells.
Grit: Provide insoluble grit to aid digestion.

Egg Production and Egg Quality

One of the standout features of Prairie Blue bell Eggers is their colourful egg production:

Egg Colour: They lay eggs in shades of blue, green, or teal.
Egg Size: Eggs are typically medium sized.
Production: They are prolific layers, averaging around 250280 eggs per year.
Quality: Eggs are nutritious and have strong, well pigmented shells.
Broodiness: They are not particularly prone to broodiness, making them consistent layers.

Health Considerations

Prairie Bluebell Eggers are generally hardy birds but can be susceptible to certain health issues:

Common Health Issues: Respiratory infections, mites, and parasites.
Preventative Measures: Maintain a clean coop, provide good ventilation, and regularly check for signs of illness.
Veterinary Care: Consult a poultry veterinarian if you notice any health concerns.
Vaccinations: Follow recommended vaccination schedules, especially if keeping them in large flocks.

Breeding Prairie Blue bell Eggers

If you’re interested in breeding Prairie Blue bell Eggers, consider the following:

Crossbreeding: They are often used in breeding programs to create new hybrid egg laying breeds.
Selecting Breeders: Choose birds with desirable traits such as egg colour, productivity, and temperament.
Incubation: Eggs can be incubated naturally by broody hens or in a commercial incubator.
Chick Care: Provide a warm and draft free environment for chicks, with access to chickspecific feed and water.

Training and Handling

Prairie Bluebell Eggers are generally easy to handle but benefit from gentle training:

Handling: Begin handling them gently from a young age to encourage docility.
Training: Use positive reinforcement to train them to return to the coop at night and respond to basic commands.
Socialisation: Introduce them to other chickens gradually to prevent aggression.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Addressing some common myths and misconceptions about Prairie Blue bell Eggers:

Myth: They are difficult to care for because of their unique egg colours.
Fact: They have similar care requirements to other chicken breeds.
Myth: They are noisy and disruptive.
Fact: They are relatively quiet birds compared to some other breeds.
Myth: They require special dietary supplements to lay coloured eggs.
Fact: They can lay coloured eggs with a standard balanced diet.
Myth: They are aggressive towards other chickens.
Fact: They have a friendly temperament and get along well with other chickens.
Myth: They are not suitable for cold climates.
Fact: With proper housing and care, they can adapt well to cold climates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Prairie Bluebell Egger is a delightful and unique breed of chicken that combines striking beauty with practical benefits. Whether you’re attracted to their colorful eggs, friendly temperament, or ease of care, they make a wonderful addition to any backyard flock. By understanding their history, appearance, care requirements, and egg production, you can provide them with the best possible care and enjoy their company for years to come.