Ever since I moved into my honeybee-friendly new home, I’ve dreamed of having more pets. But with plenty of cats, a friendly little Chihuahua mix who greets unexpected visitors, and horses to care for, it seemed impossible to take on more. Then I remembered something about keeping chickens that your chicken-keeping friend Mathews isn’t telling you upfront. Sapphire Gem Chickens are as charming and fascinating as they are beautiful! Ornamental chicken breeds are gaining in popularity, and in the past 10 years or so, the Sapphire Gem breed of chicken has made its way onto the scene with a splash. If you want a pet that’s charming and fascinating as well as beautiful, the Sapphire Gem might be for you. Since moving into our new place, I’ve always wanted a pet that would provide eggs. The fact that this pet would live a long life in a cage seemed like a plus to me, and the thought of a pet that produced fresh food for our table was enough to send my mind into overdrive. In this guide, I’ll cut through the brown and white to give you an idea of what it’s like to have Sapphire Gem Chickens as pets. I’ll explain the history of the breed, help you understand their sweet temperament, and delve into their hard work, good health, and incredible egg-laying potential. There’s really nothing you need to know about us except that chickens are pets and Sapphire Gem Chickens are great pets. Let’s start with ornamental chickens’ history: These beautiful birds began their journey as a faction of the Czech Republic’s Recared cockerel, which was born in 2001.
Introduction to Sapphire Gem Chickens
Discover a magnificent sapphire gem-coloured chicken and fall in love with a truly spectacular breed. Sapphire gems of the poultry world, they have sweet, likeable personalities and are real treasures.
A flock of chickens with feathers that shimmer like jewels, with iridescent feathers that glisten in the sun – that would be a Sapphire Gem Chicken.
Of course, they are pretty, and friendly in nature, and fun to raise and handle – and they lay lovely, nutritious eggs.
These may well be ideal additions to your backyard flock, whether you’re a newfangled urbanite or a seasoned chicken keeper. Sapphire Gem Chickens.
Why Sapphire Gem Chickens are a Must-Have
- Stunning appearance with iridescent feathers
- Friendly and sociable personality
- Excellent egg-laying abilitiesz
Understanding the Sapphire Gem Breed
Despite its antiquit, the sapphire is a relatively new addition to the chicken world. This breed of chicken is also an eyxample of slower, though similar, means. The sapphire is the result of a cross-breeding project in which the favourable traits and traits of several heritage breeds were combined into a single bird. The result is not only one of the handsomest chickens in existence, but also very productive.
The Making of a Sapphire Gem
A hybrid breed, Sapphire Gem Chickens were created by crossing a Blue Plymouth Rock with other complimentary breeds in order to broaden the bird’s gene pool and create a chicken with an extra-lively and vibrant colour: a black-tipped bird with a sapphire-blue plumage whose name is appropriate for a gemstone.
However, as beautiful as they are, there is more to the appeal of the Sapphire Gem family Chicken than just looks. These birds are not just a heritage breed. They are a shape-shifted breed specially designed to suit mid-20th century pastoral ideals and chicken-keeping practices.
The Ideal Backyard Companion
One of the things that stands out about Sapphire Gem Chickens is that they are relatively docile and friendly. They are laidback and easy to raise for any family who wants to tame their chickens and bond with them, or for the homestead that has children.
In addition, Sapphire Gem Chickens can be kept in different housing situations. Whether you have a large yard or a small backyard in the suburbs, if your chickens have the space to fulfil their basic needs, a Sapphire Gem will be right at home.
Historical Roots of the Sapphire Gem Chicken
The sapphire gem chicken resulted from a Czech breeding programme in which breeders sought to develop a beautiful and also useful fowl for the table. To do this, they consciously used selected birds during the breeding programme, involving crosses and intermediate steps with other chicken varieties, to maximise the desirable qualities they sought in their new breed.
From Europe to Your Backyard
This chicken is now being exported and imported to other parts of the world, such as the United States, where it has become a popular breed for enthusiasts of chickens.
However, their fame must have spread since the breed was one of the original varieties brought to the UK from the US in the 1920s. Their rarity has, in turn, protected their handsomeness – although their reputation as excellent layers doesn’t hurt. Increasingly, I’m inclined to agree with my brother-in-law in his view that these birds are far superior to the truly awful Buttons despite what he says about their hair in the bathroom. And while we may never discount the value of eggs being laid in someone else’s backyard, I think the Sapphire Gem could be on the verge of staging a successful comeback. In my world, who am I to get in their way?
Physical Characteristics: From Feathers to Combs
It is impossible not to notice the Sapphire Gem Chicken, an admission I fear will offend the birds’ purists, dutiful attendees at the Bantam Club of America and the Australian Society for the Appreciation of Bantams. This is by far the most attractive bird of the visitors.\
A Feathery Treasure
The one unique thing that makes these birds a beautiful new breed are their feathers. Sapphire Gem chickens have a sapphire gem blue plumage that has an iridescence from the sunlight, that shimmers. Their feather are not only for beauty but have a useful role of insulating and protecting against the elements.
The Signature Comb
As well as their beautiful feathers, Sapphire Gems have a bright red comb. Their comb is a single, upright comb, and is quite high up and prominent on the head of the bird.
Size and Weight
Sapphire Gem Chickens are medium-sized. The hens grow to 5-6 lbs, and the roosters to 6-7 lbs. The breed is compact enough to fit into backyard flocks.
The Temperament of Sapphire Gem Chickens: Why They Stand Out
Their friendliness (one of their best traits) is legendary; they are among the most sociable and docile of fowl. Sapphire Gem Chickens make excellent pets and companions to raise.
A Hen’s Best Friend
Though Sapphire Gem Chickens are great egg layers, they’re also excellent pets – curious and friendly in temperament, which means they’re more likely to come trotting over whenever they see you.
This sweet nature makes Sapphire Gems a great chicken breed for families with kids, who can play with the birds and learn about animal care and how to connect with animals.
Flock Harmony
A further boon of the Sapphire Gem Chicken’s docile disposition is their sociability, and ability to be socialised and integrated into an existing flock. A sapphire gem hen can be raised among other ground-dwelling or resting breeds, while still maintaining their charm and feminine grace.
That versatile nature is helpful especially if you have a multibreed flock. Sapphires can mix easily with other chickens and are ideal candidates for happy, low-stress flock situations.
The Importance of Socialization
Although some breeds, such as the Sapphire Gem Chickens, are by nature docile and friendly, they still require socialisation from an early age. Getting used to being handled by human hands and routinely picked up and interacted with will enhance the development of trust and the bond between you and your chickens.
Sapphire Gem Chickens in Your Backyard: Housing and Space Needs
If you truly want to provide well for your Sapphire Gem Chickens, and for them to continue laying green eggs, make sure you’re housing them and giving them space to run.
Coop Sweet Coop
Sapphire Gem Chickens, like all chickens, need plenty of room. A coop that is adequate to house a pair of Sapphire Gem Chickens should be secure, warm, dry, ventilated, and accessible to the cluckers.
In fact, each chicken should have 2-3 square feet of coop space; the more space, the better, as the birds won’t stress and become susceptible to disease.
In addition to a warm coop, Sapphire Gem Chickens require land and exercise. The birds come alive when given access to an outdoor run or free-range area allowing them to forage, scratch and explore.
Ideally, we should have at least 4 – 5 such square feet per chicken; not just because this preserves their healthy bodies but also their peaceful and happy minds.
Dietary Needs: What to Feed Your Sapphire Gems
To keep your Sapphire Gem Chickens in good health and egg-laying condition, you need to feed them a balanced diet of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
The Staples
A good quality commercial feed formulated for laying hens is the foundation of your Sapphire Gem Chicken’s diet. These rations should be available to your chickens all the time, along with clean water.
Supplemental Treats
Not only are you giving your Sapphire Gems Chickens their regular feed, but there are other times when you can give them other treats, such as fruits, vegetables, and mealworms, that add extra nutrition.
You should also give your hens free choice oyster shell to keep those eggshells strong.
Health and Wellness: Preventing Common Ailments
Regular health monitoring and prevention will help keep your Sapphire Gems healthy and ensure they have a high quality of life.
Signs to Watch For
The most common health concerns include respiratory problems, mites and bumblefoot. Look for some signs such as lethargy, poor appetite, and abnormal droppings.
In temperate regions, it’s just as crucial to look for frostbite on the comb and wattles in inclement weather as it is for the chicken to have access to a coop that’s protected from drafts and for the comb and wattles to be lightly slathered in petroleum jelly.
Prevention is Key
Keeping your coop clean, providing adequate ventilation, and keeping the birds’ living spaces at an acceptable level are good for optimal health. Secondly, be sure to quarantine any new birds before bringing them into your group. Disease spreads easily, so keep a watchful eye out for signs.
If you stay alert and take all the right precautions, there’s a good chance that your Sapphire Gem Chickens will live long, healthy and productive lives.
The Egg-citing Part: Egg Production and Quality
One of their main advantages is the fact that they lay eggs so well – conceivably laying an egg almost every day of their lives that is as clean white as snow and just as delicious.
Egg Production
A sapphire gem chicken egg is a gem in itself … They will lay 200-250 eggs a year, some laying as many as 280 or 290 each year … For the table, this breed is second to none for consistent production. Sapphire Gems are excellent producers of farm fresh eggs.
Egg Color and Size
The eggs produced by the Sapphire Gem Chicken are generally blue egg colours, ranging from robin’s egg blue to turquoise. Although white and cream eggs are not as common, some hens will even produce green eggs or, very rarely, brown eggs.
Sapphire Gem Chicken eggs are medium to large, with extra-large eggs from some hens.
Optimizing Egg Production
Sapphire Gem Chickens will lay eggs only if they are fed a balanced diet and given access to plenty of fresh water, in a stress-free environment and with adequate lighting: hens need about 14-16 hours of light each day to keep laying on a regular basis.
Breeding Sapphire Gem Chickens: A Guide
If you decide that you want a group of Sapphire Gem Chickens, then here is what you will need to do in order to have your own stock. This is the basic concept of breeding, and breeding in general is very important, without it no new animals would be created and we could end up losing unique and valued breeds.
Selecting Breeding Stock
Choose your birds with extreme care, looking specifically for those that show the characteristics of the Sapphire Gem breed – specifically, the beautiful iridescent plumage of the sapphire splash, docile and friendly temperament, and successful egg production.
A well-conceived aim is to select a healthy, well-formed gem-Hen sapphire and a rooster that is free of genetic defects.
Hatching and Raising Chicks
When it finally does hatch out of the incubator, the resulting chick is the most highly prized bird in your poultry flock: a chicken capable of laying a pure blue sapphire egg. Once you have one such highly prized egg, you can either let the hen incubate it herself, the way that she is programmed to do, or else you can put it in an artificial incubator. Either way, in around 21 days it will hatch and give you a sapphire chicken.
Place your chicks in a brooder with an adequate heat source free from drafts, and offer a quality chick starter feed. Once they have developed their feathers and grown into full-fledged hens, you can let them free- ranges with your adult flock.
Remember, not all of your chicks will turn the beautiful sapphire gem plumage that you’re hoping for. Some male chicks may be too pale – with just a hint of blue, perhaps – making them a sapphire splash, and some might just be solid black. These birds would still make excellent pets or meat birds.
The Poultry Enthusiast’s Community: Insights and Experiences
Keeping Sapphire Gem Chickens is about more than just having a hobby; it’s about learning and sharing information within a community of other chicken aficionados.
Connecting with Fellow Chicken Keepers
Besides actually raising a small flock of these beauties, how else can you find fellow aficionados of your favourite Sapphire Gem Chicken? There is an online world out there full of websites, Facebook groups, Instagram accounts and local poultry clubs waiting for you. Engage with others who share your passion for these birds or other kinds of unique poultry. Ask them important questions. Find out what they want to know. Get answers. Talk to chicken fanciers with decades of expertise. Learn all you can about your special breed or hybrids. And tell people about your pretty birds.
Celebrating Your Flock
Chances are, your new flock of Sapphire Gem Chickens who will quickly become town gossip will soon captivate your heart, too.
Be proud of your sheep, chickens, geese and turkeys. Share your experiences. You may just convert someone to the adventure of raising livestock in their backyard.
Pros and Cons: Making an Informed Decision
Whether the Sapphire Gems make a great pet for you will depend on whether you feel that the pluses and minuses of the sapphire gem chicken fit your needs and preferences.
Pros of Raising Sapphire Gem Chickens
- Stunning appearance with iridescent sapphire-blue plumage
- Friendly and docile temperament, making them great companions
- Excellent egg layers, providing a steady supply of nutritious eggs
- Adaptable to various living conditions and flock settings
Cons of Raising Sapphire Gem Chickens
- Relatively rare breed, which may make them more expensive or difficult to find
- Potential for higher feed costs due to their egg-laying abilities
- Possible health issues if not properly cared for, such as respiratory problems or mites
- Limited meat production, as they are primarily raised for eggs
In brief, if you want a chicken — a good-looking one at that — that’s both friendly and a terrific egg producer, give some Sapphire Gem Chickens a try. If you want meat production or don’t have many resources in terms of feed and care, other breeds might be the best option.
FAQs
Addressing Common Queries About Sapphire Gem Chickens?
When you think about adding Sapphire Gem Chickens to your flock, you probably have some questions. Here’s the answers to some of the most common ask about Sapphire Gem Chickens.
What is the average lifespan of a Sapphire Gem Chicken?
Sapphire Gems can be expected to live for five to eight years with good care – though some may live longer with good genes, diet and housing.
How many eggs does a Sapphire Gem Chicken lay per week?
The Sapphire Gem Chicken would typically lay around 4-5 eggs per week, or 200-250 eggs per year (some hens would lay more or less).
What is the typical sapphire gem chicken egg color?
Most are egg-laying hens, and will usually produce eggs in any one of a dozen shades of blue from pale robin’s egg to deep turquoise. They’re known as Sapphire Gem Chickens. No, I didn’t name these birds.
Conclusion
Those beautiful blue Sapphire Gem chicks will bring beauty and the bounty of egg laying to your flock We often hear of golden, silver or even bronze horses or pigs but never chicken. However, Sapphire Gem chickens from the Czech Republic are both beautiful and functional with their friendly personality and excellent egg laying abilities. With proper care, these birds will bring the beauty of their blue plumage and the bounty of their eggs to your backyard. You are not getting just another chocolate, gold laced or barred rock hen, these are beautiful, bluish-grey feathered, white legged birds that have amazing personalities and will delight in your presence as much as you will in theirs. Whether you are an experienced keeper or just starting out, you and your children will enjoy Sapphire Gem Chickens. To get an idea of what a Sapphire Gem is all about, we have included images of these beautiful birds.
