Do you love keeping chickens and want to get a new kind for your flock? The Sapphire Olive Egger chicken might be a great choice for you. This guide tells you all about this special breed.
It describes what they look like, their personality, how many eggs they lay, and how to take care of them properly.By reading this, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the unique Sapphire Olive Egger chickens.
History
Have you ever marveled at the idea of collecting eggs in gorgeous shades of olive green? Well, that’s exactly what you can expect from the unique Sapphire Olive Egger chicken breed.
Shrouded in a bit of mystery, these special hybrids are said to have originated from a cross between a Chinese chicken and an English variety way back in the 1840s.
Their unusual name stems from the careful breeding of blue egg-laying chickens like Ameraucanas with the stunning Sapphire Gem (also known as the Blue Plymouth Rock).
This distinctive genetic combination is what gives Sapphire Olive Eggers the ability to produce those coveted colorful eggs reminiscent of an Easter Egger’s vibrant bounty.
Heritage or Hybrid
Speaking of genetics, it’s important to clarify that Sapphire Olive Eggers fall into the hybrid category rather than being a standardized heritage breed.
Due to the variation in their features and inconsistencies in appearance, they haven’t been accepted into the American Poultry Association’s purebred standards…yet.
Appearance
Ah, but those inconsistencies only add to their charm! Sapphire Olive Eggers sport a beautifully mottled plumage in shades of blue, black, and brown against a silver background.
Some birds may have feathered legs, while others flaunt distinct combs – single, pea, you name it! Their diverse looks are part of what makes this breed so visually captivating.
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Weight
Despite their small-ish stature, these unique chickens aren’t lightweights. On average, Sapphire Olive Egger roosters weigh in around 6.5 pounds, while the hens hover closer to 5 pounds. Not too shabby for a breed known more for its egg-laying prowess than meat production!
Lifespan
Speaking of impressive traits, Sapphire Olive Eggers tend to have an above-average lifespan clocking in between 5-8 years when raised in backyard settings. With optimal living conditions, there’s a good chance these hardy birds could even surpass that range.
Egg Color & Production
Now for the real showstopper – those breathtaking olive green eggs! Sapphire Olive Egger hens start laying between 20-24 weeks of age, a tad later than some other popular breeds.
Once they get going, you can expect a steady supply of around 3-4 medium-to-large eggs weekly. In their first year alone, a well-cared-for Sapphire Olive Egger hen can produce up to an impressive 208 eggs in stunning shades of green.
Just be aware that, like most chickens, their productivity does decline by roughly 10-15% each year until they eventually stop laying altogether.
Breeding
Don’t get too excited about letting a broody Sapphire Olive Egger hen hatch and raise those colorful chicks herself – these ladies are rarely inclined to go broody. Their hybrid genetics make things a bit tricky when it comes to breeding true to the Sapphire Olive Egger traits.
As a general rule, while purebred chickens can reliably produce offspring just like them, the same can’t be said for hybrid breeds.
Even two Sapphire Olive Eggers mating will likely yield mixed breed chicks since each parent passes along genes from one of their original breed lines. The ideal way to get purebred Sapphire Olive Egger chicks is to breed from a rooster and hen of that exact variety.
However, there are some potential health concerns to consider when deliberately breeding this hybrid type, as the quest for specific traits can sometimes result in weaker, less vigorous chicks. Lots of careful genetic planning is key!
Hardiness
One area where Sapphire Olive Eggers really shine is their overall robustness and ability to thrive in varying climates. These hardy birds are well-equipped to handle biting cold winters as well as scorching summer heat.
That said, providing proper shelter is still crucial. During summer’s hottest days, make sure your flock has access to plenty of shaded areas and cool drinking water. Come wintertime, a well-insulated, draft-free coop with dry bedding will help prevent issues like frostbitten combs, wattles, and feet.
Health Risks
Thanks to their hardy, resilient nature, Sapphire Olive Eggers aren’t particularly plagued by any notable breed-specific illnesses or health risks. That doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to poultry ailments and parasites.
To stay on the safe side, I always recommend a high-quality layer feed and supplementing with poultry vitamins in their water, especially for young birds still getting established in the flock pecking order. Keeping an eagle eye out for any potential signs of distress is wise as well.
Meat Production
While Sapphire Olive Eggers make an excellent addition to an egg-laying flock, they aren’t really cut out for large-scale meat production purposes. Their smaller size means you’d get a pretty meager yield compared to dedicated meat breeds like the Cornish Cross.
| Breed | Average Weight |
| Sapphire Olive Egger Rooster | 6.5 lbs |
| Sapphire Olive Egger Hen | 5 lbs |
| Cornish Cross Rooster | 10+ lbs |
Noise Level
Here’s an important consideration, especially for those raising chickens in more urban areas – Sapphire Olive Eggers have a bit of a reputation as a noisy breed. The hens themselves aren’t too much of an issue, staying relatively quiet much of the time.
You can expect the roosters to live up to their crowing duties with enthusiastic regularity. Suffice to say, the fellas might not make the best neighbors if you have close residential proximity.
Temperament
Despite their vocal tendencies, Sapphire Olive Eggers are overwhelmingly described as docile, friendly birds with a mild disposition. They tend to make a great choice for families with children or first-time chicken owners.
From my own experience, our Olive Egger flock has never shown any signs of aggression towards us humans. The rooster can be a bit skittish at times, but the hens are absolute lovebugs always eager for treats and cuddles.
Just be mindful of maintaining a proper rooster-to-hen ratio in your flock. With too many ladies for one guy to “take care of,” the roosters may start displaying aggression and undesirable behaviors toward each other.
Housing Requirements
When it comes to housing your flock of charismatic Sapphire Olive Eggers, you’ll want to provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet each in an enclosed outdoor run area.
Our own coop setup has done a wonderful job keeping our colorful flock safe, secure, and comfortable:
- Predator-proof raised coop with ample ventilation and roosting bars
- Attached covered run area with ample space to move around
- Shaded run for heat relief on sunny days
- Cozy nest boxes for laying those green eggs
- Ready access to fresh food and water at all times
Are They Right For You?
So there you have it – an in-depth look at the unique Sapphire Olive Egger chicken breed. From their stunning green egg colors and hardy, heat-tolerant nature to their docile personalities, there’s a lot to love about these hybrid beauties.
However, a few potential downsides to consider:
- Lower than average egg production numbers
- Not well-suited for meat purposes
- Roosters can be quite noisy
- Complex hybrid genetics make true breeding difficult
But if you’re seeking a cold-hardy, friendly flock with the bonus of incredible multi-shaded eggs, Sapphire Olive Eggers could be the perfect feathery companions!
No matter which breed you opt for, always do your research to make sure your chickens’ unique needs can be met. With proper care and husbandry, these special olive eggers will undoubtedly brighten up your yards and egg baskets for years to come.
FAQs
What breeds make a Sapphire Olive Egger?
A Sapphire Olive Egger is created by crossing a blue egg-laying breed like an Ameraucana with a Sapphire Gem (Blue Plymouth Rock) chicken.
What chicken breed is an olive egger?
The Sapphire Olive Egger is a hybrid chicken breed that lays olive green eggs.
What age do Sapphire Olive Eggers lay eggs?
Sapphire Olive Eggers typically start laying eggs between 20-24 weeks (5-6 months) of age.
Do sapphire gems lay green eggs?
No, Sapphire Gems (Blue Plymouth Rocks) do not lay green eggs themselves. They are bred with blue egg layers to produce the olive egger hybrids that lay green eggs.
