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Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken Breed Info

Modified: Feb 7, 2023 by Phil · This post may contain affiliate links ·

The Blue Hen of Delaware is the official state bird of Delaware. However, it might surprise you to learn that Blue Hens are not actually a recognized breed in the United States and around the world.

Blue Hen of Delaware on a light blue background.

They are a result of two hundred years of cross-breeding, including breeds like the Blue Andalusian chicken from Spain. Today’s Blue Hens are different from the original Blue Hen of the 18th century.

Blue Hens are good layers of medium-sized, brown eggs. They will lay between 200 and 280 eggs per year, making them one of the more productive egg-laying breeds in the United States.

Jump to:
  • Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken Breed Quick Info
  • Origins of Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken
  • Some Things to Know About Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken
  • How Easy is it to Keep Blue Hen of Delaware Chickens?
  • Special Care and Considerations for Blue Hen of Delaware Chickens
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Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken Breed Quick Info

Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken Description

Blue Hen of Delaware Type/Size:Standard
Feather Color:Greyish-blue
Leg Type:Clean
Leg Color:Yellow
Skin Color:Yellow
Blue Hen of Delaware Ease of Raising/Keeping:Easy
Blue Hen of Delaware Special Care Needs:No
Is the Blue Hen of Delaware breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken?Rare

Blue Hen of Delaware Use

MeatNo
EggsYes
Dual PurposeNo
Blue Hen of Delaware Temperament:Active
Blue Hen of Delaware Ability/Likelihood to Free Range:Yes

Blue Hen of Delaware Egg Production

Egg ColorBrown
Egg SizeMedium
Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year200-280
Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise ChicksLow

Blue Hen of Delaware Meat Production

Dressed Weight MaleN/A
Dressed Weight FemaleN/A

Blue Hen of Delaware Climate Tolerance

HeatGood
ColdGood

Blue Hen of Delaware Age to Maturity

Number of Months to Reach Full Size5 Months
Number of Months to Start Egg Laying5 Months
Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest SizeN/A

Blue Hen of Delaware Size at Maturity

Male5 lbs
Female4 lbs

Origins of Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken

Blue Hen of Delaware rooster on a light blue background.

The Blue Hen of Delaware was developed during the Revolutionary War. They were named after a group of soldiers who were called the “Sons of the Blue Hen.” These soldiers came from Delaware and brought along Blue Hens to participate in cockfighting. The Blue Hen of Delaware became a symbol used throughout the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

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Today’s Blue Hens of Delaware are different than the original Blue Hens. They were originally bred in the 1960s by chicken breeder  S. Hallock du Pont and, more recently, Delaware state veterinarian Wesley Towers.

They are commonly used as athletic mascots in the state of Delaware. The University of Delaware even keeps a flock of Blue Hen chickens on campus!

Some Things to Know About Blue Hen of Delaware Chicken

A Blue Hen of Delaware flock in a backyard.
Delaware Blue Hen, Flock @Bec

These steel-blue birds are named after the coloring of their feathers. They boast bright red wattles and a single comb, which can be at risk for frostbite in the winter.

However, they otherwise do well in cold weather as well as in the heat, provided that they have plenty of access to shade and fresh water.

Since this is not an official breed, there is no breed standard. However, there are breeders and enthusiasts who are committed to continuing the breed and standardizing it.

How Easy is it to Keep Blue Hen of Delaware Chickens?

Blue Hen of Delaware rooster in a chicken coop.
Delaware Blue Hen, Cockerel @SunnyChic

Due to the rarity of the Blue Hen of Delaware, it is difficult to find breeders who produce Blue Hen chicks. The most likely place you will find them is in Delaware.

They are active foragers who do well in a free-range situations. They are docile but not overly affectionate, and roosters can be aggressive when defending their flock.

Special Care and Considerations for Blue Hen of Delaware Chickens

As with all chickens with a single comb, frostbite can be a risk in the wintertime. Use a swipe of vaseline to protect their combs from freezing temperatures.

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Otherwise, they are hardy, healthy birds that are not predisposed to any major health issues.

Blue Hen of Delaware on a light blue background. pinterest image.

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