Sapphire Chicken Breed Guide

With a name like Sapphire Gem, it’s no wonder this chicken breed is unique and stunning. People don’t just keep these chickens for their appearance – they’re also exceptional egg layers. Tractor Supply is dedicated to educating chicken keepers and others who enjoy Life Out Here. In addition to offering live chickens, we provide insight into various breeds, including the Sapphire Gem. 

History of Sapphire Gem Chickens 

Sapphire Gems most likely originated in the Czech Republic, although the evidence is uncertain. It appears these chickens are the result of breeders mixing other breeds, specifically the Barred Plymouth Rock and Blue Plymouth Rock. They resemble the Andalusian breed, which dates to the mid-1800s. Sapphire Gems are becoming increasingly popular, most likely due to their beautiful blue plumage. This feature is arguably what’s most distinctive about these birds. 

 Temperament and Good-to-Knows

It’s not just beauty that makes Sapphire Gem chickens a highly sought-after bird. Novice and experienced keepers alike choose this breed for its temperament, adaptability and hardiness. Keep these traits in mind when considering Sapphire Gem chickens:

• Docile personality: A calm, friendly personality makes Sapphire Gems a great choice for many environments, from small, backyard flocks to large farms. 
• Quieter than other breeds: Overall, you’ll find Sapphire Gems one of the quieter chicken breeds. This makes it easy to keep them even if you have neighbors nearby. Still, roosters can be noisy, and hens may chirp periodically. 
• Curious chickens: Sapphire Gems like to explore and interact with their keepers. 
• Adaptability with other chicken breeds: Sapphire Gems are ideal for a mixed flock as they get along with other breeds. 

Visual and Egg Characteristics

A combination of beauty and utility is what makes Sapphire Gem chickens such a great breed to add to your flock. Learn more about these birds’ physical appearance and egg-laying capabilities. 

Physical Characteristics of Sapphire Gems 

The first thing you notice about Sapphire Gems is their color. Male and female adults sport almost iridescent blue feathers, which explains their name. Sometimes, a Sapphire Gem’s feathers may look lavender. As chicks, male and female Sapphire Gems look similar, except males often have white dots on their heads or wings. Female chicks are generally blue with gray or gold feathers. Common with many chicken breeds, the roosters have more prominent and brighter-colored combs than the hens.  

If you want to raise chickens for their eggs, Sapphire Gems are just the right size. The males reach about five pounds while the females reach around four pounds. 

Sapphire Gem Egg Production 

Sapphire Gem chickens lay an impressive number of eggs. They typically begin laying at about six months old and can lay between 260-280 eggs a year. On average, that’s five eggs a week. These eggs are brown and large. 

Health and Care 

You want to reap the benefits of your Sapphire Gem chickens for their lifetime. This requires proper care to preserve your birds’ health and wellness. Discover specific health and care considerations for Sapphire Gems. 

Diet 

A Sapphire Gem’s diet should consist of balanced, protein-filled meals and regular fresh water. Fresh water is a necessity for any animal. Refilling waterers at least twice a day is ideal. Invest in high-quality poultry feed and consider high-protein supplements like mealworms. You can also give them poultry treats or cherries occasionally. 

Coop 

A well-maintained coop or pen is essential for the well-being of any chicken breed, including the Sapphire Gem. This enclosure should keep them safe from predators and inclement weather. Each Sapphire Gem needs at least four square feet of space in the coop to ensure comfort and prevent aggression between chickens. Coops should have essential features like nesting boxes, roosting bars, proper ventilation and adequate lighting. 

Free-Range 

As naturally curious birds, Sapphire Gems may struggle with being stuck in the coop all day. They also need time outside to thrive. It’s recommended that each Sapphire Gem has about eight square feet of run space for roaming and foraging. 

It may be necessary to keep your chickens inside the coop all day on some occasions. Not to worry – Sapphire Gems will be comfortable as long as they have everything they need in the coop. However, you want to avoid this becoming a trend. On most days, Sapphire Gems should be outside for at least a few hours up to the entire day.  

Of course, with your chickens wandering around the yard or farm, you need something to protect them from predators. Welded chicken wire (hardware cloth) is one of the safest and most effective choices for safeguarding your birds. 

Regular Health Checks 

Another benefit of Sapphire Gems is that they tend to have fewer health problems than other breeds. Still, these hardy chickens require regular visits to the veterinarian to check for signs of illness or injury and preserve optimal health. Between visits, consider creating dust baths for your chickens. Dust baths allow Sapphire Gems to clean themselves and maintain their feathers. This helps prevent infection from parasites, mites and lice. 

Specific Needs in Different Climates 

Although Sapphire Gems are resilient to hot and cold weather conditions, you still need to protect them against heat stress and frostbite. Understanding the signs of these experiences is crucial. If your chicken is experiencing heat stress, it will pant heavily or hold its wings away from its body. Its comb may also look paler than usual. If afflicted with frostbite, a chicken may have swelling, limping or a loss of appetite. Its comb may be blackened. 

Take the necessary steps to protect your chickens during extreme weather. For instance, consider coop heaters during the cold months and providing extra water and access to shade during the warm months. 

 Frequently Asked Questions about Sapphire Gems 

Are Sapphire Gems good for meat? 

No, not only does their plumage make them great for exhibition, but the number of eggs they lay on average means you’re missing out if you use them for meat. Plus, they don’t make a good protein meal. 

How big do Sapphire Gem chickens get? 

The average male (rooster) may grow to about five pounds, while the average female (hen) will grow to around four pounds. 

Where can I purchase Sapphire Gem chickens?

Chicken keepers trust Tractor Supply for live chickens, including Sapphire Gems. 

Is more information about chicken breeds available?

Find answers to more questions about Sapphire Gem chickens and other breeds when you explore Tractor Supply’s chicken egg FAQs and other resources in The Coop.

Tractor Supply Has What Your Flock Needs 

In search of poultry breeds or supplies to support your flock? Trust America’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, Tractor Supply. With over 85 years of experience, we know chicken breeds and have the products in our inventory you need to best support them. Shop online or visit your local Tractor Supply store today.