Steele Egger Chickens: Things To Know
Introducing the Steele Egger, a hybrid chicken born from the creative vision of Lisa Steele, the creator behind the ‘Fresh Eggs Daily’ blog. Exclusively available at Meyer Hatchery, this chicken turns heads with its captivating blue, green, and occasionally tan eggs.
- Steele Eggers lay around 3 to 5 eggs weekly
- Hybrid chicken created by Lisa Steele and Meyer Hatchery
- Produces blue, green or tan eggs
- Hardy in all climates
- Friendly temperament
Characteristics
The Steele Egger, carefully bred for its good looks, comes in blue or splash colors. Each chicken has its own unique style with differences in the top knot, muffs, and beard. As Steele Eggers are hybrid chickens, they can differ in looks.
They are medium-sized chickens. Roosters weigh around 6 pounds, and hens tip the scale at around 5 pounds.
Although the look of a Steele Egger may vary concerning beards, muffs, and top knots, they all should have clean legs. Steele Eggers are not chickens with feathered feet. They also have a pea comb.
The breeds used to make a Steele Egger are still a secret, but we can make a good guess that Araucana chickens play a part because of the colored eggs and pea comb. However, the hatchery hasn’t confirmed this.
Eggs
Beyond their charming looks, Steele Eggers are good egg layers. Anticipate a consistent output of 3-5 eggs each week in delightful colors like blue, green, and the occasional tan.
These eggs add flair to your backyard and keep your egg basket full and diverse. They usually start laying at around 20 – 22 weeks old. All eggs are medium-sized.
Many people like having Steele Eggers because of their colorful eggs. But, remember, there’s a small chance (1 out of 64) that they might lay tan eggs. You’ll know what color eggs your Steele Egger will lay as soon as they lay their first one – a little surprise for you!
Meat Production
Steele Eggers are dual-purpose breeds, they can be kept for both eggs and meat production. However, it’s important to note that they are primarily kept as backyard chickens for their colored eggs rather than being raised specifically for meat.
Their appeal lies in their charming looks and egg-laying capabilities. However, they can indeed be used as table birds if needed.
Keep in mind that if meat production is a primary consideration, there are breeds specifically bred for optimal meat yield, and Steele Eggers may not match the efficiency of such breeds in that regard.
Personality
Steele Eggers are sociable birds. They tend to establish positive relationships with their human caretakers, making them enjoyable companions, especially if you have small children running around.
They are active and curious, often engaging in behaviors like scratching the ground and exploring their surroundings. They are good foragers and, therefore, need plenty of space to roam around.
Hardiness
Steele Eggers are known for their hardiness, displaying resilience in various weather conditions throughout the year, be it winter or summer.
They generally fare well in cold temperatures. Their robust constitution helps them withstand chilly conditions without much difficulty. While they may be less active during extremely cold weather, Steele Eggers remain hardy and can endure the winter months with proper shelter and care.
Next to that, Steele Eggers also show resilience in warm climates. Their adaptability allows them to handle hot temperatures without significant stress, especially when provided with shade and access to fresh water.
In short, Steele Eggers can be kept in various climates, whether hot or cold, but always pay attention to their health and needs when extreme weather is on its way.
Summary
The Steele Egger is an attractive dual-purpose chicken exclusively available from Meyer Hatchery. Bred to the specifications of Lisa Steele from ‘Fresh Eggs Daily,’ these medium-sized birds are prized for their blue or green eggs.
With friendly and active personalities, they make delightful additions to backyard flocks. Known for their good egg-laying abilities, Steele Eggers produce 3-5 medium-sized eggs per week, ranging in colors from blue and green to the occasional tan.
They also exhibit hardiness in both winter and summer conditions. Keepers appreciate their adaptability, making the Steele Egger a favored choice for those seeking a productive addition to their backyard.
Credits featured image: Hayleys Happy Homestead