Whiting True Blue Chicken: A Blue-Egg-Beauty

Whiting True Blue chickens are a delightful addition to any backyard flock. With their striking appearance and friendly nature, these captivating birds have stolen the hearts of many chicken keepers and hobbyists.

From their plumage and contrasting accents to their reliable egg-laying abilities and amiable temperament, Whiting True Blue chickens offer both visual appeal and practical benefits to your flock. Whether you are an experienced poultry enthusiast or just getting started, you’ll be enchanted by this remarkable breed and discover why they are a favorite among chicken lovers.

• Whiting True Blue hens lay around 4 to 5 eggs weekly
• Crossbreed of a White Leghorn and Ameraucana
• Very friendly but can be flighty
• Lay beautiful blue-colored eggs

Characteristics of Whiting True Blue Chickens

Whiting True Blues exhibit a captivating appearance that sets them apart from other chicken breeds. Their varied coloration and features make them a visual delight. The defining characteristic of Whiting True Blue chickens is their dazzling feathers. Because they are a hybrid, their feather patterns are random and range from soft powder blue to browns, oranges, and even black. Some even have fluffy cheeks!

In contrast with their vivid colors, Whiting True Blue chickens often have crisp white accents. These accents can be observed on their wingtips, tail feathers, and sometimes on their hackle and saddle feathers. The combination creates a visually stunning contrast.

One other striking contrast that the breed showcases is its earlobes. The comb and wattles of Whiting True Blue chickens are usually bright red in color while their earlobes are an iridescent blue.

In terms of size, Whiting True Blue chickens are generally considered medium-sized birds. They have a well-proportioned body with moderate plumage that is neither too heavy nor too light.
Overall, the breed possesses an elegant and enchanting appearance.

Breed Origins

The Whiting True Blue chicken breed originated in the United States, developed by Tom Whiting, a renowned poultry geneticist and owner of Whiting Farms, which has a long history of breeding and raising chickens for their feathers.

Whiting Farms

Whiting Farms was founded in 1989 by Dr. Tom Whiting for the production of fly tiers in the fly-fishing industry. But its story begins in the 1960s when Henry Hoffman, who grew up on a meat chicken farm, bought his first flock of chickens to produce quality tying feathers, which had traditionally been imported from India and China.

Implementing what he knew about poultry and breeder selection paired with his first-hand knowledge and love of fly fishing, Hoffman tested each fly tier himself and used the best performers to determine which chickens to breed for the next generation of feathers.

Hoffman sold his business to Whiting in the 1980s. Whiting, who specialized in poultry genetics, went on to produce not just some of the best fly ties in the industry but also some of their own breeds, including the Whiting True Blue and Whiting True Green.

Whiting True Blue Breed

The development of the Whiting True Blue breed combined the White Leghorn and Ameraucana chickens, hence the endless feather combinations and occasional fluffy cheeks. The aim was to create a chicken breed that not only possessed desirable feather qualities but also showcased a unique and captivating coloration.

Although Whiting True Blue chickens were initially bred for their feathers, they have gained popularity among backyard chicken keepers and enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and friendly temperament.

It’s important to note that Whiting True Blue chickens are not recognized as a standard breed by major poultry associations such as the American Poultry Association (APA) or the Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB).

Egg Production: A Colorful Delight

Whiting True Blue chickens are not just eye candy; they also excel in egg production. Here’s what you can expect from their egg production.

Whiting True Blue hens are generally reliable layers, providing a steady supply of eggs throughout the year. On average, a Whiting True Blue hen can lay around 200 to 250 eggs per year, depending on various factors such as diet, health, and environmental conditions.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Whiting True Blue eggs is their color. These chickens lay eggs in shades of blue, varying in intensity and hue. The specific shades of blue can range from pale blue to sky blue.

Whiting True Blue eggs are typically medium to large. They can be slightly smaller than standard large-sized eggs but are still considered ample in size for culinary purposes and consumption.

Although some do, most hens rarely go broody. Whiting True Blue hens generally exhibit good maternal instincts when allowed to raise their own chicks. They are attentive and protective, ensuring the well-being and care of their offspring.

Meat Production: The Leghorn Factor

Despite being a cross with the popular meat bird, White Leghorns, Whiting True Blue chickens are primarily known for their ornamental value and egg-laying capabilities rather than being specifically bred as meat birds. While they are not classified as designated meat breeds, they can still be utilized for meat production due to their moderate size and meat qualities.

Personality and Care Requirements

Whiting True Blue chickens are known for their friendly and amiable nature. They generally have a calm temperament, making them enjoyable to interact with and handle. Their friendly disposition makes them suitable for families. They are, however, very able flyers. This doesn’t mean they will fly away, but a covered run is a safer option for them.

These chickens are typically social creatures that enjoy the company of their flock mates. They thrive in environments where they can engage in social interactions with other chickens. Keeping them in a mixed flock can help fulfill their social needs.

While they may exhibit a mild hierarchical order within the flock, Whiting True Blue chickens are not known for aggressive or highly dominant behavior. They tend to get along well with other chicken breeds and are unlikely to cause disturbances or conflicts.

Whiting True Blue chickens are adaptable to different living conditions. They can be content in smaller spaces such as a well-sized backyard or chicken coop, as long as the area provides adequate shelter, space to move around, and protection from predators.

Whiting True Blue chickens are known to tolerate a range of climates, including both cold and hot weather conditions. However, it’s important to provide appropriate shelter, shade, and ventilation to ensure their comfort and well-being during extreme temperatures.

Summary

Whiting True Blue chickens combine stunning aesthetics, impressive egg production, and amiable personalities, making them an excellent choice for backyard chicken enthusiasts.

Their unique qualities and captivating presence will elevate any flock and bring joy to novice and experienced chicken keepers. So, why not consider adding this magnificent breed to your own backyard flock and experience the wonders of Whiting True Blue chickens firsthand?

To learn more about chicken breeds, check out our ‘Chicken Breeds Page‘ to see every specific breed we address. Or go to our listicle breed summary on ‘The Classroom‘, or, if you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our ‘Chicken Breeds: Ultimate Beginners Guide‘.