Breed collection (UK)
Blue egg chicken breeds in the UK
You want the “wow” basket — blue and green eggs. Cool. But don’t pick birds like you’re choosing paint swatches. Temperament and run design will decide whether this is fun… or chaos.
Useful shortcut: Use the coop/run size calculator first. Busy breeds in small runs = pecking drama.
What to expect (UK reality)
- Shade varies. Blue/green tones can be pale or vivid depending on line and age.
- Egg laying drops. Winter and moults hit every breed — colourful eggs are not immune.
- Active birds need space. Many blue egg breeds are alert and ‘busy’.
- Don’t chase colour at any cost. Calm birds in a good run beat pretty eggs in chaos.
How to get a colourful basket
- Pick 1–2 blue egg breeds (or a blue-egg hybrid if you find a calm line).
- Add a dark-brown layer for contrast.
- Add a speckled egg layer.
- If you want bright whites: add a white-egg breed.
Big mistake
Buying “blue eggs” birds and then keeping them like ornaments.
Truth: you can’t out-breed a cramped run. If your setup is tight, choose calmer birds and keep the basket colour as a bonus, not the mission.
Blue / green egg breeds (core list)
These are the main options in our breed library that typically lay blue/green shades. Open each profile and check temperament and upkeep before you buy.
Cream Legbar
Blue eggs + lots of personality. Often alert and active — more ‘watchable’ than cuddly.
Eggs: blueEggs 4/5Active
Legbar (Cuckoo)
Blue eggs and a ‘busy’ temperament in many lines. Great if you enjoy a lively flock.
Eggs: blueEggs 4/5Needs space
Araucana
Blue/green eggs. Temperament varies a lot by line — meet birds before you commit.
Eggs: blue/greenEggs 3/5Varies
If you want blue eggs + calm birds: don’t force it. Consider building your flock around calm hybrids/heritage birds, then add one blue egg breed once your setup is proven.
Build a colourful egg basket (UK shortlist)
These breeds add contrast: dark brown, speckled, white, and tinted eggs. Mix for variety — but watch temperament compatibility.
Copper Black Marans
Famous for dark brown eggs. Lines vary — choose healthy birds and expect some upkeep.
Eggs: dark brownEggs 4/5Upkeep higher
Welsummer
Speckled eggs and strong foraging instincts. Often independent rather than cuddly.
Eggs: speckled brownEggs 4/5Active
Barnevelder
Rich brown eggs and generally steady temperament. A good “heritage basket” addition.
Eggs: brownEggs 4/5Steady
Plymouth Rock (Barred)
Solid brown egg layer and hardy. Often a sensible flock choice when you want reliability.
Eggs: brownHardyEggs 4/5
Leghorn
Bright white eggs and high productivity — but often flightier. Better for confident keepers.
Eggs: whiteEggs 5/5Flighty
Derbyshire Redcap
UK heritage with white eggs. Hardy, watchable, and a bit more ‘hands-off’ in many lines.
Eggs: whiteHardiness 5/5UK heritage
Hamburg
White eggs and very active behaviour. Great to watch; not for tiny runs.
Eggs: whiteActiveNeeds space
Ancona
White eggs, hardy, and athletic. Better for secure runs and people who enjoy lively birds.
Eggs: whiteUpkeep lowLively
Lakenvelder
White eggs and striking plumage. Often active and alert — needs secure boundaries.
Eggs: whiteActiveSecure run
Blue Andalusian
White eggs with beautiful blue plumage. Often ‘watch, don’t cuddle’ temperament.
Eggs: whiteUpkeep lowAloof
Compatibility warning: mixing very docile birds with very flighty birds in a tight run can create bullying and stress.
Build space first, then build your rainbow basket.
Free printable: UK Backyard Chicken Starter Checklist
Short, practical emails that stop beginner mistakes — plus the printable checklist as your first download.
- Space + coop/run sizing prompts (so you don’t buy the wrong coop).
- Predator-proof hardware list (the non-negotiables).
- First-week routine to settle hens fast and spot problems early.
- Buying birds safely (so you don’t bring disease home).
If you only remember one thing
Colour is fun. Welfare is the foundation.
- Use the size calculator before buying birds.
- Get the basics right: nutrition + health routines.
- If you’re new: start with calmer birds, then add “fun” breeds later.
Want help choosing? Ask in Community with your run size and neighbour situation.