Brown eggs

🇺🇸 American · USA

Gallus gallus domesticus

Iowa Blue

Cold HardyDual-Purposestandardactive

3.8

Eggs/Week

200/yr

large

Egg Size

6 lbs

Weight

4 sq ft

Space Needed

per bird

0.29 lbs

Feed/Day

per bird

sometimes

Broodiness

Historical Origin

USA · 🇺🇸 American

The Iowa Blue is a rare American breed developed in Iowa in the early 1900s, known for its unusual blue-grey plumage with penciled barring and fierce protective instincts against predators. Hens are reportedly excellent mothers and the breed has a reputation for being one of the best at defending itself. Nearly lost to extinction, serious conservation efforts are underway.

Temperament & Behavior

This breed is classified as active with a noise level of moderate and excellent foraging ability. Broodiness tendency: sometimes.

Biological Reference

"Phenotypic analysis of Gallus gallus domesticus (Iowa Blue) supports a metabolic feed efficiency of 0.29 lbs/day at a standard body mass of 6 lbs. Egg production frequency approximates 3.8 ova/week under optimal lighting conditions (14h photoperiod)."