Cream Legbar Chicken Breed Explained | Everything You Need To Know About This Blue Egg Layer
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INTRO
Have you ever wanted a chicken that lays beautiful blue eggs, is easy to sex at hatch, and adds a touch of elegance to your backyard flock? Then the Cream Legbar might be the perfect breed for you!
In today's video, I'm covering everything you need to know about Cream Legbar chickens, including their egg production, temperament, appearance, care requirements, and whether they're a good fit for your backyard flock.
Let's get into it!
HISTORY
The Cream Legbar originated in England during the 1930s. Breeders developed this unique chicken by crossing Brown Leghorns, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Araucanas to create a productive layer with naturally blue eggs and an autosexing trait.
One of the things that makes this breed so popular is that male and female chicks can usually be distinguished by their color immediately after hatching.
APPEARANCE
Cream Legbars are beautiful birds with a sleek, athletic build.
They have:
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Cream and gray barred feathers
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A distinctive feather crest on top of their heads
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Bright red combs and wattles
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White earlobes
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Yellow legs
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Alert, upright posture
They're often considered one of the prettiest blue egg-laying breeds.
EGG PRODUCTION
One of the common reasons people choose Cream Legbars is their gorgeous eggs.
They typically lay:
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Around 180 to 250 large blue eggs each year
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Medium to large eggs
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Excellent production during the first few years
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Egg color usually ranges from a pale sky blue to soft turquoise, to a minty aqua color. And rarely could be a soft green or sage colored egg if they have traces of brown egg ancestry.
If you're hoping for a colorful egg basket, Cream Legbars are a fantastic addition alongside olive eggers, Easter Eggers, or Marans.
TEMPERAMENT
Let’s talk about temperament. Cream Legbars are active, intelligent, and curious birds.
They love to forage and do especially well if they're allowed to free-range.
Many owners describe them as friendly but somewhat independent. They're usually less cuddly than breeds like Silkies or Cochins, but they often become comfortable around people with regular interaction.
Because they're alert and energetic, they're excellent at finding insects and exploring your yard.
CLIMATE TOLERANCE
Cream Legbars tolerate a wide range of climates.
Their large single comb means they appreciate shade and plenty of cool water during hot weather.
In colder climates, owners should monitor for frostbite on extremely cold days, although many birds do very well with proper shelter.
HOUSING
Like most standard-sized chickens, Cream Legbars need approximately:
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Four square feet of coop space per bird
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Eight to ten square feet in the run if confined
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Even more space if possible
Since they're active birds, they'll appreciate opportunities to forage throughout the day.
FEEDING
Provide a quality layer feed once hens begin laying.
You can also supplement with:
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Fresh vegetables
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Garden scraps that are safe for chickens
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Mealworms as treats
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Oyster shells for extra calcium
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Grit if they don't have access to natural grit
Clean, fresh water should always be available.
ARE THEY GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes!
Cream Legbars are an excellent choice for many backyard chicken keepers because they:
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Lay beautiful blue eggs
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Are active foragers
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Are generally healthy birds
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Can be sexed at hatch
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Add variety to any flock
If your goal is a colorful egg basket, they're definitely worth considering.
PROS
✔ Beautiful blue eggs
✔ Autosexing chicks
✔ Excellent foragers
✔ Unique appearance
✔ Active and entertaining
✔ Good layers
CONS
Like every breed, they have a few drawbacks.
Some hens can be a little more flighty than some other breeds.
And while many become friendly, they're usually not as lap-friendly as breeds like Silkies or Cochins.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We love our Cream Legbar. She is a consistent layer, with beautiful eggs and is one of our top chickens in regards to pest control. Of note, our Cream Legbar lays mint green eggs sometimes with small brown speckles as opposed the the usual blue colored eggs.
Cream Legbars are a wonderful choice if you're looking for a productive, attractive, and unique backyard chicken.
Between their beautiful blue eggs, fun personalities, and elegant appearance, it's easy to see why they've become such a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.