Blue American Bresse is known for its beautiful slate-blue plumage and outstanding utility, this rare chicken breed offers both visual appeal and practical value for homesteaders and backyard poultry enthusiasts.
It is a U.S. adaptation of the prestigious French Bresse chicken, renowned worldwide for its gourmet-quality meat. While the White Bresse is more commonly known, the blue variety is gaining popularity among small farmers and those passionate about rare and heritage poultry breeds. These chickens feature striking blue feathers, bright red combs, and white earlobes—making them a patriotic standout with red, white, and blue coloring.
The hens lay a steady supply of medium to large cream-colored eggs, while the breed’s meat is tender, marbled, and highly sought-after. Their excellent feed-to-meat conversion makes them an economical and sustainable option for those raising homestead chickens.
Whether raised in a backyard coop or a free-range environment, Blue American Bresse chickens thrive in a variety of settings and climates. Their easygoing nature makes them great for beginners, families, and seasoned poultry keepers alike.
How to Take Care of Blue American Bresse Chickens:
- Provide a draft-free, well-ventilated coop with ample space (4–6 sq ft per bird).
- Allow for free-ranging or a secure outdoor run for exercise and natural foraging.
- Feed a balanced diet with quality layer pellets, supplemented with protein and calcium.
- Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water.
- Maintain clean bedding and nesting boxes to prevent disease.
- Monitor for common poultry illnesses and parasites with regular health checks.
- Offer shade in summer and insulation in winter for climate comfort.
Special Notes on Blue American Bresse Eggs:
- Hens begin laying around 5 to 6 months of age.
- Eggs are medium to large and cream-colored, laid consistently with proper care.
- Offer 14+ hours of light per day to encourage steady production.
- Supplement with calcium (like oyster shell) to ensure strong eggshells.
- For hatching, store eggs pointy-end down at 55–65°F, turn them 2–3 times daily, and use within 7–10 days.
- Incubate at 99.5°F (forced-air) or 101.5°F (still-air) with 40–50% humidity, increasing to 65–70% at lockdown (days 18–21).
- Chicks usually hatch by day 21, often a bit early due to the breed's fast growth.
- After hatching, brood chicks at 95°F, reducing by 5°F each week, and feed a high-protein chick starter.
Genetically, the blue coloration comes with a fun twist—pairing blue birds can result in blue, black, or splash chicks, adding variety to your flock. Choosing the Blue American Bresse means adding both beauty and productivity to your setup.
