Azure blue or legbar?

[Newbie99]

I want to get a few blue egg layers. I have access to Azure blue or Legbar chickens. Is one better than the other?

 

[Offshoreorca]

It really depends what you are looking for!

Azure Blue are a hybrid meant for heavy production of blue eggs. They are relatively quick to mature and generally have a short laying life as they produce well in their first couple years. I don't know about Azure Blues for sure, but many laying hybrids can be bullies or pick on flock members if you have any docile breeds already. I have also heard they are flighty (probably because they have some leghorn in them). They would be a good choice if your current flock is Brown Layers or Leghorns (commercial laying breeds), etc.

Legbars are heritage. They are slower to mature, likely will cost a bit more, and won't lay as many eggs per year, but they have a longer laying life. They are generally more docile and friendly. This is a good choice if you have a flock with other well-natured and docile birds, such as Cochins, Silkies, Faverolles, Marans, etc.

 

[Offshoreorca]

And welcome to BYC

 

[Newbie99]

It really depends what you are looking for!

Azure Blue are a hybrid meant for heavy production of blue eggs. They are relatively quick to mature and generally have a short laying life as they produce well in their first couple years. I don't know about Azure Blues for sure, but many laying hybrids can be bullies or pick on flock members if you have any docile breeds already. I have also heard they are flighty (probably because they have some leghorn in them). They would be a good choice if your current flock is Brown Layers or Leghorns (commercial laying breeds), etc.

Legbars are heritage. They are slower to mature, likely will cost a bit more, and won't lay as many eggs per year, but they have a longer laying life. They are generally more docile and friendly. This is a good choice if you have a flock with other well-natured and docile birds, such as Cochins, Silkies, Faverolles, Marans, etc.

Thank you, I will be getting them all as day olds at the same time and plan on getting what I think are more docile birds (orpingtons, bielefelders, barred rock). I am starting new do they aren’t being introduced to any other birds. The legbars are more expensive so I wasn’t sure if it was worth paying the extra. Thanks for your explanation.

 

[Offshoreorca]

Thank you, I will be getting them all as day olds at the same time and plan on getting what I think are more docile birds (orpingtons, bielefelders, barred rock). I am starting new do they aren’t being introduced to any other birds. The legbars are more expensive so I wasn’t sure if it was worth paying the extra. Thanks for your explanation.

No problem! It's a lot down to personal preference, but if you are getting heritage breeds, I would go with the legbars as they are beautiful birds with wonderful personalities. The Azure Blues are akin to a blue version of co-op layers, so that's why they are priced cheaper. Legbars are also auto sexing, so there is pretty much no chance they can get your order wrong if you are getting sexed chicks

If they are all raised together, then both have the potential to work, but if you are looking for birds without the flighty nature (and ones that aren't skittish of you), then the legbars are the better choice.