Breaking down the breed: Sapphire Gem

A popular backyard chicken breed is the Sapphire Gem. They are known for their distinctive blueish-gray plumage, calm temperament and egg-laying ability. The breed offers a combination of appearance and production that appeals to backyard flock owners and some larger-scale poultry keepers. The birds are believed to have originated in the Czech Republic, although their exact history is uncertain. They are thought to have resulted from crossing Barred Plymouth Rock and Blue Plymouth Rock chickens. Their appearance also resembles the Andalusian breed, which dates to the mid-1800s. Although chicken keepers consider them a breed, the Sapphire Gem is a first-generation hybrid rather than a standardized heritage breed, so it is not recognized by the American Poultry Association. Coloring Sapphire Gems stand out amongst any flock with their blue plumage, which can have an iridescent or lavender appearance.

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