The Sapphire Gem is a sex-linked hybrid created by a breeder in the Czech Republic. It is a hybrid that contains the Dominate Blue gene and is known for being a good layer.
I can't stress enough for you to get this breed!
They are literally the most sweetest breed ever. My hen Gert is a very big chicken, has stocky legs and feet, and lays huge eggs. My rooster Ledo.....The most cuddly rooster in town. He loved to cuddle as a baby, and still to this day he will jump up on my back. He is so darn heavy, you could probably use these as a dual purpose breed if you had to, looks like they got a bunch of meat on them (although I would never use my chickens for meat.) Great beginner breed. 10/10 recommend. Just before you get them keep in mind that females are dark gray and males are light gray with a white spot on their head. Tractor Supply sorted them wrong when I got my two. Light colored roos were in with females.
My first Czech girls were Sapphire Gems. I liked them so much that I added other Czech breeds -- Sapphire Splashes, Sapphire Olive Eggers and Calico Princesses. But, the Gems were the queens! Thanks for sharing your review of these beauties!
Cons: can peck you
sometimes will be a bad hen
nothing else
I bought some sapphire gem pullets at TSC's Hoover's Hatchery. All ten survived well. they are still living to this day (well, other than one bird brain who went into the dog kennel and was attacked while we were not at home ).My hens are laying eggs and only take a short break in winter, but are excelent layers. I have such good hens, I wrote a poem for their pros and cons!
Purchase Price
$43 for 10 sexed pullets (I think it was around there, I don't remember prices after a few months)
I’ve had a Sapphire Gem for 8 weeks now. She’s getting so big! She’s super sweet, loves to cuddle, and doesn’t bully the others. She grew fast too. I love her coloring as well... it’s gorgeous!
I would recommend for anyone! Whoever want a friendly breed, eggs, and a pretty type as well! Attached are pictures of Safaia.
Pros: Big as day-olds, fairly calm (even as youngsters), fast-growing
Cons: None
I bought these pullets in the coldest time of the year so I could get more eggs as soon as possible. Glad these birds are big (as babies) and hardy! They were virtually feathered at 4.5 weeks. At 5 weeks, I started to see the occasional feather dropped, as if they were already starting to molt into their adult plumage! The babies were noticeably bigger than the Amberlinks I bought in the same hatch date, so I'm expecting some big eggs. They seem to be growing quickly also, as of 6.5 weeks.
I have two Sapphire Gem pullets, they have been wonderful so far. As baby chicks, they enjoy attention, and jump up onto my hand/knee to be pet and held.
I love the look of these chickens - they have such a pretty grey (blue) - with blue legs. Single comb.
I have yet to get eggs...so I'll be looking forward to my "big brown eggs" - I may come back and update this soon, once my gals start laying regularly