Chicken Breed Focus - Blue Hen of Delaware

The Delaware Blue Hen, is a land race of chickens that were developed during the American Revolutionary War. The birds originated from a strain of gamecocks owned primarily by Capt. John Caldwell, from Kent County, Delaware that were recognizable by their blue plumage and renowned for their pugnacity to the extent that Colonel John Haslet's 1st Delaware Regiment were nicknamed "the Blue Hen's Chickens." The Delaware Blue Hen is a typical “blue” colored chicken, found in Blue, Black and Splash. They are single combed. The hens are Fair layers of tinted/white eggs, and occasionally go broody. The males generally need to be separated from each other once they reach maturity.

The University of Delaware mascot, known as YoUDee, is also modeled after the Delaware Blue Hen and the college teams are nicknamed "Fightin' Blue Hens". Today, the University of Delaware's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources maintains the largest known breeding flock of the Blue Hen Chicken. Their flock originated when they received six pairs from Hallock DuPont, in the 1960's because the bird was their mascot. The University also added other game breeds and Blue Andalusian blood to the flock to recreate the original birds as closely as possible. There are still some traditional bloodlines of the Blue Hen owned by Delaware natives.

The Delaware Blue Hen was named the state bird of Delaware in 1939.


Details:

Breed purpose: Ornamental
Comb Type: Single
Broodiness: Occasional
Climate Tolerance: Average
Weight: Roosters 5 lbs, Hens 4 lbs.
Egg Productivity: Fair
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Color: Tinted




Delaware Blue Hen, Hen @Bec


Delaware Blue Hen, Splash Chick @Bec


Delaware Blue Hen, Cockerel @Bec


Delaware Blue Hen, Cockerel @SunnyChic


Delaware Blue Hen, Splash Cockerel @Bec


Delaware Blue Hen, Flock @Bec


University of Delaware mascot, YoUDee


BYC Breed reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/blue-hen-of-delaware

General breed discussions & FAQ thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/260603/new-pics-of-my-delaware-blue-hen-roosters/0_20


Do you own Blue Hen of Delaware? Are you a Blue Hen of Delaware breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/

Wow, there's just something about blue and splash birds that I love. These are gorgeous!

Where can I purchase Delaware blues? What hatchery or breeders ?

I love these 'blue' breeds!

I am a University of Delaware graduate and have always wanted to breed Delaware Blue Hens. I would love to get some to help continue the breed. If anyone knows of any breeders, please contact me. Go Blue Hens!!

Do u thand no this is a blue one as trying to work out what breed they both are she is on right

Sorry productive txt I was ment to say do you think this is a blue ?

grrrr predictive

Here are some of my BHD birds....

I'm looking for this breed too!