Hello, budding chicken enthusiasts! Welcome to another fun and educational blog post where we take you through the enchanting world of backyard chicken keeping. Today, we’ll dive head-first into the captivating world of Lavender chickens. This breed, with its unique coloring and affable nature, is a fan-favorite among both experienced poultry keepers and greenhorns alike.
If you’re starting your backyard chicken journey or contemplating adding a new feathered friend to your existing flock, this post is for you! Let’s explore the charm and quirks of Lavender chickens, shall we?
The Lavender Chicken: An Overview
The Lavender chicken, often referred to as the “self-blue” breed, stands out in the crowd with its silvery, pastel-blue plumage. Their alluring lavender-grey feathering creates a monochromatic masterpiece that’s hard to miss. They trace their lineage back to English Orpingtons and are renowned for their docility, impressive size, and prolific egg-laying abilities.
Why Choose Lavender Chickens?
Here’s why Lavender chickens could make an excellent addition to your flock:
1. Aesthetics:
First and foremost, the Lavender chicken’s striking color palette is undeniably irresistible. The soft, blue-grey hue of their plumage catches the eye and adds a touch of elegance to your backyard.
2. Good Egg Layers:
Lavender chickens are not just all looks—they are prolific egg layers, too. Expect approximately 200 to 280 large, brown eggs per year from a healthy hen.
3. Excellent Pet Qualities:
Lavender chickens are famed for their docility. They’re friendly, easy to handle, and great with kids, making them an ideal choice for families.
4. Robust and Hardy:
Despite their delicate appearance, Lavender chickens are hardy creatures that cope well in various climates, making them suitable for many geographical locations.
ALSO SEE: Dragon Chicken Breeds
Caring for Your Lavender Chickens
Housing:
Lavender chickens are hefty birds, meaning they need spacious accommodations. A coop with ample space, around 4 square feet per bird, will ensure they’re comfortable. They’re not frequent fliers, so a secure run with plenty of room to scratch and peck will keep them content.
Feeding:
Like any chicken breed, Lavender chickens require a balanced diet. Start chicks on a good quality chick starter, then graduate to layer feed when they’re of laying age. Also, provide access to grit for digestion and oyster shell for calcium.
Health:
Lavender chickens are generally healthy birds, but, like all poultry, they can be susceptible to parasites like mites, lice, and worms. Regular health checks, clean housing, and a varied diet will keep them in peak condition.
The Quirks of Lavender Chickens
Every chicken breed has its idiosyncrasies, and Lavenders are no different. Their unique genetic makeup can result in chick colors ranging from near-black to light lavender. As they mature, their true color emerges, resulting in a beautiful, even-toned adult bird. It’s like watching a painting come to life!
Lavender Chickens: FAQS
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Do Lavender chickens make good pets?
Yes, Lavender chickens are known for their docile nature, making them great pets, especially for families with children.
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How many eggs do Lavender chickens lay?
A healthy Lavender hen can lay approximately 200 to 280 large, brown eggs per year.
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Are Lavender chickens hardy?
Yes, Lavender chickens are robust and can adapt to a variety of climates.
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What should I feed my Lavender chicken?
Start chicks on a high-quality chick starter, then switch to a layer feed once they reach laying age.
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How much space do Lavender chickens need?
Considering their size, aim for at least 4 square feet of coop space per bird.
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Can Lavender chickens fly?
While they can fly short distances, they’re not known to be high fliers.
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What color are Lavender chickens as chicks?
Lavender chicks can range from near-black to light lavender. As they mature, their true lavender color emerges.
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What is the lifespan of a Lavender chicken?
With proper care, Lavender chickens can live between 5 to 7 years, sometimes even longer.
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Are Lavender chickens noisy?
No, Lavender chickens are not particularly noisy, especially compared to some other breeds.
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What other chicken breeds get along with Lavender chickens?
Lavender chickens are docile and can get along well with many other chicken breeds.
And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to the lavender chicken breed. I hope this post has helped illuminate the intriguing world of these magnificent birds. Remember, every flock addition is a unique experience, bursting with opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep clucking along!
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Do Lavender chickens need a roost?
Yes, like all chickens, Lavenders enjoy roosting. It’s beneficial to their health and provides a sense of security. Ensure the roost is designed to accommodate their size.
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How do I know if my Lavender chicken is healthy?
Healthy chickens are active and have bright eyes, smooth feathers, and a good appetite. Watch for any changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance.
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What common health issues do Lavender chickens face?
Lavender chickens are generally robust. However, they can still face common poultry health issues like parasites (mites, lice, worms) and respiratory illnesses.
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Can Lavender chickens tolerate cold?
Yes, Lavender chickens are hardy birds that can tolerate cold climates well. Just ensure they have a dry and draft-free coop.
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How often should I clean my Lavender chicken’s coop?
It’s best to clean the coop at least once a week to maintain hygiene and keep parasites at bay.
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Do Lavender chickens require a dust bath?
Yes, dust baths are essential for all chicken breeds, including Lavenders. They help chickens maintain feather health and control external parasites.
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When do Lavender chickens start laying eggs?
Lavender hens typically start laying eggs around 5-7 months of age, though it can vary depending on individual health and environmental factors.
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Can I mix Lavender chickens with my existing flock?
Yes, Lavender chickens are docile and usually integrate well into an existing flock. Just be sure to follow standard introduction procedures to ensure a smooth transition.
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Can Lavender chickens be kept in urban settings?
Yes, their docile nature and reasonable size make them suitable for urban backyards, as long as local regulations allow for it.
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What’s the best way to source Lavender chickens?
You can buy Lavender chickens from reputable breeders, poultry farms, or hatcheries. Always choose a reliable source to ensure the health and genetic quality of your birds.
Remember, keeping chickens is an enriching and enjoyable experience. If you do your research and prepare adequately, your Lavender chickens will thrive, and your backyard poultry venture will be a booming success!