Poultry Profile: Iowa Blue

Very little is known about the origins of this breed, though a folk tale has its lineage beginning with a Leghorn that was believed to have gone broody while under a building, emerging with chicks like none seen before. Some of the chicks were colored basic chestnut while others appeared uniquely pheasant-like with remarkable color patterns.

Despite being called “blue,” the Iowa Blue breed does not exhibit true blue feathering. Head, neck and breasts are white or silvery white, with a thin black stripe down the middle, which transitions to white-laced black feathers. The remaining plumage is bluish-black or gray with penciling. Some variation exists between males and females in the back and saddle feathers. Its comb is red, single and upright with six defined points. Its medium to large earlobes and wattle are red, too. Shanks and toes are slate.

MATURE MALES weigh 7 pounds.

MATURE HENS weigh 6 pounds.

THE IOWA BLUE IS LISTED IN THE STUDY CATEGORY OF THE AMERICAN LIVESTOCK BREEDS CONSERVANCY’S CONSERVATION PRIORITY LIST.

The Iowa Blue is extremely rare and can be difficult to find; however, it makes a great addition to backyard and barnyard flock.