Iowa blue pullet is a new chicken breed for small and backyard-scale egg producers. They were developed by the University of Iowa and released in 2002 to satisfy a growing need for a lower-cost egg production system with fewer day-to-day chores.
The Iowa blue pullet was derived from the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Red, White Leghorn, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Golden Campines, and Wyandotte breeds of chicken. These birds carry the Blue Cochin gene that has been passed on through selective breeding.
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What is Iowa blue pullet?
Iowa blue pullet is a type of white-feathered chicken that was established in the year 1904. Iowa Blue pullets are viewed as an excellent dual-purpose bird, as they produce both eggs and meat. They generally take about eleven weeks to reach maturity and will continue laying eggs until about twenty-five months of age.
Although they are primarily kept for their meat, Iowa blue pullet hens also lay some white shelled eggs on occasion, which can make them more expensive than other commercial layers. However, a white shelled egg is not desirable and the pullets are not kept for their egg-laying potential; they are primarily slaughtered at twenty-five or thirty weeks.
How to identify Iowa blue pullet?
Iowa blue pullet is a medium-sized chicken with bright plumage and a largely white, single comb. The plumage of the Iowa blue pullet may vary from slate gray to light brown. They are distinguished from other breeds in that the bone color is light. Their legs are yellow and they have black eyes and a dark brown beak. The Iowa blue pullets can attain weights between five to six pounds.
Where did Iowa blue pullet come from?
The Iowa blue pullet was developed in the state of Iowa in 1904. They were first classified as an exhibition breed, but this is no longer the case. Instead, these birds are now raised for their meat production potential. They were the first breed of chicken developed in this state and they eventually spread throughout the United States.
Where did they find it?
In their native Iowa blue pullet are in high demand, but they are also commonly found in Texas, California, and Washington. Iowa blue pullet hens can be found for sale through hatcheries. They range from $2.50 to roughly $4 per pullet depending on the costs of shipping and handling. The cost of feeding them is inexpensive as hen starter feed can be purchased for about two dollars per 50-pound bag.
Iowa blue pullet for human consumption?
Iowa blue pullets are bred for their meat and that is where they are most commonly used. They are not selected for their egg production potential and their eggs are not in high demand. If you do have any Iowa blue pullet hens that lay white eggs, it is best to consume these eggs as soon as possible because they will become contaminated rather quickly making them unusable.
The lifestyle of Iowa blue pullet?
Iowa blue pullets are raised for their meat production potential, not as egg layers. This is one of the main reasons why they make a good dual-purpose bird. They will continue to lay eggs until about twenty-five months of age, but Iowa blue pullet hens don’t lay as many eggs as a layer breed does because they are primarily kept for their meat and are slaughtered at a young age.
They do rear rather quickly which further adds to their ability to produce at an early age. Hens can start laying eggs at about four months of age, whereas a layer will not lay eggs until about seven months of age.
Accommodation
Iowa blue pullet should be kept in a coop that can accommodate lots of them. Some people will group them in large coops where they share everything including the feed and water, while others prefer to keep them separated from their distinct area.
They are not social birds and will become broodies if they are not provided with enough space. It is recommended that you house at least six Iowa blue pullets together so that they can have adequate room to move around and remain comfortable.
Best 8 information of Iowa blue pullet
1. They are known as exhibition breeds and are never crossed with other breeds.
2. These birds were developed in the state of Iowa and were first classified as an exhibition breed, but this is no longer the case. Instead, these birds are now raised for their meat production potential.
3. Iowa blue pullet is a medium-sized chicken with bright plumage and a largely white, single comb.
4. They are distinguished from other breeds in that the bone color is light.
5. Their legs are yellow and they have black eyes and a dark brown beak.
6. The Iowa blue can attain weights between five to six pounds.
7. It will continue to lay eggs until about twenty-five months of age, but Iowa blue pullet hens don’t lay as many eggs as a layer breed does because they are primarily kept for their meat and are slaughtered at a young age.
8. At four months of age, a layer will not lay eggs until about seven months of age.
Conclusion:
the Iowa blue pullet is a dual-purpose chicken that is famous for its meat production potential. they are usually slaughtered at twenty-five months of age, but they will continue to lay eggs until about twenty-five months of age. It is medium-sized chicken with bright plumage and largely white, single comb. In the year 1904, the first breeding pair was established in the state of Iowa by a man named C.R.
