What are Cream Legbar Chickens? – It’s History, Traits, and More

Imagine a backyard chicken with a crown of feathers, a friendly personality, and, best of all, the ability to lay beautiful sky-blue eggs. Meet the Cream Legbar—a breed that’s as charming as it is practical. If you’ve ever thought of adding a little flair to your flock, the Cream Legbar might just be the chicken you didn’t know you needed.

My own journey with these delightful birds began with a bit of backyard curiosity and a love for colorful eggs. I remember seeing a Cream Legbar for the first time and thinking, “Could a chicken actually have such a stylish crest?” It wasn’t long before I had a few of them strutting around my backyard, leaving me smitten with their gentle clucks and bold personalities.

Now, I can’t imagine my flock without them! Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Cream Legbars have a fascinating history, unique traits, and a reputation for being low-maintenance. They’re ideal for both beginners and seasoned chicken keepers alike.

In this post, we’ll dive into their history, explore their traits, and share a few tips on how to care for these incredible birds. Get ready to fall in love with the Cream Legbar!

Table of Content

1. What are Cream Legbar Chickens?
2. The Origins and History of the Cream Legbar Chicken
3. Facts About Cream Legbar Chicken
4. Unique Characteristics of the Cream Legbar Chicken
- 4.1 Appearance
- 4.2 Size and Weight
- 4.3 Temperament
- 4.4 Egg Colors and Production
- 4.5 Broodiness
- 4.6 Cold and Heat Tolerance
- 4.7 Foods
- 4.8 Lifespan
- 4.9 Breeding and Raising
- 4.10 Social Behavior
5. Quick Breakdown of Cream Legbar Chicken
6. My Personal Experience on Cream Legbar Chicken
7. Caring for Your Cream Legbar Chicken
8. Frequently Asked Questions on Cream Legbar Chicken
9. Closing Thoughts

1. What are Cream Legbar Chickens?

Cream Legbar chickens are a standout breed, easily recognized by their cream-colored feathers and cute little crests. But beyond their looks, they’re famous for laying stunning blue eggs—an instant favorite for chicken keepers who love a pop of color in the egg basket!

These birds are not only beautiful but also friendly and curious. Cream Legbars enjoy foraging, exploring, and generally being social, making them great for families and beginners alike. They’re hardy and relatively low-maintenance, which is always a plus.

So, if you’re after a chicken that combines looks, personality, and practicality, the Cream Legbar checks all the boxes.

2. The Origins and History of the Cream Legbar Chicken

The Cream Legbar’s story begins in the early 20th century at the University of Cambridge. British scientists Reginald Crundall Punnett and Michael Pease were focused on developing a chicken breed that could be easily sexed at birth. They wanted to create a bird that was not only beautiful but also practical for egg production.

The breeding process involved crossing Barred Plymouth Rocks, Brown Leghorns, and Araucanas. Araucanas were especially notable because they contributed to the Cream Legbar’s ability to lay those distinctive blue eggs. By carefully selecting and refining these traits, Punnett and Pease eventually created the Cream Legbar, a bird that was both autosexing (meaning males and females could be distinguished at birth) and prolific in laying colorful eggs.

Despite its practical benefits, the Cream Legbar remained relatively unknown for years. However, the modern backyard chicken-keeping movement has brought it back into the spotlight. People love them not only for their striking looks and blue eggs but also for their unique history and contributions to poultry breeding.

3. Facts About Cream Legbar Chicken

Fact 1: Blue Eggs Galore: Cream Legbars are one of the few breeds that lay beautiful blue eggs, thanks to their Araucana heritage. Their eggs can range from light blue to a pale greenish-blue—a real treat in any egg basket!

Fact 2: Autosexing Breed: One of the coolest things about Cream Legbars is that they’re autosexing. This means you can tell males and females apart at hatch by their feather patterns. For anyone raising chickens, this makes managing a flock much easier.

Fact 3: Friendly and Curious: Known for their sociable and gentle nature, Cream Legbars are a joy to have around. They’re curious foragers and friendly, which makes them great for families and beginner chicken keepers alike.

4. Unique Characteristics of the Cream Legbar Chicken

The Cream Legbar chicken is a breed packed with charm and practical features. From their distinctive looks to their friendly personalities, let’s explore what makes these chickens so unique.

4.1 Appearance

Cream Legbars are known for their soft cream-colored feathers, often with hints of gray, and a unique feather crest atop their heads. This charming crest gives them a distinctive look that sets them apart from other breeds and adds a touch of elegance to any flock.

4.2 Size and Weight

As a medium-sized breed, Cream Legbar hens typically weigh around 5-6 pounds, while roosters can weigh up to 7-8 pounds. Their size makes them easy to handle and well-suited to various backyard setups.

Weight Comparison of Cream Legbars Hens and Roosters

4.3 Temperament

Cream Legbars have a friendly, curious temperament. They enjoy foraging and exploring their surroundings and are generally sociable with people. This makes them great for families and beginner chicken keepers who want a friendly and interactive breed.

4.4 Egg Colors and Production

One of the most beloved traits of the Cream Legbar is its egg color. Thanks to their Araucana lineage, they lay beautiful blue eggs in shades ranging from pastel blue to light green. Cream Legbars are reliable layers, producing around 180-200 eggs per year.

4.5 Broodiness

Unlike some other breeds, Cream Legbars aren’t particularly prone to broodiness. This can be a plus for those focused on egg production, as they tend to keep laying steadily without lengthy breaks to hatch eggs.

4.6 Cold and Heat Tolerance

Cream Legbars are relatively hardy and can handle both cold and warm climates. However, they do appreciate shelter in extreme temperatures—shade and water in the summer, and a cozy coop during the winter months.

How to Provide comfert to cream legbars in extreme temperatures

4.7 Foods

These chickens enjoy a varied diet. Cream Legbars are excellent foragers and will happily hunt for insects, seeds, and other treats in the yard. For balanced nutrition, they thrive on a quality layer feed and access to fresh greens and veggies.

Explore: All About Chickens Feed

4.8 Lifespan

Cream Legbars generally have a lifespan of around 5 to 8 years, depending on their care and environment. With proper nutrition, a clean living space, and regular health check-ups, these chickens can enjoy a long, healthy life, making them a lasting and delightful part of any backyard flock.

Read More: How Long Do Chickens Live?

4.9 Breeding and Raising

Breeding Cream Legbars is made easier by their autosexing trait, meaning you can distinguish males from females at birth based on feather patterns. They’re a low-maintenance breed, which makes raising chicks straightforward for those interested in expanding their flock.

Cream Legbars are social birds that do well in groups and even with other chicken breeds. They’re friendly and not overly aggressive, making them a peaceful addition to mixed flocks. Their sociable nature also makes them easy to tame, so they’ll quickly become a cherished part of your backyard family.

5. Quick Breakdown of Cream Legbar Chicken

The Cream Legbar is a versatile and practical breed known for its unique characteristics. Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this chicken so special:

Characteristic	Details
Alternative name	Crested Cream Legbar
Category	Pet & eggs
Origin	England
Egg-laying ability	Good, 180-200 Per Year
Size	Medium
Weight	5-6 lbs (hens), 7-8 lbs (roosters)
Broodiness	Moderate
Meat production	Poor
Cold tolerance	Poor-good (depends on comb size)
Heat tolerance	Moderate-good
Predator evasion	Good
Foraging ability	Good-exceptional
Toleration for confinement	Moderate-good
Temperament	Friendly
Lifespan	5-8 Years
Aggression toward flock members	Low
Noise level	Moderate

6. My Personal Experience on Cream Legbar Chicken

My first experience with Cream Legbar chickens was pure excitement. I’d always wanted blue eggs, and Cream Legbars didn’t disappoint! Watching them strut around the yard with their adorable crests and friendly personalities instantly made them flock favorites.

These chickens were quick to adapt, exploring every corner of the yard and even coming over for treats. They’re so easygoing; it’s like having curious little companions who are just as interested in you as you are in them. The eggs are a stunning bonus, but their personality truly makes Cream Legbars a joy to raise.

7. Caring for Your Cream Legbar Chicken

Diet and Nutrition: Provide a high-quality layer feed, supplemented with fresh greens and occasional treats. Cream Legbars are great foragers, so let them roam to hunt for insects and seeds when possible.
Shelter and Space: Cream Legbars need a cozy, predator-proof coop with ample space to move. Aim for at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run.
Water Needs: Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. They drink more in warmer weather, so keep an extra eye on their hydration during hot months.
Temperature Tolerance: Cream Legbars can adapt to various climates but need shelter from extreme temperatures. Provide shade and cool water in summer, and add bedding for warmth in winter.
Health Checks: Regularly check for common chicken ailments, such as mites or lice. Keep their living space clean to reduce the risk of disease, and schedule vet visits if needed.
Social Interaction: These birds thrive with attention! Spend time with them daily to keep them social and happy. They’re friendly and respond well to gentle handling.
Predator Protection: Make sure their coop is secure and free from gaps where predators could enter. Use hardware cloth around the run and lock them in at night for added protection.
Enrichment: Cream Legbars are curious and active, so they’ll benefit from toys, perches, and scratching areas. This keeps them stimulated and helps prevent boredom.

8. Frequently Asked Questions on Cream Legbar Chicken

Can Cream Legbars Be Raised with Other Breeds?

Yes, Cream Legbars are friendly and generally get along well with other breeds. Just ensure enough space for everyone, as they enjoy exploring and foraging.

Do All Cream Legbars Lay Blue Eggs?

Most Cream Legbars lay blue eggs, but there can be slight color variations due to genetics. Occasionally, they may lay eggs with a greenish tint.

How Many Eggs Do Cream Legbars Lay a Year?

Cream Legbars are good layers, typically producing between 180 to 200 eggs per year.

Are Cream Legbar Chickens Friendly?

Absolutely! Cream Legbars are known for their friendly, curious nature, making them ideal for families and chicken keepers who enjoy interacting with their flock.

Is the Cream Legbar Male or Female?

The Cream Legbar breed includes both male (rooster) and female (hen) birds. One of the unique aspects is that they are autosexing, so you can tell the difference at hatch based on feather patterns.

Do Cream Legbars Lay Green Eggs?

While most Cream Legbars lay blue eggs, some hens might produce eggs with a light green hue. This is a rare but possible variation due to their Araucana ancestry.

What Chickens Lay White Eggs?

White Leghorns are the most well-known white egg layers, but other breeds like Anconas and Hamburgs also lay white eggs.

How Do You Identify a Pure Cream Legbar?

Pure Cream Legbars will have a distinct feather crest and autosexing traits, where males and females have different feather patterns. Additionally, they should have cream or gray feathers and lay blue eggs.

9. Closing Thoughts

Cream Legbars truly bring something special to any flock. With their unique crests, striking looks, and charming personalities, these chickens are more than just egg layers—they’re delightful companions. The beautiful blue eggs they produce add a bit of magic to daily life, making every egg collection feel like a treasure hunt.

For anyone considering Cream Legbars, they’re a fantastic choice, combining low maintenance with friendly, curious behavior. They’re easy to care for and fit well into diverse environments. If you’re looking to add color, character, and a touch of elegance to your backyard, Cream Legbars will fit the bill beautifully!

Related Posts: