Crested Cream Legbars: A Complete Guide

Are you looking for a chicken breed that’s both beautiful and productive? Look no further than the Crested Cream Legbar! These stunning birds are known for their striking appearance, friendly personalities, and, most notably, their ability to lay blue eggs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into everything you need to know about raising Crested Cream Legbars, from their origins and characteristics to their care and benefits. We'll answer the question, "Are Crested Cream Legbars right for your flock?"

What are Crested Cream Legbars?

Crested Cream Legbars are a rare breed, originating from the United Kingdom in the 1930s. Bred specifically for auto-sexing capabilities and egg color, they quickly became a favorite among poultry enthusiasts. Their unique appearance, characterized by a prominent crest of feathers, a single comb, and a creamy-buff plumage, sets them apart from other breeds. But what truly makes them special is their ability to lay beautiful blue eggs – a trait that adds both visual appeal and a unique selling point for small-scale egg producers. In our experience, the joy of collecting these pastel-colored eggs is a daily highlight. — Black Pugs For Sale: Find Your Perfect Companion

The Origins and History of Crested Cream Legbars

The creation of the Crested Cream Legbar is a fascinating story of breed improvement. These chickens were developed by Michael Pease and J.M. Watson at the Cambridge University. They crossed various breeds, including the Gold and Silver Legbars, to achieve their desired traits. The primary goal was to create an auto-sexing breed, which means you can identify the sex of chicks at hatch based on their plumage. This, combined with their striking appearance and blue egg production, made them a hit among poultry keepers. This is how the Crested Cream Legbar came to be, according to the British Poultry Standards.

Physical Characteristics of Crested Cream Legbars

Crested Cream Legbars are truly eye-catching chickens. Here are some of their key physical characteristics:

• Crest: A prominent crest of feathers on the head, adding to their distinctive look.
• Plumage: Creamy-buff plumage with varying shades, providing excellent camouflage in a backyard setting.
• Comb: A single, medium-sized comb.
• Legs: Slate-blue legs.
• Size: Medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 6 pounds and roosters up to 7.5 pounds.

Why Choose Crested Cream Legbars?

Choosing the right chicken breed involves considering several factors, from egg production to temperament. Crested Cream Legbars excel in many of these areas, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced poultry keepers. These are the aspects that make Crested Cream Legbars an excellent addition to any flock. — Minnesota Vikings Head Coach: Who Will Lead?

Egg Laying Capabilities and Productivity

One of the primary reasons people choose Crested Cream Legbars is their impressive egg-laying ability. Hens can lay around 200 light blue eggs per year. This makes them a very productive breed, especially when compared to heritage breeds. The color of their eggs also adds a unique touch to your egg basket, appealing to customers at farmers' markets or simply delighting you and your family.

Temperament and Personality of Crested Cream Legbars

Crested Cream Legbars are known for their friendly and docile personalities. They are generally easy to handle and get along well with other breeds. Their calm temperament makes them a good choice for families with children. However, individual personalities can vary. Regular interaction and positive reinforcement will help to ensure your birds are comfortable and socialized.

Advantages of Auto-Sexing

Crested Cream Legbars are auto-sexing, which means you can tell the sex of the chicks shortly after hatching by the color of their down. This is an immense advantage for those looking to avoid the hassle of unwanted roosters or to manage their flock's gender ratio. This auto-sexing ability is a significant benefit, according to the Poultry Keeper's Handbook.

Caring for Your Crested Cream Legbars

Proper care is essential for the health and productivity of your Crested Cream Legbars. This includes providing a suitable coop, nutritious feed, and regular health checks. This section covers the specifics of Crested Cream Legbar care.

Housing Requirements: Coop and Run Design

Crested Cream Legbars are relatively adaptable birds, but they do require a secure and comfortable living space. Here are some key considerations for housing:

• Coop Size: Provide at least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
• Run Space: Offer a minimum of 8 square feet per bird in the outdoor run. More space is always better.
• Security: Ensure the coop and run are predator-proof, using sturdy materials and secure locks.
• Ventilation: Good ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues. Make sure the coop has proper airflow without drafts.
• Nesting Boxes: Provide one nesting box for every 3-4 hens.

Diet and Nutrition for Crested Cream Legbars

A balanced diet is vital for the health and egg production of your Crested Cream Legbars. Consider these factors: — Gray, Maine Weather: Forecast & Current Conditions

• Starter Feed: Feed chicks a high-protein starter feed (20-24%) for the first six weeks.
• Grower Feed: Transition to a grower feed (16-18% protein) from six weeks to laying age (around 18-20 weeks).
• Layer Feed: Once the hens start laying, switch to a layer feed (16-18% protein) with added calcium to support eggshell formation.
• Supplements: Offer grit to aid digestion and oyster shells to supplement calcium.
• Treats: Provide occasional treats like vegetables, fruits, and mealworms in moderation.

Health and Common Diseases Affecting Crested Cream Legbars

Like all chicken breeds, Crested Cream Legbars are susceptible to certain health issues. Regular monitoring and preventative measures can keep your flock healthy. Here are some common concerns:

• Parasites: Regularly check for mites and lice. Dusting with appropriate products can help prevent infestations.
• Respiratory Issues: Proper ventilation and clean living conditions are key to preventing respiratory diseases.
• Coccidiosis: This can affect young chicks, so ensure good sanitation and consider a coccidiosis preventative in their feed.
• Egg Binding: This can occur in hens, especially those laying large eggs. Ensuring proper calcium intake and good overall health can help prevent this.

Breeding Crested Cream Legbars

Breeding Crested Cream Legbars can be a rewarding experience for those interested in breed preservation or expanding their flock. However, it requires careful planning and attention to detail. This segment breaks down the process of breeding these chickens.

Selecting Breeding Stock

• Health: Choose healthy, vigorous birds with good conformation and breed characteristics.
• Conformation: Select birds that meet the breed standard, with correct crest size and color.
• Temperament: Select birds with a good temperament to improve the overall flock dynamics.

Breeding Techniques and Best Practices

• Ratio: Maintain a ratio of one rooster to 8-10 hens for optimal fertility.
• Incubation: Incubate fertile eggs at 99.5°F (37.5°C) with 55-60% humidity.
• Hatching: Reduce humidity to 65-70% for the last three days of incubation.

Challenges in Breeding Crested Cream Legbars

• Maintaining Breed Standards: Preserving the unique traits of Crested Cream Legbars can be challenging. It requires careful selection of breeding stock.
• Fertility Issues: Fertility problems can sometimes occur. Good management and healthy birds are critical.
• Auto-Sexing Accuracy: While the breed is auto-sexing, occasionally, there can be errors in chick sexing. Experienced breeders can help minimize these errors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crested Cream Legbars

Here are some frequently asked questions about this breed.

• Are Crested Cream Legbars noisy? No, Crested Cream Legbars are generally considered to be a quieter breed compared to some other chicken breeds.
• Do Crested Cream Legbars get along with other chickens? Yes, they typically get along well with other breeds. However, always supervise introductions and provide enough space.
• How cold can Crested Cream Legbars tolerate? Crested Cream Legbars are quite cold-hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, provided they have a draft-free coop.
• How many eggs do Crested Cream Legbars lay per year? Crested Cream Legbars can lay around 200 light blue eggs per year.
• Do Crested Cream Legbars need special care? They require the same basic care as other breeds, including a secure coop, proper nutrition, and regular health checks.
• Are Crested Cream Legbars good for beginners? Yes, their friendly temperament and moderate egg-laying capabilities make them a good choice for beginners.
• What makes Crested Cream Legbars auto-sexing? The color pattern of the chicks at hatching makes it easy to differentiate between males and females, making them auto-sexing.

Conclusion: Is the Crested Cream Legbar Right for You?

Crested Cream Legbars are a wonderful choice for anyone looking to raise chickens. Their unique appearance, friendly temperament, and the bonus of beautiful blue eggs make them a delightful addition to any backyard flock. By understanding their needs, from coop design to dietary requirements, you can ensure that these remarkable birds thrive. Based on our experience, proper care and attention will bring joy and plenty of colorful eggs for years to come. Consider adding Crested Cream Legbars to your flock and experience the unique charm and benefits of these beautiful birds!