Sapphire Gem or Olive Egger, which one should you add?

These two get compared because both are popular newer additions to backyard flocks, but they are very different birds. The Sapphire Gem is a hybrid known for soft blue-gray feathers and good laying of brown eggs. The Olive Egger is a cross bred for its olive green eggs, and its looks vary a lot.

By goal

• Eggs. If you want lots of eggs, Sapphire Gems are known as strong layers. If you want unusual egg color, Olive Eggers win.
• Egg color. Sapphire Gems lay light to medium brown eggs. Olive Eggers lay olive or green.
• Temperament. Sapphire Gems are often described as calm and friendly. Olive Eggers depend on their parents and can range from mellow to flighty.
• Kids. Sapphire Gems are a safer bet for a predictable, calm bird.
• Climate. Both are generally hardy. Olive Eggers from a pea comb parent may hold up better in cold.
• Meat. Neither is a meat bird.
• Noise. Both are moderate.

Living together

They mix easily. Neither is known for bullying, and they look nothing alike, so telling them apart is simple. Together they give you a carton with brown and olive eggs. Add a blue and a white layer and you have a full rainbow.

What usually decides it

Numbers or novelty. This is the main question. If your goal is a full egg basket, Sapphire Gems are the practical pick. If you want a conversation piece in the carton, go Olive Egger.

Space and feed. Both are medium-size birds that fit a normal backyard coop. Plan the usual 4 square feet inside per hen and give each a balanced layer feed with oyster shell on the side.

Predictability. Sapphire Gems are fairly uniform in looks and behavior. Olive Eggers are a mix, and you may not know the exact egg shade until they start laying.

Hatching plans. Neither breeds true. Hatching eggs from either will not give you the same bird again. To get more Olive Eggers, you cross a blue egg layer with a dark brown layer. The olive egg guide explains how.

Common questions about Sapphire Gems vs Olive Eggers

What color eggs does a Sapphire Gem lay?

Brown eggs, usually light to medium. The blue in the name refers to the feathers, not the eggs.

Do Olive Eggers lay every day?

Many lay well, but output depends on the parent breeds. Expect a good but not exceptional layer.

Are Sapphire Gems good for beginners?

Yes. They are generally calm, hardy and good layers, which suits a first flock.