Overview
The Isbar chicken, also known as the Silverudd Blue, was developed in Sweden. Its creation aimed to produce an auto-sexing layer capable of producing blue or green-colored eggs. The breeder responsible for its development worked with several different breeds to achieve the desired traits, focusing on egg color, feather color, and the auto-sexing characteristic. The breed is notable for being one of the few auto-sexing blue/green egg layers.
Today, the Isbar is recognized for its unique egg color and its practical auto-sexing trait, which allows for distinguishing male and female chicks at hatch. While it may not be as widespread globally as some commercial layers, it holds a place among enthusiasts and small-scale farmers interested in heritage breeds and colored egg production. Its population is generally stable within its niche, valued for its dual-purpose capabilities and distinct appearance.
Origins
Tracing back to Sweden, the Isbar (Silverudd Blue) earned its place in the lineage of chickens through generations of selection — a slow conversation between climate, husbandry, and human eye. Auto-sexing Swedish breed laying green eggs.
Temperament
Custodians describe the Isbar (Silverudd Blue) as known for a docile nature and calm demeanor, making it suitable for backyard flocks..
Conservation
Current status: Not formally tracked, but generally stable among enthusiasts. · rarity tier Rare. Working populations remain in the hands of a small global network — 0+ of them keep programmes on Best of Breed alone.
Isbar (Silverudd Blue), in photographs.
A living plate — community submissions and high-resolution photographs from Wikimedia Commons, sorted by clarity.