Blue Hen is a variety of chicken that is known for its blue feathers. It is the state bird of Delaware.
The history of the Blue Hen goes back to the American Revolution (1775-1783). Captain Jonathan Caldwell led a company of Delaware soldiers who became known for their bravery. They were called the “Blue Hen’s Chickens.” According to one tradition, the company was named after Caldwell’s prized gamecocks (fighting roosters). These gamecocks had blue feathers.
The Blue Hen is a medium-sized chicken that lays white to buff eggs. Only about half of the chicks from Blue Hen parents have blue feathers.
