13 Interesting Facts About Delaware Blue Hen

The Delaware Blue Hen is known as a blue strain of the American gamecock. It was introduced as the state bird of Delaware on April 14, 1939. It comes under one of three US state birds that do not belong or are native to the United States.

Delaware Blue Hen History

The Blue Hen’s connection to Delaware’s history is rooted in the Revolutionary War. Soldiers from Delaware were known for their bravery and tenacity, and their fighting spirit was often compared to that of the Blue Hen. The Blue Hen’s reputation as a fighter soon became a symbol of the state’s resilience and determination.

Why and When Did Delaware Choose the Blue Hen as Their State Bird?

Delaware officially designated the Blue Hen Chicken as its state bird in 1939, recognizing its historical significance during the Revolutionary War and its fighting prowess. The breed’s popularity in cockfighting and its role in Delaware’s history and culture made it a symbol of courage and resilience among soldiers.

13 Interesting Facts About Delaware Blue Hen

1. The Blue Hen Species

The Blue Hen does not belong to the chicken family and is not a chicken breed.

   2. The History of Fighting Blue Hens

In 1775, a company from the Delaware River area was called ‘Fighting Blue Hens’. The members were instructed by Jonathan Caldwell and he was the one who raised gamecocks. He often used to say there was no cock as fierce as his blue hens. Later, his company adopted the name “fighting blue hens.” Soon the group was also acknowledged as the Fighting Delawares, Caldwell’s gamecocks, or Sons of the Blue Hen. They brought game chickens with them that were called the brood of a famous Blue Hen. Blue hens were famous for their fighting skills and abilities.

  3. Why is Delaware’s Mascot the Blue Hen?

Surprisingly, the University of Delaware sports teams are nicknamed the Blue Hens, and their mascot, YouDee, obtains from the bird. Hence, the fighting blue hen is also recognized as the mascot of the University of Delaware.

 4. Interesting Blue Hen Facts

   Hallock DuPont provided 12 birds to the University in the 1960s and they kept a small flock at its College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

 5. Cross-Breed

These birds have been cross-bred with the Blue Andalusian breed that is from Spain. Blue hens obtained many of their characteristics.

6. The State Bird of Delaware

The Delaware blue hen chicken was announced as the Delaware state bird in 1939, by defeating the scarlet cardinal which was its competition and was suggested by the Women’s Clubs of Delaware. The scarlet cardinal is already holding the title of state bird in seven other states. So they picked a blue hen.

7. Resemblance & Characteristics

These birds look like the Mediterranean and no longer resemble the real fighting breeds. With its striking appearance, the Blue Hen boasts blue plumage, red wattles, and a proud, confident stance. These birds are known for their bold personalities, displaying a fierce and protective nature, especially when it comes to their offspring.

8. How Does the Delaware Blue Hen Look?

Blue hens are small, smooth wattles, thin and earlobes. These birds have reddish eyes, a yellow beak, and willow shanks and toes. The blue hen has blue chest feathers and tail feathers.

The male and female hens have blue-gray feathers, with the male’s feathers typically being darker. They also have a white chest and belly. Their distinctive appearance is appreciated for its beauty.

 9. Civil War and Blue Hen

During the Civil War, this blue hen chicken was the name of Kent County militia and also known as the Blue Hen’s Chickens.

10.  Blue Hen Chicken Eggs

The blue hen chickens from Delaware lay brown eggs. Because these chickens were bred for cockfighting earlier, they are playful and flighty.

 11. CockFighting in Delaware

The Delaware blue hen chickens have been well-known as fierce fighters, but cockfighting is strictly prohibited in Delaware today. Also, know the weird laws in Delaware that still exist. 

  12. What Do Delaware Blue Hens Eat?

They prey on small insects, worms, seeds, and berries. Their favorite foods include caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. They use their strong beaks in the wild and dense vegetation to find food.

  13. Are Delaware Blue Hens Endangered?

They are considered a critically endangered or threatened breed by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Though they are not an endangered species, their numbers have been declining in recent years due to changes in farming and loss of habitat.

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