All About the Smokey Pearl Chicken Breed
- Annie
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
If you’ve spent any time raising backyard chickens, you know how it starts. At first, you just want a few nice hens that lay eggs. Simple enough, right? Then suddenly you’re learning about different egg colors, feather patterns, personalities and before you know it… you’re planning your next chicken addition.
That’s exactly where I’m at. While scrolling through Hoover’s Hatchery (as one does), I came across a breed I hadn’t seriously considered before, the Smokey Pearl chicken, and let’s just say it caught my attention fast!
What is a Smokey Pearl Chicken?
The Smokey Pearl is a commercial hybrid chicken known for its soft, “smokey” gray plumage and strong laying performance. These birds are often described as the best of both worlds, beautiful to look at and incredibly productive in the egg basket.
Smokey Pearls can lay up to 280 large brown eggs per year, making them a great option for backyard chicken keepers who want consistent egg production without sacrificing personality.
History of the Smokey Pearl Chicken
The Smokey Pearl is a relatively new addition to the backyard chicken world, which is part of what makes it so intriguing. Unlike heritage breeds that date back generations, Smokey Pearls were intentionally developed as a modern hybrid to meet the needs of today’s backyard chicken keepers.
They were created by Hoover’s Hatchery through carefully selected crosses, combining breeds known for strong egg production, hardiness and calm temperament. The goal was simple: create a chicken that lays well, adapts easily to different environments and fits seamlessly into mixed backyard flocks.
While the Smokey Pearl is not currently recognized by the American Poultry Association, it has quickly gained popularity thanks to its performance and personality. As more backyard flock owners discover them, this hybrid has become a standout option for those who want dependable brown eggs without giving up unique looks or friendly behavior.
In many ways, the Smokey Pearl represents the evolution of backyard chickens, purposefully bred for productivity, resilience and ease of care, while still being enjoyable to raise.
Smokey Pearl Egg Production
If eggs are high on your priority list (no judgment here), the Smokey Pearl delivers. Again, these hens can lay up to 280 large brown eggs per year, making them a dependable choice for backyard chicken keepers who want steady production throughout the year.
They’re also considered hardy in both hot and cold climates, which makes them a practical choice for many backyard flocks across the U.S.
Smokey Pearl Temperament and Personality
Now let’s talk temperament because a productive chicken is great, but a friendly chicken is even better.
Smokey Pearls are known for being:
Docile and gentle
Curious and active foragers
Friendly with people and other flock members
They tend to integrate well into mixed flocks and are a solid choice for families, beginner chicken keepers or anyone who enjoys calm, social birds. Honestly… they’re pretty easy to love!
How Are Smokey Pearl Chickens Bred?
Smokey Pearls are created by crossing either a Black Sex-Link male with a White Leghorn hen, or a California Grey with a California Tan. This combination contributes to their balanced mix of egg production, hardiness and calm temperament, making them well suited for backyard flocks.
Smokey Pearl Chicken Appearance
Smokey Pearls have a look that really stands out without being flashy.
Single comb
Clean (bare) legs
Soft gray and smokey-toned plumage
They remind me a bit of a colorful Leghorn, with a little extra personality mixed in.
Should You Add Smokey Pearls to Your Flock?
If you’re looking to add to your flock, or thinking about starting one this spring, the Smokey Pearl is a great option to consider. They check a lot of boxes: egg production, temperament, hardiness and looks.
And if you’re bringing chicks home this season, don’t forget the Baby Chick Care Kit! It includes everything your chicks need (outside of their feed) during that critical first month of life. Getting chicks off to a strong, healthy start makes all the difference, and it makes the whole chicken adventure even more fun.
Until next time,
– The Wing Lady
Baby Chick Care Kit - Chick Care Made Easy
Whether you are a first-time chicken owner or a seasoned veteran, the Baby Chick Care Kit is the easy and natural way to get your baby chicks off to the best start.