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For a variety of reasons, the Ameraucana chicken is a popular and well-liked breed. They’re a popular crowd pleaser because of their puffy, comedic cheeks and blue eggs. They are very bright and curious birds with cheerful spirits, and many people raise them for their personalities as well.
Ameraucanas are a versatile breed that adapts to a variety of environments with characteristics.
About the Ameraucana Chicken
The Araucana, a Chilean breed of blue egg layers, gave rise to the Ameraucanas. The deadly genes that Araucanas carry were being eliminated in Ameraucanas, which were developed in the 1970s.
Araucanas have ear tufts that contain the deadly gene. There is a significant mortality rate when two copies of the gene are inherited. Because Araucanas don’t usually hatch, your hatch rates would be substantially reduced while breeding them.
For those who aren’t interested in dealing with this genetic mistake, Ameraucanas are a good alternative. Color varieties, egg color, and overall demeanor are still advantages of Araucanas.
The Ameraucanas were acknowledged by the American Poultry Association in 1984, as a result of their efforts. The Ameraucanas are recognized by the American Standard of Perfection as black, blue, blue wheaten, brown, red, silver, wheaten, and white color varieties.
Ameraucana Characteristics
1. Size and weight
A regular Ameraucana male weighs 5.5 to 6.6 pounds and a regular Ameraucana female weighs 4.5 to 5.5 pounds on average.
These aren’t huge birds, and they wouldn’t be a good dual-purpose breed because of their size. They are, however, effective at digesting food, thus bigger isn’t always better. They can compete in a large flock because they are big enough.
2. Temperament
Ameraucanas are mostly a calm and mild bird. They aren’t particularly affectionate, yet they aren’t flighty. Roosters are generally courteous and non-aggressive.
An Ameraucana hen may go broody, but they don’t go broody often. It’s not outside the realm of possibility, though. Hens that go broody become protective and nurturing mothers in the process.
3. Production
When you do get an egg, you can anticipate a lovely blue egg to provide for a gorgeous burst of color in your egg carton. Ameraucana Chickens are not bred to lay an egg every day. In her peak egg-laying years, a hen will typically lay 3-4 eggs each week. Between 170 and 200 eggs per year are expected.
4. Ideal Climate
The Ameraucanas aren’t particularly concerned about climate restrictions. These birds are ideal for cold environments because to their pea comb, which protects them against frostbite. In hot areas, Ameraucanas do well, however keep in mind that they may have a difficult time releasing excess heat since they don’t have as large of a comb. This should not be a major issue for you unless you live in a particularly hot and humid environment.
Caring for your Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are very low-maintenance birds that will blend right into your flock without requiring much attention.
1. Feeding and Nutritional Needs
Feeding Ameraucanas should be just like feeding any other member of your flock. Feed them normal laying mash throughout the laying season and ensure they have enough protein following a molt.
Water: Some Ameraucanas’ beards are large enough that they may get them wet while trying to drink water. Make sure you have waterers that restrict the amount of water they may spill on themselves throughout the winter. This isn’t usually a big problem. I imagine having a beard icicle is unpleasant!
2. Housing
Ameraucanas have similar housing requirements to other breeds. The chicken coop should have at least 3.5 square feet per bird, whereas the run should have about 10 square feet. In addition, this breed performs well free ranging. There should not be territory wars breaking out in your flock because Ameraucanas are not particularly territorial.
When it comes to searching for ground predators, remain aware of the fact that they have somewhat reduced vision due to their high muffs. With all of my years of raising Ameraucanas, I have never lost a single bird to predatory causes, so this should not be a cause for concern.
3. Breeding
Breeding Ameraucanas is much simpler than breeding them back to their ancestral stock. You no longer have to fear that your genes will lead to death. I have had a lot of success breeding these birds in the past and they are really fun to breed. Seeing the pretty, puffy-cheeked eggs hatch is something you’ll never forget.
Alternatives to Ameraucanas
You may not be sure if the Ameraucanas are the best chicken breed for you since they are an attractive chicken variety with wonderful blue eggs. Unfortunately, there are several options:
1. Easter Eggers
Because they are a nearly identical breed with almost the identical physical characteristics, Easter Eggers would be a suitable substitution for Ameraucanas. Although they are a bit more difficult to locate, they are also less expensive. You will still get those vibrant eggs!
2. Legbars
This chicken breed is a excellent alternative for owners in hotter regions, although it is somewhat more difficult to come by than Ameraucanas. On hot days, Legbars have a single comb that lets them cool quicker, and they get crested head feathers in exchange for puffy cheeks! Like an Ameraucana, Legbars still laid a brilliant blue egg.
3. Salmon Faverolles
Consider these cuties if you’re looking for a breed with similar physical characteristics to the Ameraucana but prefer brown eggs. Faverolles has feathered legs and wears beautiful muffs and beards. It breeds a glossy cream-colored egg and is a very calm and pleasant breed.
Did you know?
It is a common misconception that all three of these breeds are the same breed, and Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Easter Eggers are often lumped into one category. Purebred chickens, Ameraucanas and Araucanas lay only blue eggs and have their own set of characteristics. Easter Eggers can lay eggs in any color, from pink to green to blue, and are a breed with no specific standards.
There’s also a little version of Ameraucanas! Bantam Ameraucanas can be obtained from some hatcheries and breeders if you’re interested in a smaller version of these beautiful birds.
Who wouldn’t want some gorgeous blue eggs in their egg basket? I believe this breed is a popular option. I would recommend this breed to any chicken keeper because they are such a joy to raise. Nothing brings a family together like watching several bearded hens fly around the henhouse, leaving easter eggs in the nesting boxes. I hope you’ll consider adding these lively hens to your flock, and I wish you luck in the meantime!
Who wouldn’t want some gorgeous blue eggs in their egg basket? I believe this breed is a popular pick. I would recommend this breed to any chicken keeper because they are a lot of fun to raise. Nothing is more exciting than watching a bunch of bearded fowls running around the coop, dropping easter eggs in the nesting boxes. I’d encourage you to adopt these active birds into your flock, and I hope you have a wonderful time chickening!
