If you want to add a sociable, hardy, and often comical breed to your flock, the Ameraucana Chicken is an excellent choice. Learn what you need to know to decide if they are right for your flock.
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Ameraucana Chickens enjoy free ranging and are excellent foragers. The best part about this breed is that they are docile and quiet, which means you can easily keep them in any neighborhood.
They make a fantastic family chicken breed that will lay blue eggs. If you’re considering adding this breed to your backyard flock, here’s what you need to know.
History Of the Ameraucana Chicken Breed
| Class | All Other Breeds |
| Type | Large Fowl & Bantam |
| Size | Medium (Six to Seven Pounds) |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Purpose | Laying Eggs |
| Recognized Varieties | Blue, Black, Blue Wheaten, Silver, Brown Red, Wheaten, Buff, White |
Compared to heritage chicken breeds, the Ameraucana Chicken is relatively new. The American Poultry Association didn’t accept this breed until 1979. The breed was created by breeding various breeds with the Araucana breed to keep the blue egg color but get rid of the tuft and plume of the Araucana.
The Araucana is a rare breed because it has genetic issues. The Araucana was brought to the United States in the 30s, and breeders began working on improving the species.
The breeder’s primary aim was to eliminate all the genetic issues while retaining the blue egg-laying capability of the chicken. Despite the difficulties encountered along the way, Ameraucana chickens were finally successfully produced. They are not as susceptible to the common health issues the Araucana falls prey to.
Ameraucana Egg Facts
| Egg Laying | Good (Three/week) |
| Egg Color | Light Blue |
| Egg Size | Medium |
The primary reason why the Araucana breed was being used was because of the egg color. Other chicken breeds will lay colored, tinted, or even dark brown eggs. But, if you rub the pigment on most of them, you will reveal a white shell underneath.
However, Ameraucana chickens lay true blue eggs – blue all the way through. The breed will lay three to four blue eggs each week. Easily producing over two-hundred eggs in a year.
They will lay eggs all year round with some slowing down during winter or during molts, just like any other breed. Sometimes, you might have to wait for a few months during this period before this breed starts laying eggs, but the wait is worth it in the long run.
Ameraucana Chickens Features
| Comb Type | Pea Comb |
| Crested | No |
| Feathered Legs | No |
| Number of Toes | Four |
Many times, people confuse the Ameraucana chickens with Araucanas and Easter Eggers. That is because the breeds are similar in appearance.
However, Ameraucanas have wattles and a pea comb, both of which are red. Of course, the wattles can sometimes be non-existent on both genders of the Ameraucana breed.
You can still differentiate the Ameraucana from other breeds by its face. It will have a muff and beard, which gives it a fluffy and comical appearance.
You will have to look closely at the chicken to distinguish it by its appearance. The body of the Ameraucana Chicken is a U-shape and will be compact. Besides that, you will notice that their tail will be held upright.
Each foot of the Ameraucana chicken has four toes, and the legs don’t have feathers on them. The soles of the feet and their skin color are white. The leg color of the breed will also depend on the color of the plumage, as there are various plumage colorings.
The plumage of the Ameraucana chicken can range from a dark black color to a slate blue.
Ameraucana Chicken Characteristics
| Cold Hardiness | Cold-Hardy |
| Heat Tolerance | Will not tolerate heat well |
| Bears Confinement | Can tolerate confinement |
| Especially Docile | Yes |
| Setter/Broody | No |
| Personality | Fun |
Anyone who knows Ameraucana chickens will tell you they are inquisitive and friendly. They are laid-back, docile, and will always remain cheery, no matter what. The breed will always go out of its way to avoid getting into trouble.
If you are a beginning chicken keeper or you have a family, the Ameraucana chicken may be perfect for you.
They are not flighty or nervous, and they enjoy interacting with humans.
Roosters of the Ameraucana chicken are known to be less aggressive than many other breeds. But, of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Every chicken keeper needs to know how to deal with an aggressive rooster, just in case.
This breed can handle the winter well, but they do not do as well in excessive, prolonged, high-heat areas.
Summary of Ameraucana Chickens
Generally, the Ameraucana chicken will do well with any flock or family. Most people keep this breed because of its capacity to lay beautiful blue eggs. Of course, there is so much more to them than just blue eggs.
These chickens are quiet, docile, easy-going, hardy, comical, and will usually stay out of trouble. Ameraucanas have the right balance of docile and aggressive temperament, as they will not get picked on, but they will also be easy-going otherwise. So, if you want a friendly chicken, the Ameraucana is ideal.
As always, we’re here to help.
