Ameraucana Chicken is known for its beautiful blue eggs and unique looks. Coming from the United States, this bird is friendly, doesn’t need much care, and has some unique traits that make it a popular addition to backyard groups. However, what is it about Ameraucana that makes it so unique?
History
The Ameraucana chicken comes about from the Araucana chickens that have been imported into the United States from South America. Its producers attempted to retain those genes that made the Araucana productive of blue eggs and other features while making the breed more fertile and disease-resistant. In 1980, the American Bantam Association (ABA) recognised them. In 1984, the APA also proved this by doing the same thing for the poultry industry in America.
Today, people like Ameraucanas as these birds possess qualities like blue eggs, blue beards and muffs, friendly nature, and availability in a number of colours, including blue, black, and blue wheaten. However, they are still much in demand by backyard groups and those who fancy eggs.
Physical Characteristics
The bodies of Ameraucana chickens are very different from each other. The rooster weighs between 2.5 and 2.9 kg, and the hen weighs between 2.0 and 2.5 kg. Both have a broad, feathered head with a pea comb. They have big beards and muffs that frame their faces, and their legs and feet are full and feathered. They come in many colours, such as wheaten, blue, and black. They have strong, well-feathered wings and tail feathers about the length of a pencil. Their reddish-brown to bay-coloured eyes finish off their good looks.
How many eggs does the Ameraucana hen lay?
The average number of eggs that Ameraucana hens lay each year is between 180 and 200. They lay blue or blue-green eggs that are one of a kind. The eggs are medium to big. Egg production starts between 20 and 24 weeks and peaks between 1 and 2 years old. Even though their production slows down with age, they are still a popular choice for backyard flocks because their eggs are unique and friendly.
Egg Facts:
- Egg colour: Blue or blue-green
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Annual production: 180-200 eggs
- Production start: 20-24 weeks
- Peak production: 1-2 years old
Temperament and Behavior
People like Ameraucana chickens because they are friendly and interested. They like being around people and are usually calm, which makes them a good choice for families with kids or people who have never kept chickens before.
Raising Ameraucana Chickens
Coop Setup for Ameraucanas
If you are keeping your Ameraucanas, then you will need a coop that is secure and significantly large. They are strong birds but require protection from; birds of prey, gusts of wind, and extremely high or extremely low temperatures.
Diet and Nutrition Needs
Like all chickens, Ameraucanas require a proper diet which consists of a layer diet, fresh vegetables and, from time to time, insects. If there is one thing that you have to remember about eggshells, they have to be strong enough to be able to get clean water and calcium sources such as oyster shells.
Common Health Issues
Despite the fact that Ameraucana chickens are rather hardy and do not have many health issues, they may get mites, respiratory diseases, and coccidiosis, which are rather widespread among chickens.
Why They Make Great Backyard Chickens?
Ameraucana chickens are friendly, easy to take care of, and can live in a variety of climates, so they make great pets for your garden. Their beautiful blue eggs look great in any egg basket, and they are calm, which makes them great for families. They can also find food on their own, which saves money on feed and encourages resilience.
Is Ameraucana Chickens broody?
Ameraucana chickens are known to get a little broody from time to time. Some hens may get broody every once in a while, but it’s not something that all of them do. Different types, like Silkies or Cochins, are better if you want an egg-laying bird that does it often.
What are the benefits of Ameraucana Chickens?
- Unique Blue Eggs: Ameraucanas lay beautiful blue or blue-green eggs that will make your egg collection stand out.
- Friendly personality: Ameraucanas are known for being calm and obedient, which makes them great backyard pets, especially for families with kids.
- Low Maintenance: Ameraucanas aren’t too hard to take care of; they don’t need much room and do well on small farms or in backyards in cities.
Where to Buy Ameraucana Chickens?
You can buy Ameraucana chicks from breeders in your area or from online hatcheries. Local breeders may let you see the chickens before you buy them, but online hatcheries have more birds to choose from.
Is Ameraucana a dual-purpose breed?
Ameraucana chickens are mostly raised for their eggs, especially their unique blue eggs, rather than for their meat. Even though they can be raised for meat, they are not thought of as a dual-purpose breed like other chickens.
Conclusion
Ameraucana chickens are a great choice for people who have kept chickens or have never done it before. They are fun to raise because they are friendly, look nice, and lay bright blue eggs. The Ameraucana is a flexible and rewarding breed that can be used as a show bird or a layer of eggs.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of an Ameraucana chicken?
Ameraucana chickens typically live 7–8 years but can live longer with good care.
How do I tell the difference between an Ameraucana and an Easter Egger?
Ameraucanas are a pure breed, while Easter Eggers are hybrids. Ameraucanas consistently lay blue eggs, while Easter Eggers can lay various egg colours.
Are Ameraucana chickens good for cold climates?
Yes, their beards and muffs help protect them from the cold, making them well-suited for colder climates.
Do Ameraucana chickens require special care?
No, they require standard chicken care, including a balanced diet, a secure coop, and regular health checks.
Can Ameraucana chickens lay eggs year-round?
Ameraucana chickens can lay year-round, though their production may slow in winter unless supplemented with light.
