Ameraucana

Origin & Characteristics

The Ameraucana came from blue egg laying chickens, and are closely related to the Araucana, but they have since differed greatly. Instead of ear tufts, they have muffs and a beard. Instead of Araucana temperament, they are docile and sweet. They also have a formidable constitution. They're also more common than Araucanas, although the Ameraucana is still quite rare. They are also very different from Easter Eggers, which lay blue and green eggs but don't conform to any breed characteristics.

Ameraucanas are of medium size, about 6 to 7 lbs, and kept primarily for egg laying. Their egg laying ability is considered fair, at 3 blue eggs a week. They aren't especially broody though. The APA recognizes the blue, black, blue wheaten, brown red, silver, wheaten, and white varieties.

Also notable is their slate blue coloring in their legs.

References

My Pet Chicken

Photograph

Vince Cooper, NC.