YouTube Video: Ameraucana Chicken Breed Explained | Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you've ever dreamed of collecting beautiful blue eggs from your backyard, chances are you've come across the Ameraucana chicken. But are they really worth adding to your flock?

In article, I'll cover everything you need to know about the Ameraucana chicken breed, everything from their history and appearance to egg production, temperament, care requirements, and the biggest mistake many new chicken keepers make when buying them.

By the end of this article, you'll know whether the Ameraucana is the right breed for your homestead or backyard flock.

 

What is an Ameraucana? 

The Ameraucana is an American breed that was developed in the 1970s from chickens carrying the blue egg gene, originally inherited from South American Araucana chickens.

Breeders wanted a bird that kept the beautiful blue eggs while eliminating some of the health issues associated with Araucanas, particularly the lethal gene responsible for the ear tufts. The result was the Ameraucana—a hardy, attractive breed that consistently lays blue eggs and has become one of the most popular heritage chickens in backyard flocks.

One important thing to know is that Ameraucanas are often confused with Easter Eggers.

Many hatcheries sell mixed-breed chickens under the name "Ameraucana," but they're actually Easter Eggers. Easter Eggers can lay blue, green, olive, or even pink-tinted eggs because they're hybrids.

A true Ameraucana is a recognized pure breed and should lay blue eggs only. If you're specifically looking for a purebred Ameraucana, it's worth purchasing from a reputable breeder that follows the American Poultry Association's breed standard.

Appearance 

Ameraucanas are absolutely beautiful birds.

One of their most recognizable features is their fluffy beard and muffs, giving them a charming, almost owl-like face. Our Ameraucana definitely looked like an adorable little owl when she was a chick.

They also have:

• A small pea comb

• Red wattles

• Slate-colored legs

• A full tail

• Tight, well-balanced body shape

Unlike Araucanas, Ameraucanas have tails and do not have ear tufts.

The breed comes in several recognized colors including:

• Black

• Blue

• Blue Wheaten

• Brown Red

• Buff

• Silver

• Wheaten

• White

Depending on the breeder, you may also find other beautiful color varieties.

Adult hens generally weigh around five and a half pounds, while roosters average six and a half pounds, making them a medium-sized chicken that's easy to manage.

Temperament 

One of the reasons Ameraucanas have become so popular is their wonderful personality.

Most are calm, curious, and fairly independent.

While every chicken has its own personality, many owners describe them as intelligent birds that enjoy exploring and foraging.

They're usually not as demanding as some breeds and tend to get along well with other chickens.

Because they're active foragers, they thrive when allowed to free-range, where they'll happily spend their day searching for insects, seeds, and tender greens.

They're also relatively quiet compared to some breeds, making them an excellent choice for suburban backyards where excessive noise could become an issue.

Roosters are generally considered more even-tempered than some breeds, although temperament always depends on individual genetics and handling.

Our Ameraucana enjoys cuddles and gets along well with other chickens. She is calm and quiet and lays beautiful medium sized baby blue eggs. 

Blue Eggs 

Now let's talk about everyone's favorite feature...

Those gorgeous blue eggs.

Ameraucanas typically lay medium to large eggs with beautiful blue shells.

Unlike brown eggs, where the pigment is added to the outside of the shell, blue eggs are blue all the way through because of a pigment called biliverdin that's deposited during shell formation.

That means if the shell gets chipped, you'll still see blue underneath.

Many people enjoy creating colorful egg baskets by combining Ameraucanas with breeds that lay dark brown, cream, olive, or white eggs.

The result is a beautiful collection of naturally colored eggs without any dyes or artificial coloring.

Egg Production 

Ameraucanas aren't production hybrids, but they are dependable layers.

Most hens produce between 180 and 220 eggs per year, or roughly four eggs each week.

They generally begin laying around five to seven months of age.

Production often slows during the winter months unless supplemental lighting is used.

The eggs are prized more for their beautiful color and consistent quality than for sheer quantity.

Hardiness and Climate 

One thing I really appreciate about Ameraucanas is their adaptability.

Their small pea comb helps protect them against frostbite in colder climates.

They also tolerate warmer weather fairly well, provided they have access to shade, fresh water, and good airflow.

No matter where you live, it's important to provide:

• Plenty of clean water

• A dry, well-ventilated coop

• Shade during hot weather

• Predator protection

Healthy housing goes a long way toward keeping any flock productive.

Housing and Care

Ameraucanas don't require any special care beyond good chicken husbandry.

Aim for:

• Four square feet of coop space per bird

• At least ten square feet per bird in an enclosed run

• A high-quality layer feed once hens begin laying

• Free-choice oyster shell for added calcium

• Fresh water available at all times

• Dust bathing areas to help naturally control external parasites

If you can allow supervised free-ranging, these birds will reward you by helping reduce insects while expressing their natural behaviors.

Regular coop cleaning and good biosecurity practices will also help keep your flock healthy.

Pros and Cons 

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of Ameraucanas?

Pros

• Beautiful blue eggs

• Friendly and calm temperament

• Great foragers

• Cold hardy thanks to their pea comb

• Unique appearance with adorable beards and muffs

• Excellent addition to colorful egg baskets

• Good choice for backyard flocks

Cons

• Lower egg production than commercial hybrid layers

• Purebred birds can be more expensive

• Frequently confused with Easter Eggers, making it important to buy from reputable breeders

• Some birds may be a little more independent than highly social breeds

Should You Get Ameraucanas? 

If you're looking for a beautiful heritage breed that lays naturally blue eggs, has a friendly personality, and thrives in a backyard or homestead setting, the Ameraucana is an excellent choice.

They may not produce the highest number of eggs, but what they lack in quantity they more than make up for in beauty, personality, and uniqueness.

They're one of those breeds that often becomes a favorite once you add them to your flock.