Ameraucana Chickens 101 | Blue Eggs, Pretty Hens

Ever seen a chicken that lays beautiful blue eggs? If not, you’re in for a treat! Ameraucana chickens aren’t just your average backyard birds; they are a splash of color and personality. 

I think they’re some of the most fascinating fowl around, and they definitely turn heads.

I remember the first time I saw Ameraucanas at my friend’s house. We were just hanging out, and then I spotted these fluffy-cheeked chickens strutting about. My friend proudly showed off a basket of their pastel blue eggs. It felt like discovering a little piece of magic right there in her coop.

Now, I want to share that magic with you. In this guide, you’ll discover everything important about raising these delightful birds. We’ll cover their unique traits, from those charming muffs to their rainbow of egg colors. You’ll learn how to care for them, what makes them happy, and how to get those coveted blue eggs. (I don’t have these chickens yet, but in this post, my friend helped me.)

I believe by the end, you’ll feel completely ready to welcome Ameraucanas into your own flock.

So, if you’re curious about adding some extraordinary chickens to your life, you’re in the right spot. 

Let’s explore everything about Ameraucanas. I feel you’re going to love what you learn, and maybe even start dreaming of your own blue egg basket.

How To Pronounce The Name Ameraucana

I remember my first attempt to pronounce “Ameraucana” at a friend’s party – I said uh-mare-ah-khana, and boy, did I look like an idiot! It’s spelled A M E R A U C A N A, not Ameracauna, and getting it correctly is a must when you talk about it at fancy black tie functions. 

Trust me, learning to spell and pronounce it right saves you from embarrassment with fellow Ameraucanas fans.

Here’s the trick: it’s AM-er-AU-kane-a, a fun combination of syllables. The first syllable is Am, like Ah or Uh in Amble or under; then add the second syllable, er, think mer in merry or er in error.

The third syllable, AU, sounds like au in audible, and the last two syllables are CAIN-nah or KAHN-nah. With a Midwest twang or Yooper accent, it might shift a bit, but stick to this, and you’ll nail one name – AMERAUCANA – like a pro, not a-MER-au-canna!

What are Ameraucana Chickens

When I saw their beautiful blue eggs, I was won over by these sweet birds. They’re a pure breed, not like Easter Eggers or Americana, which are just marketing tactics for mixed breeds like French copper maran or cream legbar. 

These birds were developed in the 1970s in the United States to eliminate that defective gene while keeping the blue-egg gene, and the APA recognized them in 1984. 

Unlike Easter Eggers, which are mixed and not a pure breed, or Araucanas with ear tufts and rumpless backs, Ameraucanas stand out with muffs, beards, and slate blue legs.

Their medium size, around 6 to 7 lbs, and plump body give them a rounded appearance that I find stunning. 

They come in varieties like Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red, Silver, Wheaten, White, and Splash, with beautiful colors and plumage patterns that make them my favorite. 

I love their single comb, red color wattles, and pea comb, plus their clean shanks and 4 toes, so different from breeds like French copper maran or cream legbar.

What won me over is their temperament; these hens and roosters are docile, friendly, and gentle, perfect for beginners or kids. Good boy rooster adores cuddles, and the girls are sweet, always following their owners, they’re hardy, cold hardy, and tolerate heat, plus predator-smart against hawks.

They’re not flighty, easy to handle, and even as young chicks or in adolescence, they’ve survived and thrived with their formidable constitution.

As layers, Ameraucanas lay about 3 blue eggs a week on average. The large-XL eggs are reliably fair, and while they can get broody, they’re not as bad as some breeds. Sourcing from reputable breeders like Meyer Hatchery ensures purebred chicks that breed true. 

With low order minimums and fair shipping rates, starting a new flock of these lovely birds is a breeze, and they’re a popular pick for chicken lovers like me!

Why Are Ameraucana Chickens Famous?

Easy! the main reason why are Ameraucana chickens are so popular is their ability to lay beautiful blue eggs. 

Also, people like me love their fluffy “muffs” and “beards,” which give them such a cute and unique look.

Furthermore, these chickens have a gentle nature, making them great for families. In my opinion, their colorful eggs and sweet personalities truly contribute to why are Ameraucana chickens famous among backyard keepers.

Personality of Ameraucana Chickens

In my research, I found that Ameraucana chickens are friendly and docile, making them wonderful additions to backyard flocks. Their easygoing nature helps them integrate smoothly with other chickens in a mixed flock.

They are quite curious and sociable, often showing a fondness for human interaction. They are generally not aggressive, which is a big plus when raising poultry on family farms.

Their engaging personalities and calm demeanor truly make them delightful companions. They often form strong bonds with their flock mates, though they still understand the pecking order and hierarchy. For any seasoned chicken keeper, they are a joy.

Appearance of Ameraucana Chickens

Ameraucanas possess striking features, and their feather patterns come in a beautiful variety of colors. You’ll find lovely hues like black, blue, splash, lavender, and wheaten, showcasing their rich color variety. This unique beauty really sets them apart.

One of their most iconic tufts of feathers grows from their cheeks, often forming muffs and beards that add to their charm and appeal. These tufts give them a truly distinctive appearance compared to other chicken breeds.

A mature Ameraucana hen will typically weigh around 6 to 7 pounds, while roosters are slightly heavier, reaching 7 to 8 pounds. These weights are approximate and can vary based on diet, overall health, and individual genetics.

Varieties of Ameraucana Chickens

Below are the nine varieties of Ameraucana chickens; these nine are also recognized varieties in large fowl, but in the bantam, there are eight that are recognized.

Black Ameraucana Chicken

Black Ameraucana Chicken is quite striking with its uniformly black plumage. Even their beaks, shanks, and toes often show this deep, black hue. They really stand out in any flock, in my opinion.

Blue Ameraucana

The Blue Ameraucana showcases beautiful slate blue feathers. This blue shade can actually vary, giving each bird a slightly different and unique look. They add a lovely soft color to the varieties we see.

Blue Wheaten Ameraucana

What I find lovely about the Blue Wheaten Ameraucana is the combination. They have a soft blue body with the warm, wheaten markings typically seen on their hackles and saddles. It’s a very attractive variety, I feel.

Brown Red Ameraucana

The Brown Red Ameraucana variety is full of warm tones. The males, especially, display rich brown and red feathers in specific areas, creating a vibrant contrast. It’s a visually appealing variety, don’t you think?

Buff Ameraucana

The Buff Ameraucana presents a lovely, warm buff color across its feathers. This golden hue is consistent throughout, giving them a soft and sunny appearance. It’s a gentle and pleasing variety to observe.

Silver Ameraucana

I’m quite drawn to the elegance of the Silver Ameraucana. Their silver feathers, often laced or patterned with darker shades, give them a sophisticated look. This variety truly shines.

Wheaten Ameraucana

The Wheaten Ameraucana has a special charm, with their soft, wheaten colored bodies, particularly noticeable in the hens. The males often have darker accents, making this a pretty variety. Quite sweet-looking.

White Ameraucana

The White Ameraucana is simply stunning in its pure white plumage. This clean and crisp color makes them easily recognizable and adds a touch of brightness to the flock. It’s a classic and beautiful variety.

Self-Blue (Lavender)

Finally, the Self-Blue (Lavender) Ameraucana offers a unique and soft grayish-blue shade, often called lavender. This consistent Self-Blue color across their feathers gives them a delicate and interesting appearance. It’s a more unusual variety that I appreciate.

What Do You Feed Ameraucana Chickens

Feed Ameraucana chickens a good quality commercial layer feed (pellets or crumbles). Buy it from the local feed store every day. It has about 16% protein plus energy and minerals they need, and my free-ranging hens scratch grass and green weeds for flowers, seeds, and bugs outside. 

They even peck through a compost pile or eat garden vegetables and fruits. Leave out oyster shell and grit so their gizzard can grind up food and get extra calcium for strong fertile eggs.

Give them other foods and treats too. They love chopped vegetables and fruits for snacks. Dried mealworms or a cabbage tether ball add pure protein fun, or I scatter scratch grains for my chickens to keep them busy. 

I avoid feeding too many treats like cracked corn so they don’t get too fat, and I skip stale bread and sour milk. 

A varied diet and fresh water every day keep them healthy and help the hens lay a daily egg. Plus, keep feeders and waterers tidy to avoid waste.

How Many Eggs Do Ameraucanas Lay?

I love how my Ameraucana hens strut around, popping out blue-green eggs like it’s their full-time job – about 200-250 a year, or 3-4 eggs per week! 

They’re reliable layers, lay consistently, even in winter or molt, giving eggs every week. These gals typically start laying around 6-7 months, though some are late bloomers at 4-7 months old, and they continue to lay consistently for 6-8 years before they retire around 5 years old.

Each hen sticks to one color egg, shades of blue to green, her entire life, and that egg color won’t change, unlike traditional white or brown eggs from supermarkets. 

While they don’t lay prolifically like production breeds, their consistent eggs are generally medium in size, with a similar shape and appearance to regular chicken eggs.

10 Other Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs

I’ve always been fascinated by the vibrant blue eggs. The pigment oocyanin, deposited during eggshell formation, creates this unique color. 

Below, I dive into the ten breeds that lay blue eggs, sharing verified details to help you choose the right ones for your flock.

The Ameraucana Chicken

The Ameraucana Chicken is a standout for its reliable blue egg production. Recognized by the American Poultry Association since 1984, as we know, these chickens sport a fluffy beard and upright tail, making them visually striking. Their friendly nature and foraging skills make them a joy in any backyard.

The Araucana Chicken

Originating from Chile, the Araucana Chicken lays blue eggs that range from pale to deep hues. Their tufted ears and pea combs give them a quirky charm, and their sweet temperament is perfect for free-range setups. They adapt well to various climates, which is a bonus.

Cream Legbar Chickens

Cream Legbar Chickens are a favorite for their sky-blue eggs and distinctive crest. Their friendly disposition makes them ideal for families new to chicken keeping. They’re prolific layers, often producing vibrant eggs that steal the show in any egg basket.

Arkansas Blue Chicken

The Arkansas Blue Chicken, an experimental breed from the University of Arkansas, is a cross between Araucana and White Leghorn, yielding up to 300 blue eggs annually.

Whiting True Blue Chicken

Whiting True Blue Chicken, developed by Dr. Tom Whiting, lays consistent blue eggs and thrives in warm climates. Their varied plumage adds flair to any flock, and their friendly nature makes them easy to handle. They produce 280–300 eggs yearly, a solid choice for egg enthusiasts.

Lushi Chicken

The Lushi Chicken, a rare Chinese breed, surprises with its blue eggs despite its small size. I think their hardiness makes them a hidden gem for diverse climates. They’re not common, but their adaptability is impressive for small-scale farms.

Dongxiang Chicken

Dongxiang Chicken, another Chinese breed, lays blue eggs and boasts striking black feathers. In my opinion, their cultural significance as a delicacy adds intrigue. They’re productive layers, perfect for those seeking unique eggs.

Easter Egger

Easter Egger hybrids are a fun addition, laying blue, green, or other colored eggs. I love their varied plumage and friendly vibe, making them popular for colorful egg baskets. They’re not a true breed but a delightful mix.

Prairie Bluebell

Prairie Bluebell, a hybrid from Hoover’s Hatchery, lays high-quality blue eggs in large numbers. Their foraging skills and varied plumage make them a vibrant flock addition. They’re lightweight and efficient, ideal for budget-conscious keepers.

The Azur Chickens

The Azur Chickens are bred for uniform blue eggs with strong shells, as per Hendrix Genetics. Their silver feathers and robust nature make them a top pick for small-scale producers.

Here is a comparison table of these breeds:

Breed	Egg Color	Annual Egg Production	Temperament	Unique Trait
Ameraucana	Blue	~200-250	Friendly	Beard and upright tail
Araucana	Blue	~150–200	Sweet	Tufted ears, pea comb
Cream Legbar	Blue	~180–200	Friendly	Distinctive crest
Arkansas Blue	Blue	~250–350	Reserved	Experimental, Sumatra-like
Whiting True Blue	Blue	~280–300	Friendly	Varied plumage, heat-tolerant
Lushi	Blue	~150	Hardy	Small size, rare
Dongxiang	Blue	~150	Productive	Black feathers, delicacy
Easter Egger	Blue+	~200	Friendly	Hybrid, varied egg colors
Prairie Bluebell	Blue	~240	Active	Hybrid, varied plumage
Azur	Blue	~200	Friendly	Silver feathers, strong shells

Easter Eggers vs Ameraucanas

Ameraucanas are a recognized breed of chicken that I love for their blue eggs and cool traits like pea combs, muffs, and beards. 

The APA says they come in nine accepted colors like blue, slate, and lavender, and they breed true, so their bird babies are just as awesome. 

If you want a standard dual-purpose chicken that always lays gorgeous blue eggs and has a specific set of looks, these are for you!

On the flip side, Easter Eggers are hybrids or mutts – not a true breed – and I think it’s fun how they lay colored eggs like green, pink, or even sky-blue, thanks to a gene derived from Ameraucanas and Araucanas. 

They can have tufts, bearded or clean-faced looks, and weird comb types like rose comb or walnut comb, but they don’t follow a standard breed description or breed true like the APA-accepted Ameraucanas.

Araucanas vs Ameraucanas 

Ameraucanas have cute tails, fluffy little beards, and muffs that make them look like chipmunks, plus they lay more eggs with those amazing blue-egg-laying skills. 

Unlike Araucanas, which have no tail or just a tiny rump and those fancy fluffy ear tufts – actually called peduncles – Ameraucanas don’t carry the dangerous gene that messes with embryos and mortality. Their true nature makes them a safer pick.

The Araucanas are super friendly, but their true tufted Araucanas come with a low survival rate because of that gene, and sometimes you get genetically impure or clean-faced chicks – it scrambles our brains trying to figure out the chick stuff! 

Here in America, Ameraucanas are an amalgamation of American chicken breeds, while in the UK and Australia, some think they’re the same breed as Araucanas, but I disagree. Hawks might snack on both, though I’d choose Ameraucanas any day.

How To Care for Ameraucana Chickens

Caring for Ameraucana chickens is so much fun, and it’s a joy giving them proper care to keep them happy and healthy! 

I ensure my chickens (I don’t have Ameraucana, but all chickens need almost the same care) each bird gets 4 square feet inside the coop and 10 square feet in the run to roam and forage.

A secure, well-ventilated, predator-proof hen house protects them at night, and I feed my chickens high-quality layer feed with appropriate protein levels (16-18%), plus fresh vegetables, fruits, and occasional treats, always with clean, fresh water available.

For health and wellness, I regularly check for signs of illness or parasites and keep their living area clean and dry to prevent disease. Vaccinations and vet check-ups are a must, too. 

These easy-going girls are known for blue eggs, so provide a quiet, comfortable place with multiple nest boxes (they often share the same box), and collect eggs daily to maintain cleanliness and encourage consistent laying. 

I spend time with my chickens, so you need to spend time with your Ameraucanas. They are generally friendly and love human interaction. 

Plus, as hardy birds, they handle most climates with shady spaces for extreme heat and windbreaks for extreme cold. Their active nature needs a well-balanced diet of poultry-specific pellet or crumble, free-choice grit, and oyster shells for egg layers.

Where Can I Buy Ameraucana Chickens?

Buying Ameraucana chickens can be a risky business, but I’ve learned to trust the eggsperts at the Ameraucana Association; their list of reputable dealers is my best bet! 

When I wanted to purchase some chicks, I did my homework: I’d CAREFULLY read bird descriptions, check the proper spelling (not Ameracana or Americauna – a typo can lead to a disappointing mistake like an Easter Egger), and ask questions about the breeding program. 

It’s so exciting to find friendly, funny breeders who share photos of parent stock and visual clues about parent birds’ lineage on their website, ensuring breeding quality birds that lay Ameraucana eggs in minty greens, baby blues, awesome aquas, and powder-blue poultry eggs – a basket of blue beauty for my backyard!

In my opinion, avoid large commercial hatcheries or farm supply stores – their high-volume sales can be hit or miss, and I’ve seen inferior quality birds from larger hatcheries focused on production. 

Instead, I go for smaller scale hatcheries or breeders actively showing their birds, monitoring breeding for consistent desirable traits; they might shake loose award-winning stock at a higher price, but the money, effort, and time are worth it for show quality specimens that meet the APA’s Standard of Perfection (SOP)! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ameraucana chickens are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some color and personality to their flock. With their striking appearance, friendly nature, and those coveted blue eggs, they’re sure to be a hit in any backyard. 

Ameraucanas are more than just pretty faces; they’re also productive layers, providing a steady supply of beautiful blue eggs at a rate of about 3-4 per week. 

Their hardiness and adaptability make them suitable for a variety of climates, and their calm. Plus, their friendly personalities mean they’ll quickly become beloved members of your feathered family. 

Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting, Ameraucanas are a breed worth considering for their beauty and productivity.

FAQs

How blue are Ameraucana eggs?

Ameraucana hens lay pale blue eggs. Their shells are usually a light sky-blue or turquoise shade. The blue is a soft pastel color, not a dark or deep blue. Each egg’s shade can vary slightly, but it is always clearly blue.

What are the disadvantages of Ameraucana chickens?

• They lay about 3-4 eggs per week, fewer than other chicken breeds.
• They often start laying around 5–6 months old, so you must wait longer for eggs.
• Ameraucanas like to roam and forage. They may not do well if kept in tiny spaces.
• Pure Ameraucana chickens can be more expensive and harder to find.

What color eggs do Ameraucanas lay?

Ameraucana hens lay blue eggs. Their egg shells are typically a pale sky-blue or aqua color. Some eggs may have a slight green tint, but they are always some shade of blue.

What are Ameraucana chickens known for?

• They lay beautiful blue eggs.
• They have a unique appearance with fluffy facial feathers (a beard and muffs).
• They are calm and friendly, making them good pets for families.

Are Ameraucana hens aggressive?

No. Ameraucana hens are generally calm and gentle. They are not known for being aggressive. These chickens often get along well with people and other hens.

Are blue chicken eggs low in cholesterol?

No, blue chicken eggs are not lower in cholesterol. They have the same amount of cholesterol and nutrients as any other egg.

Are Ameraucana chickens friendly?

Yes, Ameraucana chickens are usually very friendly. They might be a little shy at first, but they usually warm up and become tame with regular handling.

How big are Ameraucana chickens?

Ameraucana chickens are medium-sized. Adult hens usually weigh about 5 to 6 pounds (around 2 to 3 kg). Roosters (males) are a bit larger, about 6 to 7 pounds (around 3 kg). They are smaller than large breeds like Brahmas but bigger than bantams.

How big are Bantam Ameraucana chickens?

Bantam Ameraucana chickens are very small. A bantam hen weighs around 1.5 pounds (about 24 ounces), and a bantam rooster about 1.8 to 2 pounds. They are a miniature version of the standard Ameraucana breed.

Can Ameraucanas be used as meat birds?

Ameraucanas can technically be used for meat, but they are not ideal meat birds. They grow more slowly and are smaller than breeds explicitly raised for meat. This means you get less meat from each bird.

Do Ameraucana chickens go broody?

No, Ameraucana hens rarely go broody. They don’t usually sit on their eggs to hatch chicks. Most of the time, they keep laying new eggs instead of trying to hatch them. Only occasionally will a hen try to brood, but it’s not a common trait of this breed.

Can Ameraucana chickens survive free-range?

Yes, Ameraucana chickens can do well free-range. They love to roam and forage for food. They are alert and usually return to their coop at night on their own.

How can I tell an Ameraucana chicken from an Easter Egger chicken?

• Ameraucana has a full tail, a pea comb on its head, and fluffy face feathers (a beard and muffs). It lays only blue eggs.
• Easter eggers’ appearances can vary. They may or may not have tails or beards, and their combs can be any style and can lay eggs of many colors (blue, green, or brown).

Are Ameraucana chickens suitable for beginners?

Yes, Ameraucana chickens are a good choice for beginners. They are calm, friendly, and easy to care for. They handle both hot and cold weather well and don’t have many special requirements.