Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter

In the 1970s, an American breed of domestic chicken with pea comb was brought from Chile to the United States of America. They were derived from the Araucana chicken breed. This breed is called Ameraucana Chicken. Its breed size is that of a large fowl’s.

Are you familiar with the Araucana breed? Ameraucana chicken breed is very similar to this breed. It has no feathered legs and has 4 toes. It has a dual breed purpose. It carried the blue egg gene, and it was bred for that purpose – to carry the blue egg gene! This chicken breed has suitable for a backyard life.

Ameraucana Chicken | Breed Profile

Characteristics Of The Ameraucana Chicken

Ameraucana chicken breeds are of medium size with 6-7 lbs in general. It has varieties of 8 colors – black, blue, blue wheaten, brown-red, buff, silver, wheaten, and white. When it comes to egg-laying, they can goodly lay 3 eggs per week.

One of their fancy features is they are not crested, have no feathered legs and have 4 toes. This chicken breed is only available from breeders, so they are rare. They have muffs and a beard. They are also very hardy and sweet. 

Ameraucana Chicken has all-climate tolerance. Their pea comb is their defense against the cold climate. They must not be confused with the Easter Eggers breed even though Easter Eggers can also lay blue and green eggs.

They are muffed, bearded, and have a tail. Ameraucana Chickens have noticeably small and round earlobes compared to Araucana chickens. Some have small wattles, or none at all and their shanks are slate blue.

Behavior/ Temperament/ Use

Do you live in a suburban yard? Well, the Ameraucana chicken breed is the best choice if you want to make good use of this yard for laying chickens. They are hardy in winter and have no especially heat-hardy tolerance. They are especially docile and bear their confinement well.

They possess very little broodiness and have funny personalities. However, when in an overcrowded environment, they tend to be traumatized and afraid. Nurturing them properly can bring back their sweet and funny disposition.

They are quiet and have a calm personality, too. Yet, they can outrun any chicken for they are very active and playful. They can run down flies or anything that moves.

The pros and cons of the ameraucana chicken …

What we liked/Pros:

• Ameraucana chickens are domestic pets and great food providers – egg or meat.
• They lay beautiful blue eggs.
• They are a good option for a backyard flock.
• They are sweet and funny.
• This chicken breed is good both for the confined or free-range system.

What we don’t like/Cons:

• Ameraucana chickens may carry a lethal gene that can kill chicks in their shell. It is their genetic make-up, so they say.
• Some chicks have a tendency to brood. But of course, it depends on their situation and environment, food, and shelter.
• It’s having 4 toes.

Is Ameraucana Chicken Good for you?

Yes, Ameraucana chickens are definitely good for you for the following reasons:

• Ameraucana chicken is a good source of meat and eggs.
• They are also advisable for those who want to start backyard poultry and are not yet familiar with the best types of chicken breed.
• They are perfect for small homesteads for they are dual purpose.
• They are hardy and can live longer than other chicken breeds.

Ultimate Guide To Take Care For Ameraucana Chicken Breed

It is not difficult to care for the Ameraucana chicken breed, as they are generally healthy and hardy birds. However, there are some specific things you need to do to ensure their health and well-being. Here is a quick guide on how to take care of Ameraucana chickens:

1. Provide them with a clean and spacious coop. Ameraucana chickens need a lot of space to roam around and stretch their legs. Therefore, their coop should be big enough for them to move around freely without feeling cramped up. The coop floor should be covered with a thick layer of bedding material such as straw or hay. This will help keep the coop clean and dry.

2. Give them access to fresh water at all times. Ameraucana chickens need to have access to clean and fresh water. Their water should be changed daily to ensure cleanliness and free of contaminants.

3. Feed them a balanced diet. Ameraucana chickens need a diet that is rich in protein and nutrients. You can either grow your food or purchase commercial chicken feed from the store. Ensure that their diet is balanced and contains all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development.

4. Provide them with plenty of exercise. Ameraucana chickens need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit. They can roam freely in their coop or run around in a spacious backyard.

5. Monitor their health closely. Ameraucana chickens are generally healthy birds. However, it is important to monitor their health closely and seek veterinary help if they show any signs of illness or injury.

By following these tips, you can easily take care of Ameraucana chickens and ensure their health and well-being.

FAQ: Ameraucana Chicken

Are Ameraucanas friendly chickens?

Ameraucanas are friendly chickens, but they can be skittish around new people. They are also good foragers and do well in free-range environments.

Are Ameraucanas good egg layers?

Ameraucanas are excellent egg layers, producing about 250 large blue or green eggs per year.

What do Ameraucana chickens look like?

Ameraucanas come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, silver, wheaten, and white. They have a pea comb and wattles, and their earlobes are pink. Ameraucanas typically weigh between 4 and 5 pounds.

What is the difference between Ameraucana chickens and Easter Eggers?

Easter Eggers are a cross between Ameraucanas and other chicken breeds, so they have some physical characteristics of both Ameraucanas and the other breeds. Easter Eggers can lay green, blue, or pink eggs, while Ameraucanas only lay blue or green eggs.

Do Ameraucanas make good pets?

Ameraucanas can make good pets, but they may be skittish around new people. They are also good foragers and do well in free-range environments.

What is the lifespan of Ameraucana chickens?

The average lifespan of Ameraucana chickens is about 8 years. However, some individual chickens have been known to live for 10-12 years or more.

Final Verdict

Ameraucana Chicken is one of the best choices for looking for a quiet, gentle and easily managed backyard chicken. Ameraucanas lay blue or green eggs, making them especially popular with children and those seeking unique egg colors.

They are good layers, typically laying around 250 eggs per year. If you’re looking for a chicken that will lay colorful eggs, Ameraucana chickens are good.