Araucana Chicken: Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated on April 25, 2022 by Pauline G. Carter

Araucana Chickens originate from South America; in fact, they’re named after the Arauca Indians from Chile. In the early 1900s, they were introduced to Europe. There are claims that they have been around already since the middle of the 16^th century.

Originally these birds had large and floppy pea combs, but these have now been bred to arrive at very small irregularly-shaped pea combs. In the US, Araucanas are known as “South American Rumpless”, and they are extremely rare.

This chicken breed has non-symmetrical tufts, even to be found in the pure-bred Araucanas. It is for this reason that Araucanas are available only through breeders, not hatcheries.

Their claim to fame is the magnificent blue-shelled eggs that they lay. The Rumpless and tufts are unique to this breed.

Araucana Chicken | Breed Profile

Characteristics Of The Araucana Chicken

The Araucana has facial features that are thick; they only have a small crest on their heads. They also don’t have wattles. The blue-green egg is colored right through the shell so that even the inside is just as blue as the outside.

The hens really only lay their eggs during the summer and spring months. Araucana chicken eggs are green and blue and are the most common. Colors can range from greyish or even violet-blue to turquoise or greenish-blue.

If you see eggs that are khaki or olive in color, it might suggest that the hens were crossed with other chicken breeds. Araucana chicks can be born without tails or with tails. The ones without tails are known as “Rumpless Araucanas”.

Related Article – Frizzle Chicken Breed Profile

Araucana chickens are short and round, with an upright stance. It has a broad skull. They’ve got the unusual wart-like feature that appears on either side of their heads. These are called plicae and it’s where the earlobes are normally seen.

These have feathers that make up the ear tufts and which slant backward. Their color varieties are white, black, silver, blue, buff, cuckoo, Crele, spangled, Pyle, lavender, blue/red, black/red, golden duck wing and silver duck wing.

Behavior/Temperament

The Araucana chicks are strong, fast growers. They mature quickly. They do lean towards being broody and make superb mothers. The birds don’t mind too much being kept confined to a pen, but they do love their fresh grass.

This means the coop and run will need to be moved regularly. They are not aggressive birds, placid in nature.

What are the Pros and Cons of the Araucana Chicken?

We Liked

• Very good forages
• Good choice for backyards as well
• Good egg layers and meat providers
• Very friendly
• Hardy
• Colorful eggs
• Chicks are hardy and grow faster

We Don’t Like

• Not a good choice for small coops
• Need plenty of skill and patience to breed
• The tufted gene could prove problematic for large-type breeders

Is The Araucana Chicken A Good Choice For You?

• It makes no difference whether you have been raising chickens for years on end, it is important to realise which are the right breeds to have to raise in your flock of birds.
• If you raise chickens mainly for their egg production, then yes, the Araucana chickens are a very good choice.
• It is a unique breed and has many characteristics that make it a positive addition to the flock.
• If you are looking for Araucana chickens for sale, you will find the rare, generally only available through breeders and not hatcheries.
• They have excellent foraging skills, making them good choices for farms or backyards if you have enough room.
• They are active and less docile than some other breeds, which makes them less prone to predators.
• For those who want chickens that offer both meat and eggs, the Araucana is a smart option.

FAQ: Araucana Chicken

Are Araucana chickens good layers?

Yes, Araucana chickens are good layers. They typically lay around 200 eggs per year, more than most other chicken breeds. Araucana chickens are also known for being friendly and docile, making them great pets.

Are Araucana chickens rare?

Yes, Araucana chickens are considered rare. This is because they were originally bred in Chile and are not as common as other chicken breeds. However, they are gaining popularity in the United States and other countries.

What do Araucana chickens look like?

Araucana chickens have unique physical characteristics that make them easily recognizable. They have tufts of feathers on their cheeks, and their tails are often missing or very short. In addition, they come in a variety of colors, including black, and white.

Do Araucana chickens make good pets?

Yes, Araucana chickens make great pets. They are friendly and docile, and they make great egg layers. If you are looking for a unique chicken breed to add to your flock, Araucana chickens are a great choice.

What are some of the best Araucana chicken breeders?

There are many reputable Araucana chicken breeders out there. Some of the best include Sunnyside Farms, Araucana Haven, and The Araucana Chicken Club. Do some research to find a reputable breeder in your area.

What is the difference between Araucana and Ameraucana chickens?

The biggest difference between Araucana and Ameraucana chickens is that Araucana chickens are considered rare, while Ameraucana chickens are not. Ameraucana chickens were bred in the United States from Araucana chickens. They have similar physical characteristics but come in a wider variety of colors.

Do Araucana chickens lay blue eggs?

Yes, Araucana chickens lay blue eggs. This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the breed. Araucana chickens are known for being good layers, and they typically lay around 200 eggs per year. Blue eggs are a rarer color, so if you are looking for something unique, Araucana chickens may be the right choice.

What are some of the best foods to feed Araucana chickens?

Araucana chickens are not particularly picky eaters, but some foods are better for them than others. Some of the best foods to feed Araucana chickens include greens, vegetables, and fruits. You can also give them chicken feed, specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

Final Verdict: Araucana Chicken

Araucana chickens are a great choice for a unique and friendly chicken breed. They make great pets and lay lots of eggs. If you consider adding chickens to your flock, Araucana chickens are a great option.