Living with Ameraucanas day to day

Ameraucanas are the breed people mean when they say they want a "real" blue egg layer. They are not the same thing as the mixed blue egg birds sold at feed stores, and that difference matters if you care about predictable looks, egg color and temperament.

Day to day, most Ameraucanas are alert, a bit reserved and not especially cuddly. They will follow you around for treats, but many do not love being picked up. They are active foragers and do well free ranging, and their muffs and beard give them a round, owlish face that keepers tend to love.

Who they suit

• Keepers who want true blue eggs and a bird that breeds true to type.
• People interested in showing, since the breed has a written standard.
• Mixed flocks, since they are usually middle of the pecking order.

Who might be disappointed

If you want maximum egg numbers, a production brown layer will outlay them. If you want a lap chicken for small kids, a calmer heavy breed may be a better fit. Ameraucanas are also harder to find and cost more than hatchery Easter Eggers.

Eggs through the year

Expect a steady but moderate supply of medium blue eggs. Pullets often start a little later than production breeds. Like most heritage birds, they slow down or stop in the short days of winter and during the fall molt, then pick back up in spring. Laying tapers a bit each year after the second or third season. The blue color goes all the way through the shell, so it does not wash or rub off, though shade can vary between hens and lighten slightly over a long laying season.

Space, coop and climate

Plan on standard large fowl space, around 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 in the run. The coop size per bird guide walks through the math. Ameraucanas have a pea comb and small or no wattles, which makes them quite cold-hardy and less prone to frostbite than single comb breeds. They handle heat reasonably well with shade and water. Their beards can get messy at the waterer in winter, so check for ice buildup on very cold days.

Quirks to know about

• Beards and muffs can hide mites and lice, so part the feathers when you do health checks.
• Some hens go broody, but it is not a defining trait of the breed.
• They can fly better than heavier breeds, so a covered run or taller fence helps.

Ameraucana vs Easter Egger and Araucana

An Easter Egger is a mixed bird that may lay blue, green or even brown-tinted eggs and has no set look. The Easter Egger vs Ameraucana comparison goes deeper. The Araucana is a separate Chilean breed that is rumpless with ear tufts. Ameraucanas have a full tail, no tufts, a beard and muffs.

Where to get them

True Ameraucanas mostly come from breeders and poultry shows rather than big hatcheries. Many hatchery chicks labeled "Ameraucana" are really Easter Eggers, so ask about the parent stock, recognized color varieties and slate legs. Expect to pay more and to wait for hatching season.

Common questions about Ameraucanas

Are hatchery Ameraucanas real Ameraucanas?

Often not. Many are Easter Eggers sold under the name. A breeder working from the standard is the surest source.

Do Ameraucanas lay blue eggs every time?

A purebred Ameraucana hen lays blue eggs. The shade varies a little between hens, but a true Ameraucana should not lay brown or green.

Are Ameraucanas friendly?

They are usually calm and easy to manage, but many are independent. Handling them as chicks helps them settle with people.