Chickens that lay blue eggs are a unique and sought-after breed. The most well-known blue egg layers are the Araucana, Ameraucana, and Easter Egger. In this article, we will explore each one’s origin, history, characteristics, and ability to lay blue eggs.
1. The Araucana Chicken Breed
The Araucana is a unique and distinctive breed of chicken originating from Chile. This breed is known for its distinct physical characteristics, including its ear tufts and rumpless tail. However, what sets the Araucana apart from other types of chicken is its ability to lay blue-green-colored eggs.
History and Origin
The Araucana was first discovered in Chile by a Spanish aviculturist named Salvador Castello in the early 1900s. The breed was named after the indigenous Araucana people of Chile, who were known for their blue-green pottery. Araucanas were later imported to the United States in the 1920s and have since gained popularity as an ornamental breed.
Characteristics and Appearance
Araucana is small to medium-sized, with a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. They have distinct ear tufts, which are clusters of feathers that grow from the sides of their heads. They also have a small pea comb and are generally rumpless, meaning they do not have a tail. Araucanas come in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, and lavender.
Egg-laying Ability
One of the most notable features of Araucana chickens is their blue eggs. The eggs are a blue-green color and are often described as having a vibrant or turquoise hue. On average, Araucana hens can lay around 150-200 eggs per year, but with proper care, some sources indicate that they can lay up to 250 eggs per year. Factors such as their age, diet, and environment can play a significant role in their egg-laying ability.
2. The Ameraucana Chicken
The Ameraucana is a popular choice among backyard chicken enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and ability to lay blue eggs.
History and Origin
The Ameraucana was developed in the United States in the 1970s. It was created as a breed that could lay blue eggs, but without the genetic issues that can come with the Araucana breed. The Ameraucana was created by breeding various chicken breeds, including the Araucana, the English game, and the Old English fowl.
Characteristics and Appearance
Ameraucanas are medium-sized with a square-shaped body and a tail that is held at a 45-degree angle. They have a beard, muffs, and a small pea comb. Their feathers are thick and fluffy, which makes them appear larger than they actually are. Ameraucanas come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, buff, and wheaten. They have a friendly and curious disposition, which makes them popular as backyard chickens.
Silver Ameraucana Cockerel by Scratchcradle
CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Here is a Comparison Table of Physical Characteristics between Ameraucana and Araucana Chickens:
| Feature | Ameraucana | Araucana |
|---|---|---|
| Body Size | Medium | Small to Medium |
| Ear Tufts | No | Yes |
| Comb | Pea | Pea |
| Tail | Fluffy, with muffs & beard | Rumpless (no tail) |
| Feather Colors | Black, Blue, Buff, Wheaten | Black, White, Blue, Lavender |
| Beak Appearance | Slightly curved, bluish-black | Slightly curved, bluish-black |
| Feather Appearance | Fluffy, with muffs and beard | Normal, without any distinct features |
Egg-laying Ability of Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are known for their blue eggs, which they can lay consistently throughout the year. On average, they can lay around 250 eggs per year. However, like all chicken breeds, their egg-laying ability can be influenced by various factors such as age, diet, and environment.
3. The Easter Egger Chicken
Easter Eggers are not a purebred chicken breed, but rather a mixed breed that often includes Araucana or Ameraucana chickens.
History and Origin
The Easter Egger is not a standardized breed recognized by the American Poultry Association. Instead, it’s a mixed breed that has been developed from various chicken varieties, including the Araucana, Ameraucana, and other breeds that carry the blue egg-laying gene. The Easter Egger is popular for its ability to lay eggs in various shades of blue, green, and sometimes pink.
Characteristics and Appearance
Easter Egger chickens come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including black, white, red, buff, and gray. They can have single combs, pea combs, or even no combs at all. They also have a beard and muffs, which are clusters of feathers under their beaks that give them a distinctive appearance. Easter Eggers are generally small to medium-sized chickens and have a friendly and docile temperament.
Image by Rob and Stephanie Levy from Townsville, Australia
CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Here is a Comparison Table of Physical Characteristics and Appearance between, Easter Egger, Ameraucana, and Araucana Chickens:
| Feature | Easter Egger | Araucana | Ameraucana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comb | single, pea, or rose comb | Pea comb | Pea comb |
| Ear Tufts | May/may not have ear tufts | Ear tufts | No ear tufts |
| head & neck Feathers | Muffs and/or beard | Muffs and beard | Muffs & beard |
| Tail | Full & medium length | Short and pointy | Medium length |
| Leg Color | Yellow to green or slate | Slate blue | Slate blue |
| Egg Color | Blue, green, pink, or brown | Blue | Blue |
| Weight | 4-6 pounds | 4.5-6 pounds | 5-6.5 pound |
Egg-laying Ability of the Easter Egger
The Easter Eggers are known for their egg-laying ability and can lay between 150 to 250 eggs per year. The eggs they lay can range from blue, green, and sometimes even pink, making them a popular choice for backyard chicken keepers who want a colorful egg basket. Easter Eggers are also known for being hardy birds and are generally easy to care for.
Factors Affecting Egg Color
- Egg color is determined by genetics, but other factors can influence it.
- Diet can affect egg color by enhancing or altering pigments in the eggshell.
- The age of the hen can also play a role in the color of the egg.
- Environmental factors, such as sunlight and temperature, can impact egg color.
- Certain breeds, such as Araucanas and Ameraucanas, lay distinct blue or blue-green eggs.
Breeder Tips for Raising Blue Egg Layers
- Choose the Right Breed: Not all hens lay blue eggs. Some popular breeds include Araucanas, Ameraucanas, and Easter Eggers.
- Provide a Nutritious Diet: A balanced diet is important for all hens, but it’s especially important for egg layers. Make sure to provide your hens with high-quality feed that contains all the necessary nutrients.
- Provide Plenty of Clean Water: Chickens need clean water to stay healthy and hydrated. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water at all times.
- Keep Your Coop Clean: A clean coop is essential for keeping your backyard friends healthy and happy. Regularly clean out the coop and replace the bedding to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites.
- Provide Enough Space: Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease, which can reduce egg production. Make sure your chickens have enough space to move around comfortably.
- Protect Your Hens from Predators: Backyard birds are vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks. Make sure to provide adequate protection to keep your hens safe.
- Monitor Egg Production: Keep track of how many eggs your chickens are laying each day. A sudden decrease in egg production can be a sign of illness or stress.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your blue egg layers are happy and healthy, and produce plenty of beautiful blue eggs for you to enjoy.