Blue Ameraucana

Blue Ameraucana Chicken

The Ameraucana chicken, developed in the United States in the 1970s, is known for its unique slate or black legs and its ability to lay beautiful blue-tinted eggs. These birds are easily recognizable by their beards and muffs, and their pea combs make them particularly suited for colder climates. With a calm and quiet temperament, Ameraucanas are a great addition to any flock and are sure to stand out.

It’s important to note that Ameraucanas are a pure breed, distinct from Easter Eggers, and should not be confused with Araucanas, which are rumpless and have tufts. Average Mature Weight: Roosters weigh around 6.5 lbs, and hens approximately 5.5 lbs.

These elegant birds have been selectively bred for their deep blue coloring and intricate lacing. With their muffs, beards, blue eggs, and overall charm, they truly have it all. When breeding for the blue color, genetics may result in offspring that are not only blue but also black, white, or splash. As we continue to expand our flock, availability will be limited.

Appearance

Feather Color:
Blue Ameraucanas have soft, slate-blue to silvery-blue plumage. The color is smooth and uniform, with a soft sheen that can appear slightly darker or lighter depending on light and genetics. Blue does not breed true—offspring may include splash or black variations as well.

Body Type:
Medium-sized and well-balanced. Upright posture with a full, rounded breast and compact frame. Their appearance is clean, refined, and visually striking thanks to the contrast between body color and facial features.

Head and Comb:
Distinctive muff and beard give the face a rounded, puffy look. Small pea comb sits close to the head, ideal for cold climates. Eyes are reddish bay, and the beak is dark slate to horn-colored.

Legs and Feet:
Slate-blue or black legs with no feathering. Strong and straight, supporting an active and alert demeanor. Four toes per foot.

Size:
Standard Blue Ameraucana hens weigh 5.5–6.5 pounds; roosters about 6.5–7.5 pounds. Bantam varieties are also bred for exhibitions.

Temperament

Friendly but Reserved:
Generally calm and docile birds, though they can be shy and observant. They bond well with regular handling and are a great choice for family flocks.

Smart and Curious:
Quick learners and good foragers. They enjoy free-ranging and benefit from a stimulating environment. Known to be alert and aware of their surroundings without being overly noisy.

Good in Mixed Flocks:
Non-aggressive and adaptable to mixed-breed flocks, provided they have enough space and aren't housed with overly dominant breeds.

Egg Production

Moderate and Unique Layers:
Lays around 180–220 medium-sized eggs per year. What makes them exceptional is the blue egg color, which ranges from pale sky blue to turquoise.

Laying Season:
Begin laying around 5–6 months of age. Consistent layers during spring and summer. Some may slow down in winter unless provided with supplemental light.

Broodiness:
Rarely go broody, making them reliable egg layers. If they do set, they can be protective and attentive mothers.

Health and Care

Cold Hardy:
Well-suited to cold climates thanks to their small comb and full facial feathering. Hardy and able to continue laying in winter with minimal support.

Clean and Dry Living Conditions:
Due to their facial muffs and beard, it's important to keep their housing dry to avoid feather mess or potential frost buildup.

Feeding Needs:
Standard layer feed with occasional supplements like mealworms or greens. High-protein feed during molt helps maintain feather quality.

Housing

Space Requirements:
They tolerate confinement but enjoy roaming. Minimum 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 8–10 square feet in the run. Free-ranging is ideal when safe.

Nesting and Roosting:
Standard-sized nesting boxes are sufficient. Low to mid-height roosts preferred. They’re not flighty but agile and active.

Predator Awareness:
Cautious by nature, but still need secure fencing and enclosed coops at night for protection from raccoons, hawks, and other predators.

Are blue Ameraucanas rare?
Yes, the Ameraucana chicken is indeed a rare and distinctive breed. While they are gaining popularity, especially in the USA and Australia, their rarity still adds to their charm. These birds are most famous for their striking light blue eggs, but their appeal extends beyond just egg color.

What color eggs do blue Ameraucana chickens lay?
Blue Ameraucana chickens are known for laying blue eggs. In addition to their egg color, they possess several unique features, including a pea comb, white skin, full tails, muffs and beards (which always come together), and slate or black legs. Notably, they do not have ear tufts.

Are Ameraucanas big?
Ameraucana chickens are medium-sized, typically weighing between 6 and 7 pounds. They are mainly kept for their egg-laying capabilities, producing around 3 blue eggs per week. However, they are not particularly known for being broody.

How big are Ameraucana eggs?
Ameraucana eggs are generally medium in size, resembling the standard shape and appearance of typical chicken eggs.

Are Ameraucana friendly?
Ameraucana chickens are recognized for their friendly and calm nature. They are typically good-natured birds, making them an excellent choice for families and backyard enthusiasts. They also tend to coexist peacefully with other chickens.

Are Ameraucana eggs always blue?
Yes, Ameraucana chickens consistently lay blue eggs. The breed comes in eight different color varieties: Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten, and White. Regardless of their color variety, they usually produce 3 to 4 medium to large blue eggs per week.

• Poultry Show Class: All Other Standard Breeds, Miscellaneous Class
  
• Weights: Hen ——-5 1/2 lbs
  
• Rooster—-6 1/2 lb
  
• Pullet——4 1/2 lbs
  
• Cockerel—5 1/2 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Laying blue eggs, pets and show; Production
  
• Egg Shell Color: blue shell a few light green
  
• Egg Production: 180-200 eggs per year (estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
  
• Temperament: Active/Flighty
  
• Gender Accuracy: 75-80%
  
• Fertility Percentage: 65-80%
  
• Broody: Non Setter
  
• Mating Ratio:  9 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 4+ feet
  
• Country of Origin: USA
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1984.
  
• TLC: Not Listed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline/strain of production type Blue Ameraucana since 2015.