The Araucana is famous for its beautiful blue eggs. In fact, it’s the breed that started the colored egg craze here in the United States. It is often mistaken for the Ameraucana or the Easter Egger, both of which are hybrids of the breed.
These two hybrids are often preferred over the Araucana because of their genetic hatch rate problem. Many hatcheries choose not to breed and sell them because of this issue. If you choose to breed Araucanas on your farm, be aware of the low hatch rate and remove broody hens from eggs that have remained unhatched for too long.
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Araucana Chicken Breed Quick Info
Araucana Chicken Description
| Araucana Type/Size: | Standard |
| Feather Color: | Varies |
| Leg Type: | Non-Feathered |
| Leg Color: | Varies |
| Skin Color: | Varies |
| Araucana Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
| Araucana Special Care Needs: | No |
| Is the Araucana breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare |
Araucana Use
| Meat | No |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Dual Purpose | No |
| Araucana Temperament: | Gentle, friendly, active |
| Araucana Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Araucana Egg Production
| Egg Color | Blue |
| Egg Size | Medium |
| Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 150-200 |
| Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | High |
Araucana Meat Production
| Dressed Weight Male | N/A |
| Dressed Weight Female | N/A |
Araucana Climate Tolerance
| Heat | Excellent |
| Cold | Good |
Araucana Age to Maturity
| Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 20-24 Weeks |
| Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 20-24 Weeks |
| Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | N/A |
Araucana Size at Maturity
| Male | 6 lbs. |
| Female | 5 lbs. |
Origins of the Araucana Chicken
The Araucana originated in South America, in Chile. In the 1930s, they were brought to the United States. However, they didn’t become a recognized breed until the 1970s. And even after they became official, it took several more decades for them to become popular.
Over the past decade, the Araucana has become one of the most beloved breeds by backyard chicken owners looking to add some color to their eggs.
Some Things to Know About the Araucana Chicken
These rare chickens have a unique look. They have a pea-type comb with tufts of feathers that grow out from under their ears on either side of their face.
They are also considered rumpless, which means they have no tail. Because of this and the angle of their back, they have a very upright appearance.
The Araucana comes in several different colors. These include black, white, red, silver duck wing, and golden duck wing. The color of the skin and legs changes depending on their feather color.
How Easy is it to Keep Araucana Chickens?
It is fairly easy to keep Araucana chickens. They do well in the heat as well as the cold, although they will stop laying in the wintertime if you live in a colder climate. Their pea combs prevent frostbite as well.
They are ideal free-range chickens - they are active and curious and love to travel around and explore. They will keep themselves busy by scratching for food in areas they are allowed to roam in. They are also intelligent birds and will do their best to stay away from predators.
Special Care and Considerations for Araucana Chickens
One thing to consider with Araucana chickens is fencing. If you live in a neighborhood or don’t want your free-range hens to roam too far, consider putting up a fence or other boundary. Otherwise, they will wander a little farther than other breeds and keep going back to the same spot if they find something delicious.
Another thing to be aware of it broodiness. Unlike high-production breeds, Arauacanas will frequently go broody and sit on their eggs. If you plan to breed your flock, then this is good news. Just be aware that the hatch rate for Araucanas is low.
