Araucana chicken is a rare breed, and they come with much controversy and many challenges. Do you wish to add them to your flock?
The Araucana chicken breed has been prized for its blues ever since it was first developed in Chile.
Before adding them to your backyard, it’s a good idea to know every detail regarding this breed.
Try to collect every detail regarding the Araucana breed: its color, size, appearance, history, raising benefits, and the problems associated with this chicken breed.
All the above information is available in this breed guide for Araucana chickens. Please go through it before taking any steps. After you look at all the information about it, you can make an informed decision about it.
What is Araucana Chicken?
The Araucana chicken is a breed from Chile. The hens of this breed lay blue eggs, and they are only popular because of the craze for blue eggs. It is also known for its ability to lay colored eggs.
People love to raise this chicken breed for its blue egg-laying ability. It is a breed of domestic chicken. However, the history of its origin is not documented. The Araucana chicken was discovered by Spanish aviculturist Salvador Castello.
It has white skin and may lay blue or green eggs. The chicken can vary from country to country. They are rumpled and have unusual tufts of feathers on their ears. Lethal genes cause both rumples and tufts.
Common Names of Araucana Chicken
Araucana Chicken Breed is known by different names all over the globe-
- Gallina Mapuche Chicken
- Mapuche fowl
- South American Rumples Chicken
History of Araucana Chicken
It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning that it can be used for both egg production and meat production. Araucanas is characterized by its blue-green eggs, which are a result of a genetic mutation.
The Araucana is also known for its tufted feathers, which are a result of another genetic mutation. The Araucana chicken is an important breed of chicken and has played a significant role in the history of poultry husbandry.
Araucana chickens were commonly seen in South America in the early twentieth century. Spanish aviculturist Salvador Castello once visited Chile in 1914, saw them and named them as “Gallina Araucana”.
The Mapuche people developed the Araucana and were brought to Europe in the 1920s.
The Araucana chicken came into existence by crossing between the two breeds from Colloncas, northern Chile, and Quetros. People also like to keep them as pets.
This fowl is intelligent and is also good at flying. This chicken breed is also very alert.
Scientific research has found that tufts come from lethal and dominant genes. Araucana people believe this breed of bird does well in fights.
In the year 1930, George Malcolm in Scotland developed British Araucana and introduced the lavender plumage variety and bantam Araucana in 1940. Araucana may have been standardized in 1969 or 1974.
Araucana Chicken Color Varieties
The Araucana chicken is a popular breed that is known for its unusual blue-green eggs. However, they come in five colors, including Black, Black Breasted Red, Golden Duckwing, Silver Duckwing and White.
Lifespan
These birds are relatively hardy and can live for several years with proper care. The average lifespan of an Araucana chicken is between 7 and 8 years. However, individual birds may live longer or shorter depending on factors such as diet, housing, and health care.
Those that are well-cared for and have access to good quality food and water typically have the longest lifespans. Likewise, chickens that are kept in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions are more likely to succumb to disease and have shorter lifespans.
Egg Production
Araucanas are a type of hen that typically starts laying eggs at 6 months of age. Araucana breeds lay 250 eggs, 30 eggs less than the best heritage breed, the Plymouth Rock chicken.
This chicken is mostly bantam size, so it is not suitable as a meat bird. Even if the hens are small, they lay perfect, medium-sized eggs. But you may see some large flocks of this breed.
It lays four to five eggs per week as blue and green colored eggs. It is very beautiful. Production of the eggs fluctuates because of physical, behavioral, and environmental changes.
Araucana Chicken Temperament
These breeds are quiet and do not cause commotion in the coop. Araucana are calm and docile personalities.
A research study found that those who give time to developing the breeds have loving interaction with them, and these breeds enjoy being cuddled and handled.
These breeds are strong and grow faster. They do well in confined conditions. The Araucana matures very quickly, and they like fresh grass. The colored eggs of Araucana chicken are not more nutritious than other eggs.
Blue eggs are low in cholesterol. Hens of this breed are good/caring mothers. If your hen is not sitting on eggs, read our guide on chicken brooding.
Araucana chickens are also known for being friendly and docile, making them a good choice for backyard chicken keepers. However, it is important to note that Araucana chickens can be prone to aggression if they do not have enough space to roam.
They also tend to be skittish around loud noises and sudden movements. For this reason, it is important to provide Araucana chickens with a spacious enclosure and to handle them gently.
With proper care and socialization, Araucanas can make excellent pet chickens
Color, Size, Appearance, Characteristics of Araucana Chicken
Color and Appearance
Recognized varities and color of Araucana Chicken–
| Size | Recognized Color/Variety |
|---|---|
| Bantam | Black |
| Large Fowl | Black |
| Bantam | Black Breasted Red |
| Large Fowl | Black Breasted Red |
| Bantam | Golden Duckwing |
| Large Fowl | Golden Duckwing |
| Bantam | Silver Duckwing |
| Large Fowl | Silver Duckwing |
| Bantam | White |
| Large Fowl | White |
But the American Poultry Association recognizes its five colors, namely: Golden Duckwing, Silver Duckwing, white, black, and black-breasted red.
The coloring of this Araucana is quite variable, and this variety of colors makes them beautiful birds, and they are considered winter hardy and a dual-purpose chicken breed.
Because of the beard and muffs, they have chipmunk faces that seem like their cheeks are muffed out. Their eyes are bay red, and they look a bit fierce, but they are quite docile birds, and their looks are deceiving.
Size
Araucana are small-sized chickens, but they are bigger than bantams and smaller than Brahmas (the king of chickens). Large-sized Araucana chickens have an average weight of up to 4-5 lbs. and bantams about 1.8-2.2 lbs.
Sizes may differ, and this variation in sizes mainly depends on the condition in which they live.
Araucana grows faster, and it is considered the small end of the spectrum, but it grows at a phenomenal rate.
Characteristics
The Araucana has unique physical characteristics, not only colored eggs. These breeds have back slopes towards the bottom half, which gives them good posture. Araucana has two main characteristics:
- Tufts: Their tufts grow under the fold of skin under the ears and stick out like a gentleman’s mustache. It is the feathers of the Araucana that breed around its face. Tufts usually occur on both sides, but they don’t grow.
- No tail: these breeds do not have tails; they don’t have rumps.
These are the two characteristics that give the Araucana a unique appearance rather than the blue eggs.
Broodiness
Araucana enjoys raising their chicks, and Araucana is broody frequently. The hatch rate in these is very low due to genetic issues.
If we want to breed the birds, then we have to leave the mother hen with the chicks for better results, and this process will be easier for you.
Hardiness
Araucana is hardy and can survive in hard weather also. They have a pea comb, which makes frostbite uncommon.
But they can survive in other extreme conditions and can adjust to all conditions. They have a nature that is like going with the flow. Read here: how to keep chickens warm in winter?
Health Issue
Araucana may need care in extremely cold weather conditions or from internal parasites. They are healthy and strong birds that have an excellent genetic background.
Benefits of Raising Araucana Chicken Breed
Araucana chickens are talented foragers; they are more active and docile. These are a good choice for farms or backyards with enough space.
They are both good egg layers and good meat birds. They are fairly hardy and can survive in extreme conditions. These chickens are friendly, and hens make excellent mothers.
Araucana have a unique appearance that consists of a large horizontal spray of feathers on both sides of their faces.
Araucana chickens are a hardy breed that is well-suited to both hot and cold climates. They are also relatively disease-resistant, and their eggs are known for their blue shells.
Araucana hens make good mothers, and they are known for being good layers. However, perhaps the most unique feature of Araucana chickens is their tufts of feathers that protrude from their head, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Although they are not the most popular breed of chicken, Araucana chickens can make a valuable contribution to any flock. In addition to their unique appearance, Araucana chickens are also excellent foragers and can help to keep pests under control.
Their eggs are also highly prized by many consumers, making Araucana chickens a valuable addition to any farm or homestead.
Problems in Raising Araucana Chicken Breed
Araucana chickens are physically small and strange in the most adorable way. They are wacky and sweet.
These birds only weigh 4-5 lbs and have no tails. They are very flighty, and it’s hard to find a pure breed.
It’s very difficult to breed this chicken variety, and it requires a lot of experience to try to get an Araucana chick to hatch, but once they hatch, it’s easy to raise them. There is a faulty gene in this breed.
Also read: How to Clip Chicken Wings? — To Stop Their Flying
Araucana Chicken Hen Vs Rooster
When it comes to Araucana chickens, there are some notable differences between the hen and the rooster. For one, the hen is typically smaller in size and has a more slender build. Additionally, the hen’s tail feathers are usually shorter than those of the rooster.
The rooster also tends to have more prominent plumage, including longer and more colorful tail feathers.
Finally, the rooster’s comb is usually larger and more pronounced than the hen’s. These physical differences can help you to identify which gender of Araucana chicken you’re looking at.
FAQs
Are Araucana chickens rare?
Araucana chickens are a relatively rare breed of chicken, originating in South America. There are only a few hundred Araucana chickens in the world, and they are not widely available commercially.
However, there is a small number of Araucana chicken breeders who sell eggs and chicks through online hatcheries. Because of their rarity, Araucana chickens can be quite expensive, with chicks selling for upwards of $100 each.
However, many people believe they are worth the price, as they are considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique chicken breeds in the world.
Do Araucana Chickens have a good personality?
Araucanas are a friendly, intelligent breed of chicken that gets along well with others. They’re curious and often explore their surroundings to see what’s new around them!
Araucana hens can be active birds but they also enjoy getting inside on some good old-fashioned roosting action even if there isn’t a rooster around.
How Much Do Araucana Chickens Cost?
When it comes to choosing the right chicken for your backyard flock, there are many factors to consider. One important consideration is cost. Araucana chickens are a popular choice for many chicken enthusiasts, but they can be somewhat pricey.
On average, Araucana chicks cost between $3 and $5 each. However, prices may vary depending on the breeder and the time of year.
In addition to the initial cost of purchase, Araucana chickens require some special care and attention. They are susceptible to a condition known as viral enteritis, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Are Araucana chickens friendly?
Araucana chickens are a breed of chicken that is known for their friendly disposition. These chickens are typically very sociable and enjoy the company of other chickens and humans alike.
Araucanas are also known for their inquisitive nature, and they will often explore their surroundings with great enthusiasm.
Are araucana chickens cold-hardy?
Araucana chickens are a breed of chicken that is known for its hardiness. These chickens are native to Chile, and they are able to withstand cold weather very well.
Araucana chickens have a dense plumage that helps to keep them warm, and they also have an extra set of wing feathers that provide additional insulation. Additionally, Araucana chickens have an unusual genetic trait that makes their earlobes blue.
This blue coloration is thought to help the chicken absorb more heat from the sun, further increasing their tolerance for cold weather. As a result, Araucana chickens are well-suited for colder climates and can be a great addition to any poultry flock.
Are araucana chickens noisy?
As with any animal, there is some variation in personality between individual araucanas, but in general, they are relatively quiet birds.
They are not likely to disturbed the neighbors with excessive crowing, and they tend to be more subdued than other chicken breeds.
Of course, all animals make some noise, and araucana chickens will occasionally cluck or call out, but on the whole, they are relatively quiet birds.
Araucana Chickens Care Guide and Facts
Raising the breeds of Araucana chicken for eggs is the most difficult challenge. The gene that gives an appearance of being “tufted” is lethal.
If we want to breed this chicken, you will require a good amount of patience and skills to meet the large-scale production. It is most important that the breeds have more space to forage. They do not like portable chicken coops or tractors.
We need to fence the whole area to avoid destruction by other animals. Araucana chickens do well in a large area to forage. These breeds are an excellent choice for a home with adequate forage space.
Araucana chickens are a unique breed of chicken that originates from Chile. They are known for their blue eggs, which make them a popular choice for backyard farmers and homesteaders. There is some debate over the true origin of the Araucana breed, but they have been around for centuries.
Araucanas come in both standard and bantam sizes, and there is a fair amount of variety within the breed itself. Some people believe that all Araucanas lay blue-green eggs, but this is not always the case.
The Araucana gene that causes the blue eggshell color is recessive, meaning that two copies of the gene must be present for an egg to be blue. If only one copy of the gene is present, the egg will be a more brownish color.
Araucana chickens are known for being friendly and curious birds. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and are often quite sociable with both humans and other animals.
These chickens are hardy birds that can withstand cold weather quite well. This is due to their dense plumage and their extra set of wing feathers. Additionally, their blue earlobes are thought to help them absorb more heat from the sun.
Araucana chickens are generally quiet, and they are not known for being particularly vocal birds. However, like all animals, they will make some noise on occasion.
Araucana chickens are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things that you need to know before getting started.
- First, Araucana chickens need to eat well-balanced diets rich in protein for their health and safety; they also require plenty of water daily as part of this eating routine – even if it’s just an occasional splash around the cage!
- Don’t forget about nest boxes or places where your pet friend will stay protected from inclement weather conditions while staying put during warmer months
- Lastly, one of the most important things to do for chicken health and safety is to check them regularly for parasites and any other health problems. It’s also essential that you keep an eye out if they seem unhealthy or injured so as not to risk passing along any diseases by neglecting problems with their systems before it becomes too late!
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your Araucana chickens remain healthy and happy.
Conclusion
For several years, the Araucanas served as an excellent addition to the flocks. Many people raise the bird for meat.
They are very gentle, have a friendly personality, and have a good egg-laying temperament, and this Araucana chicken serves as a popular choice for many chicken enthusiasts.
Share your experience below if you are raising Araucana chickens. People love to read your comments.
