Raising Araucana Chickens: For Blue Eggs

Araucanas known to be unique and adventurous birds. They are one of the few varieties that lay robin-blue eggs. Here is a brief overview of this remarkable breed.

These unique birds are known for their fun blue eggs, playful nature, and broodiness. Aracuanas are not to be confused with Ameraucana.

The true Araucana breed are difficult to breed and are typically only sold by breeders and not hatcheries. Both breeds lay blue eggs but Ameraucana chickens are much easier to breed and are sold by most hatcheries.

The Araucana chicken is a busy friendly bird that lays more than 180 eggs per year in favorable conditions. Does this make it the right chicken for you?

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History of Araucana Chickens

Araucana chickens come from South America and became popular with chicken lovers in the mid-1900s. In 1914, a Spanish traveler named Salvador Castello found these birds in Chile.

He called them Gallina Araucana because that is where he first saw them. At the First World’s Poultry Congress in 1921, Castello initially thought their unique rumpless backs and tufts meant they were a new species of wild birds.

It took several decades for Araucana chickens to be recognized as a standard breed. After that, more people began raising Araucanas in North America, Britain, and Europe.

Appearance and Temperament

Araucana roosters weigh about 5 lbs, while hens and cockerels weigh around 4 lbs.

They are medium-sized birds with fluffy feather tufts on each side of their heads, giving them a funny look. Their colorful feathers and unique eggs add to their charm. The Araucana is the only breed with ear tufts recognized by the APA.

Common colors include black-breasted red, golden duck wing, silver duck wing, and greenish speckles. Their tufts and pea combs, which have three ridges, help protect them from cold weather and frostbite. Here is some great information on combs and comb types.

These birds have features that keep them warm, but they like warmer places. Breeders have different opinions about their personalities. Some think these chickens are skittish and nervous.

Others appreciate their energetic and determined nature as they explore the yard for food. These differing views may come from how their surroundings affect their behavior.

Main Characteristics of Araucanas

Bi-lateral Symmetrical Side Muffs or Feathers on each side of head
Pea Combs
No Tail-Feathers on Rump
Lay Blue Eggs
More difficult to breed
Not typically available at hatcheries
Buy from breeders only

Important Note: The unique ear-tufts and lack of tails are believed to be caused by a genetic mutation. If both parent birds carry these dominant genes, it may lower the hatching rate of their chicks because of this inherited issue.

This trait can also cause higher chick mortality which is definitely something to consider when adding Araucana chicks to your flock.

3 Tips for Raising Araucana Chickens

Araucana chickens grow faster than other breeds. Their tufts appear early, and they usually start laying eggs around five to six months old or even earlier. While some chickens may not lay eggs until 8 to 9 months, Araucanas will begin much sooner.

Now, let’s talk about the important details of raising Araucana chickens on your farm, homestead, or in your backyard.

yound Araucana laying hen with greenery in the background

Your Curious Flock Needs a Fenced Yard

Araucana Chickens are small but they are fantastic foragers. They love to roam, graze, and scratch. It’s not good to keep them in a tiny coop; they need a fenced yard to explore safely.

Build a chicken coop with enough space—about 4 square feet per bird inside and over 8 square feet outside. Add some perches at different heights to keep them active and entertained. Count your chickens before closing the pen each night to make sure none have wandered off.

Chicken Coop Tip: Change the bedding regularly and clean the chicken pen and nest boxes weekly. Learn more chicken coop cleaning tips here.

Let Them Find Their Own Food

You can raise Araucana chickens in a safe, free-ranging space. Watch them search for worms, insects, grubs, and edible plants in their pen.

Provide enough feed like Chick Grower for young chickens. It has high protein to help them grow. Also, make sure to provide a standard Lay Mash or Lay Pellets inside the pen for your laying hens.

Araucana hens can become broody, meaning they stop laying eggs and sit on their nest to hatch them. With broody Araucana hen, hatching chicks is easier because you don’t need an incubator.

Mother hens just need spacious nest boxes with dry bedding (like straw, sand, or pine shavings), plus enough food and water. These caring mothers will stay on their eggs until they hatch.

However, be cautious. Some nests may not hatch well. Watch for hens that seem weak or distressed while brooding. Gently move these hens to a small dog crate or kennel for closer observation. Make sure to provide a nesting box for them.

Key Takeaways on Raising Araucana Chickens

If you have a large backyard or barn and can care for them, raising Araucana chickens could be a great option.
These chickens enjoy foraging but will need extra feed to lay eggs regularly.
Always provide them with clean water.
Also, include oyster shell as a calcium supplement to keep your chickens healthy and their eggs strong.
Broody mother hens can hatch eggs instead of using an incubator.
Additionally, Araucana chickens are friendly and social birds.

Enjoy your flock of birds. Take good care of your laying hens and they will produce fresh eggs on a daily basis!

Still want to look around for the right chicken breed to start your flock? Read about the Best Egg Laying Chickens & What They Have to Offer.

Raising Araucana Chickens: For Blue Eggs