Demystifying Ameraucanas & Easter Eggers: Cracking the Colorful Eggshell Code

As the Araucana breed’s standard crystallized around the tufted and rumpless characteristics, those who held an affinity for the birds showcasing tails, beards, and muffs found themselves at a crossroads. To differentiate their breed, they coined the term “American Araucana.” Over time, this descriptor evolved into the succinct “Ameraucana,” signaling the establishment of a unique lineage. Significantly, the Ameraucana breed distinguishes itself as one of the few chicken breeds celebrated for laying captivating blue eggs. Parallel to its Araucana precursor, it shares striking parallels such as the signature pea comb and the coveted blue egg gene. Setting it apart, the Ameraucana proudly exhibits an array of features, including a graceful tail, charming muffs, and a distinctive beard. While the Araucana boasts ear tufts and a rumpless stature, the Ameraucana strides forth with its own distinctive attributes. Sporting small, rounded earlobes and modest to absent wattles, both these features radiate a vivid red hue. The breed’s slate-blue shanks further elevate its appeal, transitioning to a striking black shade in the black plumage variant.

The American Standard of Perfection recognizes an enchanting palette of nine color variations within the Ameraucana breed: black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, buff, silver, wheaten, white and self blue. At Valley Hatchery, we take pride in offering Black, Blue, and Splash Ameraucanas, each contributing its unique allure to the breed’s rich heritage. An intriguing note to highlight: there’s a quirk in the spelling—there’s no “I” in Ameraucana, a subtle yet telling distinction that separates it from its closely interwoven counterparts. (Below we unveil the realm of Americanas, often entangled within the intricate web of Ameraucana confusion.)