Ameraucana
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fait Amusant
The Ameraucana was created to solve a genetic problem: the Araucana's ear tufts are caused by a dominant gene that is lethal when homozygous — roughly 25% of embryos die in the shell. By replacing the lethal tufts with a beard and restoring the tail, breeders created a bird that produces the same blue eggs without the genetic death sentence.
An American breed developed in the 1970s from Araucana stock, specifically bred to retain the blue-egg gene while eliminating the lethal gene combination associated with the Araucana's ear tufts and rumplessness. The Ameraucana has a pea comb, a full beard and muffs (rather than ear tufts), and a normal tail — making it a more robust, practical bird than its rumpless Araucana ancestor. It lays blue to blue-green eggs reliably and comes in many colour varieties recognised by the American Poultry Association (APA). The Ameraucana is now recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct breed, separate from the Araucana, reflecting the growing international consensus that these are two different breeds. Exceptionally popular with American and European backyard keepers, the Ameraucana combines novelty egg colour with hardiness and a calm, friendly disposition.
🏷️ Race
Ameraucana
💭 Tempérament
Calm, friendly, curious, cold-hardy, good forager
📏 Taille
Medium (2.3-3.2 kg)
⏳ Espérance de vie
6-8 years
🎨 Couleurs
Black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, buff, silver, wheaten, white, lavender — numerous APA-recognised varieties
🌍 Origine
USA — developed 1970s from Araucana stock; APA recognised 1984
🏠 Habitat
Free-range or enclosed run; adaptable to various climates
🍽️ Alimentation
Layer pellets; good forager on pasture
🎯 Usage
Egg
🥚 Couleur des œufs
Blue
👑 Type de crête
Pea
🏅 Classe EE
Large Fowl