Origin and Characteristics:
Ameraucana was originated from South America. Since they lay bluish-greenish colored eggs, they are often referred as Easter Eggers. Ameraucana comes in different colors, the most commonly seen ones are brown-red. Ameraucama chickens are smaller in size among the laying hens, at about 5 lb. full grown. They are calm, not aggressive and easy to manage. It is a pretty hardy breed, can handle some cold temperature. They are well suited in any flock.
Egg Production:
The color of the eggs ranging from light blue to bluish-green. Their egg laying ability is average, mine lay about every other day during the production period. They start laying on average 7 month after hatching. Ameraucanas love to graze, eating weeds and grass clippings, their egg yolks are among the darkest color of all hens.
Other Facts:
Ameraucana hens like most laying hens will go through a period of molting, usually after laying for 7-9 month. During the molting period the hens won't lay eggs. They may loose feather and get pretty rough looking. Their faces will turn from a bright red to a pale pinkish color. This is the nature's way for the hens to catch up and recover after a long period of egg production. Molting usually lasts around a month, some last longer. Once they come through, they will have new feathers and a refreshed look and ready to lay eggs again. Ameraucana chickens are not broody, meaning they do not have the tendency to try to hatch eggs.
