Araucana

Araucana

Purpose: dual purpose
Egg Production: 3 / wk
Egg Color: blue
Origin: Chile
Heritage breed: Yes

The Araucana is an extremely rare breed first bred in Chile. The Araucana has a gene that makes chicks prone to dying in the egg, and thus they are not prevalent. They are distinguished by their ear tufts and the absence of a rump. These traits combined with their signature blue egg make the Araucana quite the unusual breed. The black, black red, golden duckwing, silver duckwing and white are the varieties recognized in the U.S.

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(Click on images to enlarge them.)

Golden Araucana

Blue Araucana

White Araucana

Black Araucana

Araucana Chick

Araucana Egg

Araucana images (Golden, Black, Blue, Chick) by Melani Marfeld, Lachshuhnzucht Herne

Categories

All Breeds

EGG COLOR
Blue Eggs
Brown Eggs
Green Eggs
White Eggs

EGG PRODUCTION
≤ 3 / wk
3-4 / wk
4-5 / wk
5+ / wk

BREED PURPOSE
Dual Purpose
Egg Production
Meat
Ornamental

BREED TYPE
Heritage breed
Non-heritage breed
Hybrid / Crossbreed

What is a heritage breed?

A heritage breed is one that is recognized by the American Poultry Association. Heritage breeds are those that can mate naturally, are genetically stable, have a typically long outdoor lifespan, and a relatively slow growth rate. Many heritage breeds have existed for hundreds of years. They are naturally better foragers than hybrids but also are more prone to broodiness.

What is a non-heritage breed?

A non-heritage breed has all of the characteristics of a heritage breed but has not been recognized by the American Poultry Association as a standard.

What is a hybrid / crossbreed?

A hybrid (or crossbreed) is a bird that is bred to produce a specific characteristic, usually high egg production. Many hybrids are “auto-sexing,” meaning males and females are easily distinguishable when hatched. A hybrid cannot be considered a “breed” because it cannot produce offspring that have the same characteristics it has. While hybrids will lay more eggs than heritage breeds, they also do not live as long and are more susceptible to disease.

What is Breed Purpose?

Breed Purpose describes the best use for a breed. Some breeds are best for Egg Production only, while some are bred specifically for their Meat. Then there are Dual Purpose breeds, which are good egg layers but can also be harvested for meat. Ornamental breeds are meant for show or as pets. Most ornamental breeds are not good layers nor are they good for meat.

Araucana

Araucana

Golden Araucana

Blue Araucana

White Araucana

Black Araucana

Araucana Chick

Araucana Egg

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Categories

What is a heritage breed?

What is a non-heritage breed?

What is a hybrid / crossbreed?

What is Breed Purpose?

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