Easter Egger vs Ameraucana: Understanding the Differences
So you’ve found yourself in the wonderful world of chicken keeping and now you’re faced with a dilemma: Easter Egger or Ameraucana? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many aspiring chicken enthusiasts have grappled with understanding the differences between these two popular breeds. In this article, we’ll break it down for you so that you can make an informed decision and confidently choose the perfect addition to your backyard flock. Get ready to unravel the mystery of Easter Egger vs Ameraucana!
What is the difference between Easter Egger and
Ameraucana chickens?
If you’re a chicken enthusiast, you’ve probably come across these two interesting breeds: Easter Egger and Ameraucana chickens. While they may look similar at first glance, there are several key differences between them that you should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll dive into the origin, physical appearance, egg color, temperament, egg laying ability, broodiness, breed standards, recognized varieties, availability, and price of both Easter Egger and Ameraucana chickens. So, let’s get cracking and explore these fascinating chicken breeds!
Easter Egger
Origin
The Easter Egger chicken breed is known for its colorful eggs.
These chickens are not recognized as a true breed by the American Poultry Association (APA) but are often referred to as “mutts” in the chicken world. Despite not having a specific origin, Easter Eggers are believed to have descended from a mix of different chicken breeds, potentially including Ameraucanas.
Physical Appearance
When it comes to the physical appearance of Easter Eggers, they exhibit a wide range of characteristics. Their feather colors can vary greatly, with combinations of brown, black, and white being common.
Easter Eggers also have a diverse range of comb styles, including single, rose, and pea combs. Additionally, their earlobes can be either red or white, and they usually have bright, alert eyes.
Ameraucana
Origin
Ameraucana chickens, on the other hand, have a more well-defined origin. They were developed in the United States during the mid-20th century with the goal of creating a breed that laid blue eggs.
They were derived from chickens imported from South America, particularly Chile, where blue egg-laying Araucana chickens originated.
Standardization
Unlike Easter Eggers, Ameraucanas are recognized as a standardized breed by the APA. They have distinct breed standards and must conform to specific physical and genetic characteristics in order to be considered purebred Ameraucanas.
Physical Appearance
Ameraucanas exhibit certain physical features that set them apart from other chicken breeds. They have muffs and beards, which are feathering around their faces that give them a distinctive appearance.
The breed also has a pea comb, like some Easter Eggers, and typically comes in a variety of feather colors, including black, blue, buff, silver, and white.
See also Are Ameraucana Chickens good Egg Layers?
Egg Color
Easter Egger Egg Colors
One of the most intriguing aspects of Easter Eggers is the wide range of egg colors they can produce. These chickens can lay eggs in shades of blue, green, brown, and even pink. This egg color variation is due to the genetic diversity inherited from the various breeds that contribute to the Easter Egger lineage.
Ameraucana Egg Colors
Ameraucana chickens, on the other hand, lay eggs that are consistently blue or blue-green. This is one of the defining characteristics of the breed. The blue egg-laying trait was preserved and emphasized during the breed’s development and is a major reason why many chicken enthusiasts are drawn to Ameraucanas.
Temperament
Easter Egger Temperament
Easter Eggers are known for their friendly and docile nature. They are typically very sociable and enjoy interacting with humans. These chickens are often considered great additions to backyard flocks due to their ability to get along with other chicken breeds.
Ameraucana Temperament
Ameraucana chickens also have a reputation for being friendly and calm.
They are known to be relatively easygoing and can adapt well to different environments. With their gentle disposition, Ameraucanas are often a popular choice for families with children or individuals looking for chickens with a calm temperament.
Egg Laying Ability
Easter Egger Egg Laying
Easter Eggers are moderate to good layers, with the exact laying capacity varying depending on the individual chicken. On average, they can lay around 200-280 eggs annually. However, it’s important to note that the egg color and size can differ from one Easter Egger to another due to the breed’s genetic diversity.
Ameraucana Egg Laying
Ameraucanas, like Easter Eggers, have a moderate egg-laying capacity. They typically lay around 200-250 eggs per year, which is slightly lower than some other laying breeds. However, their captivating blue eggs make up for the slightly lower quantity.
Broodiness
Easter Egger Broodiness
Easter Egger chickens have varying degrees of broodiness. Some individuals may exhibit brooding behavior, where they become determined to incubate eggs and raise chicks. However, this tendency can be unpredictable and is not consistent across all Easter Eggers.
Ameraucana Broodiness
Ameraucanas are generally not known for being broody. They tend to have a lower inclination towards sitting on eggs and hatching them.
This can be an advantage for those who are not interested in raising chicks or dealing with broody hens.
See also Aggressive Rooster Behaviour- He's Just A Mean Fowl
Breed Standard
Easter Egger Breed Standard
As previously mentioned, Easter Eggers are not recognized as a standardized breed by the APA. Therefore, they do not have a formal breed standard that outlines specific physical characteristics or confirmation requirements. This lack of standardization allows for a wide variety of appearances within the Easter Egger population.
Ameraucana Breed Standard
Ameraucanas, on the other hand, have a detailed breed standard defined by the APA. This standard outlines the specific physical traits that purebred Ameraucanas should possess, including features such as earlobe color, comb type, feather color, and other important characteristics that distinguish them from other chicken breeds.
Recognized Varieties
Easter Egger Varieties
With Easter Eggers being a result of mixed breeding, their appearance can vary greatly. There are no specific recognized varieties for Easter Eggers, as they are known for their wide range of colors, feather patterns, and other physical attributes.
Ameraucana Varieties
Ameraucanas, however, are recognized in several varieties by the APA. These include black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, buff, silver, and white. Each variety has its own specific combination of feather color and pattern, allowing chicken enthusiasts to choose from a diverse range of options.
Availability and Price
Easter Egger Availability and Price
Easter Eggers are generally more widely available compared to Ameraucanas. Due to their mixed-breed nature, they are often found in backyard flocks and can be obtained through local breeders or hatcheries at a relatively affordable price.
Ameraucana Availability and Price
Ameraucanas, being a standardized breed, may be more challenging to find compared to Easter Eggers.
However, reputable breeders and hatcheries specializing in Ameraucanas can still be found. The price for Ameraucanas is typically higher than that of Easter Eggers due to their breed recognition and specific genetic traits.
In conclusion, both Easter Egger and Ameraucana chickens have their own unique characteristics and charm.
While Easter Eggers offer a diverse range of appearances and egg colors, Ameraucanas are known for their specific breed traits and consistent blue eggs.
Whether you’re prioritizing egg color, breed standardization, or temperament, the choice between these two breeds ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific needs.
Whichever breed you decide to raise, both Easter Eggers and Ameraucanas are sure to bring joy and fascination to your flock!