The Araucana is a distinctive ornamental chicken best known for its blue-green eggs. An active and curious choice for anyone looking for something special in the flock.

1. Introduction

The Araucana is an ornamental chicken for keepers looking for something distinctive in their flock. Its naturally blue to blue-green eggs are the main attraction and add an unusual colour to the egg basket.

2. Key characteristics

• Type: ornamental chicken / coloured-egg layer
• Size: medium
• Egg colour: blue to blue-green
• Egg production: approximately 150-200 eggs per year
• Temperament: active, alert and curious
• Broodiness: variable
• Flying ability: fairly good
• Vaccinated: yes

The exact egg shade and annual production can vary between hens. Age, season, nutrition and living conditions also influence laying performance.

3. Temperament and behaviour

Araucanas like to stay busy and actively search their surroundings for food and interesting places to explore. They tend to be more alert and independent than very calm, heavy ornamental breeds. Regular, gentle interaction can help them become accustomed to their keepers.

4. Eggs and laying

The Araucana's main attraction is not maximum production, but its blue to blue-green eggshells. This makes it an appealing choice for keepers who enjoy collecting eggs in different natural colours.

5. Housing and care

Provide plenty of foraging space and take the Araucana's active nature into account. As this chicken is a fairly capable flyer, secure and sufficiently high fencing is advisable. Places to forage, explore and shelter will help keep these curious chickens occupied.

Important after purchase: newly purchased chickens should initially be fed chick meal. Gradually mix in an increasing amount of regular grain to ensure a smooth transition to their subsequent diet.

6. Who is this breed suitable for?

A good choice for:

• enthusiasts of naturally coloured eggs;
• anyone looking for a distinctive ornamental chicken;
• backyard keepers with sufficient foraging space;
• those who prefer an active chicken to a very calm breed.

7. Which chickens can an Araucana live with?

The Araucana's active and alert nature generally suits chickens that are also reasonably confident and active. Leghorn, Silver Brakel and Emeraude green layers can make interesting companions.

For any mixed flock, provide enough room, several feeding and drinking points and introduce new birds gradually.

8. Why choose an Araucana?

Choose the Araucana if you want unusual eggs combined with an active ornamental chicken. It does not match a specialised hybrid layer for egg quantity, but its distinctive egg colour gives it a completely different appeal.

9. You may also be interested in

• Emeraude green layer - interesting for combining several unusual egg colours in one flock.
• Calcium Boost - additional calcium support when required.
• Barbary duck - another interesting option for those wanting to keep different types of poultry.

10. Advice from De Hagedoorn

Do not choose the Araucana based on egg numbers alone. Its real attraction lies in the combination of an active nature and distinctive egg colour. Provide plenty of room and take its flying ability into account when designing the run.

Not sure whether this is the right choice for your chicken run or flock? We are happy to provide personal advice. Feel free to contact Sonja Neven (0479 95 65 01 in the morning).