Chicken Breed Spotlight: The Araucana Breed
Chicken keeping has become a popular hobby among suburbanites, and one of the most important decisions to make when starting a flock is choosing the right breeds to add to your chicken coop. But with so many different breeds of chickens, how do you know what to choose?
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Araucana chickens, including their personality, egg production, and lifespan. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or a newcomer to the hobby, this comprehensive guide will help you decide if Araucanas are the right breed for you and your flock.
But if you just want the TLDR version, we have a handy table below with our summary.
| Breed | Araucana |
| Adult size | Medium breed, weighing 2-3.5kg |
| Eggs per year | 150-200 |
| Eggs per week | 2-4 |
| Araucana egg size | Medium eggs |
| Araucana egg colour | blue or green eggs |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years |
| Suitable for backyard flocks? | Yes |
How big do Araucana chickens get?
Araucanas are a Medium-sized chicken breed, with adult hens weighing around 2-3.5kg.
What do Araucana chickens look like?
They come in a variety of colours, including blue, black, and red. Araucanas are known for their unique ear tufts, rumplessness, and the ability to lay blue or green eggs.
The personality and temperament of Araucana chickens
Araucanas are known for their active, energetic, and curious nature. They are great foragers, able to find food and snacks on their own, and are known for their hardiness, making them ideal for backyard flocks. Araucanas are also known for their friendly and social nature, forming strong bonds with their owners.
How many eggs do Araucanas lay per year?
When it comes to egg laying, Araucana hens lay around 150-200 eggs per year, which averages out to about 2-4 eggs per week. Araucanas lay Medium eggs that are blue or green in colour. So, if you’re looking for a breed of chicken that will give you a fresh egg almost daily, Araucanas are probably not the chickens you’re looking for.
When do Araucana hens start laying eggs?
It varies, but generally speaking, Araucanas are ready to lay their eggs by 18-22 weeks of age. And despite what you may have heard, you don’t need Araucana roosters in order for Araucana hens to start laying eggs.
How long do Araucana chickens live?
On average, Araucana chickens have a lifespan ranging anywhere from 5-8 years. However, it’s worth noting that the lifespan of a chicken can depend on various factors such as diet, living conditions, and overall health. Chickens that are well cared for and kept in a safe, clean environment with a balanced diet can often live longer than those that are neglected or kept in poor conditions.
Conclusion: are Araucana chickens the next addition to your chicken coop?
Overall, Araucana chickens make a wonderful addition to any flock’s coop and are a great option for beginner backyard chicken keepers. With the right care and attention, Araucanas will provide you with many years of enjoyment.
