Ameraucana

Ameraucanas are a heritage breed developed in the United States in the 1970s. They are best known for their beautiful blue eggs, but their fluffy feathery cheeks and beards definitely add to their charm and appeal. They come in a variety of colours, with our "BBS" being Blue,Black, and Splash. 

Cold Hardy 

Ameraucana are cold-hardy, making them ideal for Canadian climates. Their pea combs are less susceptible to frostbite, and their dense feathering keeps them warm through harsh winters. Despite their cold tolerance, they also handle summer heat reasonably well when provided with shade and fresh water.

Egg Production

True Ameraucanas lay beautiful blue eggs. You can expect 3-4 medium-sized eggs per week, totaling approximately 150-200 eggs per year. They typically begin laying between 20-24 weeks of age.

The blue egg color is purely aesthetic and doesn't affect the taste or nutritional value of the egg. However, they make a stunning addition to your egg basket and are always a conversation starter!

Temperament & Behavior

Ameraucanas are known to be curious, socialable and excellent foragers. Roosters can be flighty, but can become social with proper socialization from a young age. While they can occasionally go broody they are not known for it, although each hen has their own parenting goals. 

Care Requirements

Ameraucanas are excellent for beginners due to their hardy nature and manageable care requirements:

- Feed: High-quality layer feed (16-18% protein) once laying begins. Provide fresh water daily and supplement with calcium (oyster shell) for strong eggshells.

- Space: Minimum 4 square feet per bird in the coop and 10 square feet per bird in the run. More space always leads to happier, healthier chickens.

- Housing: Standard chicken coop with good ventilation

- Health: Generally healthy and robust. Monitor for common chicken issues like mites, respiratory infections, and provide preventive care.

With proper care, Ameraucanas typically live 6-8 years.