The Araucana chicken is popular as a dual-purpose chicken breed prized for its medium-sized, blue eggs and plump carcass. This breed is relatively new as it was recognized by the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1976. There are nearly 400 recognized breeds and varieties of poultry existing, including large fowl and bantam chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.
Araucana Chicken Facts
Chicken & Egg Colors
- Araucanas come in a variety of colors — white, black, black-breasted red, golden duckwing and silver duckwing.
- Blue chicken eggs are popular and the Araucana is considered the original layer of blue eggs. This breed gave way to other blue-egg-laying chickens such as Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers. Its unique blue-green eggs are a result of the breed’s genetics.
Araucana Chicken Origins
- Araucanas are native to Chile and were first discovered by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
- According to The Araucana Club of America, the Araucana originated in an area of Chile controlled by Araucana Indians. The breed was first imported to the U.S. in the 1930s.
Araucana Features
- This unusual breed is rumpless (aka having no tail) and lacks a tailbone and oil (or preen) gland.
- One of the most striking features of this breed is its ear tufts, which are a feather or group of feathers coming out of the sides of the bird’s face around the ear area. They can be one-sided or bilateral (which is preferred).
This chicken breed feature about the Araucana chicken originally appeared in the Sept./Oct. 2023 issue of Chickens magazine as a mystery chicken breed. It was brought to you by Murray McMurray Hatchery, which provides the highest quality poultry and auxiliary products to its customers and has been a trusted, knowledgeable industry resource for more than 100 years. Whether you are an experienced or novice enthusiast, Murray McMurray is sure you’ll enjoy its wide selection of breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock!
