Araucana

Looks how to spot one

feathers

Araucanas have a round, proud body shape and are often rumpless (no tail). They have a pea comb and small or absent wattles. The most distinctive feature is the fluffy ear tufts that stick out from the sides of the head, like little feathery earrings.53

Personality what they are like

Araucanas are calm, curious and friendly birds that often form close bonds with their keepers. They are alert and intelligent, and cockerels tend to get along well with each other. Hens can be a bit bossy with the cockerels' beards, but overall they are a sweet, easy-to-tame breed.463

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Araucanas are lively and enjoy free-ranging or having a spacious grassy pen. They need at least 8 to 10 square feet of outdoor space per bird to explore and exercise.63

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Basic chicken care: provide a clean, dry coop with good ventilation. Keep the coop temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for adults. Clean water must always be available. No special grooming is needed, but check ear tufts occasionally for dirt or mites.3

Home where they are happiest

Each bird needs at least 4 square feet of indoor coop space and 8 to 10 inches of roosting bar space. Nesting boxes should be 12x10x10 inches. They tolerate cold very well thanks to their pea combs and medium fluff, but need shade and ventilation in hot weather.34

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Chicks need a high-protein starter feed (20 to 24% protein). Growers need 18 to 19% protein. Adult layers need a layer feed with 15 to 17% protein and added calcium for strong eggshells. Treats like dried mealworms, potato peels, peppers and tomatoes can be given in moderation.3

Company who they like around

Araucanas are social and do well in small flocks. They are friendly with humans and other chickens. Cockerels are usually peaceful with each other. Provide enough space to prevent boredom and feather pecking.63

The story where it all began

The Araucana chicken comes from Chile, where it was kept by the Mapuche people in the Araucanía region. In 1914, Spanish aviculturist Salvador Castelló saw them and named them Gallina Araucana. He presented them at the World's Poultry Congress in 1921. The breed was later introduced to Britain and the United States. In the US, the rumpless, tufted Araucana was standardised in 1976, while the tailed, bearded Ameraucana was developed separately. The Araucana is famous for laying blue or green eggs, a trait that comes from a harmless genetic mutation.174

Recognised by the official bits

American Poultry Association

Standardised in 1976; recognised varieties: Black, Black Breasted Red, Golden Duckwing, Silver Duckwing, White5

Poultry Club of Great Britain

Standardised in 1969 or 1974; recognises twelve colours1

Entente Européenne d’Aviculture et de Cuniculture

Lists twenty plumage varieties1