The Araucana is a domestic chicken breed from Chile (Spanish: Gallina Mapuche). Its name comes from the Araucana area of Chile, which is thought to be its original home. It is one of the very few breeds that produces eggs with blue shells.
Appearance
According to the current Araucana Standard, a medium- to large-sized chicken with a tail and bluish-green eggs is described. Specific characteristics include feather ear tufts, muffs, and beards, as well as a greatly diminished comb, a small feather crest, and utter lack of wattles. The Araucana is available in a range of hues, from black to white to lavender to blue-red. They possess a little pea comb.
As Pet
The Araucana’s appearance may lure you in as a pet, but you should never buy an animal purely because of its appearance. To help you decide if this breed is the ideal chicken for you, we’ve listed some of the breed’s basic care requirements.
Housing
Despite being on the smaller side, each of these hens requires a coop space of at least four square feet. At least eight square feet per chicken should be available for their outside run, although more space is usually preferable. The greatest method to maintain their health and happiness is to give them access to free time or a sizable enclosure.
These chickens are likely to act aggressively if they feel crowded, especially in cold weather. Therefore, offer them more room than they require to stop them from damaging one another. They prefer a lot of room to extend their wings.
Araucanas may be more inclined to want to fly than the normal chicken when they are fully grown. To meet such needs, offer them numerous perches at various heights. Additionally, they must to have a nesting box for every three hens. A normal 12 by 12 inch dimension is required.
Feeding
To thrive, all chickens require a balanced diet. This breed requires a high-protein beginning meal when they are chicks. Ideal protein content is around 20%.
You can switch your chicks to an adult meal with about 16% protein once they are 18 weeks old. For extra calcium, full-grown hens should also be given oyster shells in a separate container. The blue Araucana eggs won’t be as nutritious without it.
Since araucanas like exploring new places, they may forage for many of the nutrients they need. If you allow them to roam freely, they will gather weeds and bugs, which will clean your land while also providing them with nutrients. Foraging is used in addition to, not in substitute of, chicken feed.
Grooming
It is best to inquire about the requirements for the shows if you are maintaining araucanas as show birds. Other than routine weekly checks for mites, lice, and other parasites, they do not require any special grooming. For information on de-worming your birds, consult the breeder from where you purchased the Araucana; your neighborhood veterinarian should also be able to assist. These birds must be maintained pest-free because they enjoy foraging and looking for new scratching posts.
Temperament
Araucanas make wonderful pets because of their loving nature, curious nature, and ease of training. The cock birds aren’t typically hostile.
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