What Is The Difference Between Ameraucana Chickens And Easter Eggers?

   We are now up to a dozen eggs a day from our nineteen pullet/hens. I believe it really helped to cut back on their scratch. I have learned there is such a thing as too much corn. See my last post.

   Not only did they stop laying those soft eggs, more of our girls began laying. We have even more black australorps laying now, and I know at least one speckled sussex has joined the hen party. Also more of the cherry eggers have been seen in the laying boxes as well.

   Still no eggs yet from our Ameraucana's. They are almost 27 weeks old now. I have been waiting to see if they are true ameraucana's or just easter eggers. We got our two at the feed store and I didn't know to ask about this subject. From what I understand from researching this subject, there is more than one difference.

    An ameraucana takes longer to begin laying their eggs than an easter egger chicken. I have read that an easter egger begins laying around 24 or so weeks, whereas an ameraucana chickens wait until at least 6 months, often 7 months before they begin to lay.

   Then there is the matter of their feather colors. Easter eggers have a broad range of looks, colors, and shapes compared to the ameraucanas. From what I understand mine look like the real thing. Also the easter egger chickens may have ear tufts, while ameraucana chickens don't.

   And then you have the egg colors to go by. If your chicken is laying a green, or a blue shelled egg, then it could be a true ameraucana, but not necessarily. An easter egger has more possibilities though that an ameraucana. The can also lay blue or green eggs, but they have other colors they can lay as well. Like pink, or yellow/gold. Or even just a brownish egg.

   And let us not forget the olive eggers. I would like one someday for fun. they lay olive green eggs or some type there-abouts.

   Also a difference between ameraucanas and easter eggers is the frequency in which they supposedly lay. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, but ameraucanas lay three eggs per week on average, while easter eggs lay more like six days a week.

   I'm not sure on the olive eggers. Check that one yourself, but I would say that depends on the parents that went into making that olive egger, and which one it takes after? They are hybrids. A cross between a breed that lays brown eggs with an chicken that lays blue or green eggs.


   I could call the store from which I obtained my two but I think that would ruin my fun. Plus, I understand a lot of sellers lie about which they sell, ameraucanas or easter eggers. Most sell easter eggers. You usually have to get a 'real' ameraucana from a breeder. That's what makes mine a mystery. Did they come from a hatchery, or a breeder? And does that source sell the real thing? I like mine being a mystery for now. It's been fun waiting and seeing. 


   We don't show our chickens, and if we ever got rid of one, we would, of course, be honest. Not all folks do the same though, obviously. Some hatcheries call their easter eggers 'ameraucanas'. So buyer BE AWARE of this. Ask questions or read carefully if it matters to you. There are benefits to both breeds, so I don't really care as long as MINE lay a blue (first choice) or green (second choice) egg. 


   I bought my ameraucanas before I learned all of this. I may still have done it, had I known, but I would have asked about their source and what they really are. But I have to say I love their personalities! And Mrs. Owl really has a different shape than our other hens, and Mrs. Hawk has her own shape as well. And their pea combs make them stand out as well. Mrs. Owl is getting more of a beard lately than Mrs. Hawk. They are special and are more playful than most of the other chickens. So far they have been able to escape the rooster on the rare days he makes a play for either of these two. I don't think he tries very hard with them yet because they aren't quite ready. But they are quick, and that may discourage him too. 

   Look up real Ameraucana chicken photos on the Ameraucana website. It will show you how limited the colors are and other characteristics that are allowed and aren't allowed. Then look up Easter Egger chickens. It will help you decide if it matters or not to you. I am one of those people who like one of everything. But I can't afford that many, lol. So for now, I am just glad to have what I have. But you decide for yourself...