Ameraucana Question

[animalsroc4evr]

Well later this week we are planning on getting our chicks, for the first time ever, from our feed store. I originally planned on getting 2 Road Island Reds, 2 Barred Rock, and 2 Pekin Ducklings... But now the feed store is only carrying Ameraucana and Road Island reds chicks (we are still a go for the ducklings though). I kinda don't want all 4 chickens to be Road Island Reds and was wondering, compared to them, how is the egg production and size of the eggs of the Ameraucana? any info on the Ameraucana, or comparing the 2 breeds together would be greatly appreciated.


thanks

Gretchen

 

[pips&peeps]

Hatcheries and most feed stores do not carry real ameraucanas. They probably have easter eggers.

They will start to lay a little bit later than most of your production birds, but will lay longer. Most lay a medium to large egg.

 

[felidaet]

I have three Easter Eggers from a feed store last April. One lays a large egg nearly every day. The other two lay about 4 - 5 medium - large eggs per day. All three of them lay slightly different colored eggs. They were some of my best layers throughout the winter. I plan to get 3 more this year.

I have one RIR. We got her last April in a random layer assortment from a feed store. She is by far my favorite pullet. In fact, she is the favorite of my entire family. We are getting at least 3 more in April, maybe as many 5 more. She is VERY friendly. She layed about 4 - 5 large eggs per week during the winter. Now is laying nearly every day. Her eggs are a little on the dark (colored) side and sometimes they have small speckles.

I have 3 Barred Rocks that we also got last April from two different feed stores.. They all started laying in the fall. They quit laying in mid-November. One started laying again occasionally in January. She is still just laying occasionally. I don't think the other two have restarted yet. They are friendly, calm, and quiet. Hopefully all three of them kick in laying regularly soon. I don't plan to get any more in April.

 

[redrocketrooster]

It's hard to say what they will be like, individuals are different but since the chickens are most likely Easter Eggs it depends on the past generations and what breeds are mixed in.
Generally they are friendly, a little quirky, possibly talkative and I know some who would rather not be touch but will still perch on you.
Again, it all depends...

 

[Happy Chooks]

Hatcheries and feed stores will sell you what they call "Americanas" (note the I) but they are really Easter Eggers, a cross breed. True Ameraucana's (note no I) only lay blue eggs, while Easter Eggers can lay any color from green or blue to white or brown.

Now with that said, I absolutely love my Easter Egger. She has been my best winter layer, and I have consistently been getting 5-6 eggs a week out of her. She gives me nice light green eggs. She is sweet and will fly up onto my arm for treats.

 

[ChanceRider]

I got my first chicks from a feedstore in July 08; 3 RIR, 3 gold laced Wyandottes, and 3 Easter Eggers that were sold as Americana (yes, with an "I"). I had no clue, I just wanted chickens. One of the Ee's was the first to lay, in the beginning of January. One of my EE's is the friendliest of the 21 chickens that I now have. I get about 5 - 6 beautiful blue or green eggs from each of the EE's every week.

I now raise "true" Ameraucana's, but my EE's ere still some of my favorite hens! Good luck with your birds!

 

[TaylorC]

I have a friend who says her EE is her best layer hands down. Seems the info I read on them was that they lay "fine" but they're friendly and lay pretty eggs, so we thought to get one or two just for nice and let the other hens worry about making breakfast. Sounds like many people have the same experience as my friend, getting eggs solidly all year. It's the only breed we got two of, so maybe we did good on a couple counts! They're a pretty bird, too.

 

[nanawendy]

I love my EE's. They are sweet, but do lay off during winter. I live in the tip top of PNW. You shouldn't have as much of an off season living in Fl.
I have #3 1) blue-green 2) olive green 3) Lt.pink

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I have two EE's and one lays a nice blue egg and the other a nice large green egg. They lay 5 out of the seven days still and they are two years old

 

[animalsroc4evr]

Quote:
"Americanas" that is exactly what they called them! So now I know they are easter Eggers, thanks! Thanks to all that helped. So I think that they will be good layers, I might just get 4 road Islands, Our friend has them so I know how they are, but We will see if I can resist getting one

might end up coming out with 8 babies, instead of the 6 ( 4 chicks 2 ducklings)

Gretchen