Americauna temperment

[azygous]

I'm getting new pullets next week. I just have room for four more in my coop which presently is housing eight hens and a rooster, so I narrowed my choice down to two Black Cochins and two Americaunas.

Can anyone tell me their experience with both these breeds as far as egg laying prowess and, more important, are they people-friendly? I'd love to get a few more lap hens!

 

[damselfish]

I'm fond of my Easter Eggers (what you're calling Americaunas). They are perky, smart and friendly. A little too flightly to be lap chickens, though, but then again I never tried to make them that way. Never had cochins so I can't help with that part. Good luck. I think a lot of it is in the individual chicken anyway, not just the breed.

 

[azygous]

Thanks for the response! Your Easter-eggers sound kind of like my Aracauna Michelle. They are similar in appearance. Michelle is what you describe as being perky and smart for sure. When I first adopted Michelle as a three-year old, she was flighty and not real friendly. Now, two years later, she's my top lap hen, and it was strictly her idea - I certainly didn't make her!

I do look forward to the colorful eggs I'd be getting with the Easter-eggers!

 

[anniem]

So far, I definitely want to have EEs around for entertainment but I don't count on them for cuddles.

One of my 2 is turning out to be a roo (they are almost 10 weeks, so my experience is limited!) but he's more mild than the pullet. They are the first to jump on me if i'm in range but the pullet does not like to be picked up--and so far the new little 3 weeker is going the same way.
I got 2 speckled sussex in my 2nd batch after reading how curious and friendly they are, but more of a medium egg layer.
My RSL and BSL have ended up being very friendly, but not as cool looking.

 

[kipoley]

I have both. They are the same age, raised together. The Ameraucana is faster to flap her wings when I reach for her. She eats from my hand and that's all she wants of me. We had to spend fireplace chick time

with her when she was indoors because she was the wildest in the brooder.
The Cochin follows me around and is much easier to pick up. The first birds in my lap when I go out are the OEGB. I practically have to shake them off me.

Kimberly

 

[sourland]

Cochins are usually among the most mellow of chickens. Easter eggers (if from a hatchery) Ameraucanas (if from a breeder) may have a wider range of temperment, but are usually very inquisitive birds. EE roosters sometimes can be extremely aggressive.

 

[azygous]

Thanks for the responses. I chose the Black Cochins for their awesome appearance and friendly rep. I just won't expect much more from the Easter-Eggers than lots of pretty eggs.