Araucana? Cut the crest?

[Bok-Law]

This beautiful chicken was sold to me (at 2 weeks old) as an Araucana, but do they usually have crests like this?? Also, would you trim it? It seems like they can’t see and I spook them accidentally all the time but I’m worried about them moving their head whilst I’m trying to trim.

 

[FrostRanger]

Not an araucana and yes trim it. Araucanas have ear tufts (which are different than muffs) but no crests

 

[Bok-Law]

Not an araucana and yes trim it. Araucanas have ear tufts (which are different than muffs) but no crests

That's what I thought (re the ear tufts)! Thanks for your response!

Any idea what it looks like to you??

 

[FrostRanger]

That's what I thought (re the ear tufts)! Thanks for your response!

Any idea what it looks like to you??

Not sure, maybe a polish but I think there are others who will be able to give you a better answer, all I know for sure is that's not a araucana and is very pretty

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd have to guess it's some sort of Polish cross but not sure.

Trimming does help with skittishness. Helps to have someone hold onto the bird while you do the trimming. Aim to clear in front of the eyes and above the eyes, so you end up with more of a mohawk or mullet than a rounded poof.

 

[fluffycrow]

I see you’re in Australia, where the standard for Araucana is much different from the US standard.

If she’s bearded, then she could be an araucana, though she could also be a bearded polish mix, because that crest is quite large

 

[Perris]

It is an Araucana - you have UK standard version in Australia, not the US version with the lethal gene ear tufts etc.

See https://poultrykeeper.com/chicken-breeds/araucana-chickens/
which includes discussion of the distinction.

I do cut my Araucana's feathers around the eyes as soon as she has finished moulting. I use round ended scissors and get someone else to hold the bird's body while I hold her head still and cut, to prevent eye injuries. She always appreciates it, because the feathers can really impact her vision.

 

[Perris]

Here's mine after a trim of the feathers over the eyes (she's a Lavender Araucana)