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I don't get it - Are you saying you think Easter Eggers look like Ameraucanas with different colors? Because it is more than that. There's egg color, sometimes comb type, sometimes even ear color, and in almost every case - leg color. Also, Easter Eggers are often more dual purpose looking in body, and the roos are often smaller and skinnier looking. Their legs seem to be more centered in their bodies, not more to the rump. The point of the EE name and label is that they are crossbred.
Tell me if I just misread what you were talking about.
Yes I agree, it is because typically, most hatcheries do not have purebred Ameraucanas. They have what should actually be labelled an easter egg chicken, which in all actuality is not a breed of chicken, but a name for mix breed chickens that have the genetics of the previously mentioned breed. This allows them to come with or w/o beards, muffs, and the possibility of laying blue, green, or something-in-between eggs
But in order to have such a nice visual mixture and variety of feather colors, they are also mixed with other chicken breeds. The previous poster mentions some other characteristics as well.
So you have some hatcheries that say they have Ameraucanas but in their description will point out that they don't breed for exhibition or the standard, but for a variety of colors of birds and eggs. These will be Easter Eggers(not a breed, mixed. A 'mutt' if you will
) They technically should not be called Ameraucanas. Then you have some that will say they have true Ameraucanas. (I would do research into these if it was something that mattered to the individual purchasing them, just to be certain they're a reputable source) Then there are some that I would guess are not as informed as they could be and pronounce to have americanas/aricanas and who knows what else. (I say not as informed as they could be because I like to give the benefit of the doubt and assume they aren't misinforming clientelle intentionally)
Many times, it just gets confusing because chickens are incorrectly labelled and information gets mixed up and jumbled. I hope this can help clear up the question that Chicken Rose had. Believe me, it's a question a lot of people ask! I hope I didn't sound aloof, I like knowledge and I like to share it with anyone that is interested!
Incidentally, this really should only matter if a person wants to go into showing or an Ameraucana breeding program or something. Otherwise, it's nothing to fret about!