Pros and cons;whats better Araucanas or Ameraucanas

[MonkeyZero]

Hi

Just a brief poll
A dear lady offered me some araucanas and ameraucanas. WHich one should I pick?
Who is prettier?
Nicer?
Better egg layer?
Temperment?
And any pros and cons of the breed?

Thanks!!!

 

[klf73]

my brief experience with just hatching so far.
The ameraucana are hardier and had a higher hatch rate.
I have a few dozen ameraucana and only about a dozen +/- araucana. I lost my only tufted aruacana at 2 weeks, no idea why.
I would go with the ameraucana if you going to hatch.
I have ameraucana from different breeders and some are extremely friendly and some avoid me at all costs, so I think it depends on the lines
Prettier- beauty is in the eye of the beholder- dh thinks the araucana are funny looking with their tufts and no tails, I think they are unique. Everyone loves the muff and beard on the ameraucana (here at least). The araucana, if bred tufted to tufted have a lethal gene, so high chick mortality, no such issues with ameraucana.
I like the araucana because they are unique. True Ameraucana are still not real common but I think they are more common than true Araucana.
Good luck with your choice!
Krista

 

[Shaffer]

Sindoora,
First thing is what do you like because you have to look at them all the time.
If you have had experience in breeding chickens or any other animals I'd say Araucanas would be acceptable because they are definately a challenge.
If you are just starting out then I'd say Ameraucanas would be more enjoyable. You will be able to hatch more chicks and not as many difficulties to try and meet the standard. They are somewhat more available in good quality.
Araucanas are more difficult to obtain if you think you are going to get some double tufted rumpless in any quanity to start and they cost substantially more. I hatched over 100 chicks and only got a handfull that I am happy with and only got about 10 rumpless double tufted chicks.
This is my personal opion since I am raising both breeds presently and have had Araucanas on and off since the 1970's. I have had EE since the 1970's and have had Real Amerauancas the last few years.
Which ever you decide I am sure you will enjoy them. Remember if you are planning on getting chicks from any of the members of either club I would order ASAP because they get booked very quickly. Club sites can be found if you search on Yahoo, Araucana.net or Ameraucana club. HS

 

[Sebrightmom]

I am new to Ameraucanas, but I love them. I would say go with the Ameraucanas, but I have never had Araucanas. Good Luck with your choice.

 

[the simple life]

I have both, but mine are still young, however it seems to me that the araucanas are a little more docile. At least mine are.
My americanas are nice girls but standoffish, and I held them alot and thought they would be well socialized when they got older, but they are skittish.
It bothers me too, because I reallly want to be able to hold them more.
The araucanas, while still young are cuddle bugs.
I am considering getting some EE eggs or chicks though, I like the variety, you never get two that look alike and I do like those blue/green eggs.
I am aware that they are considered barnyard mutts, but some of the best dogs are mutts so I figure why not?
Anyone got experience on the EE they want to chime in on, anything I need to know?

 

[herechickchick]

I love them both and I enjoy the challenges each breed presents. If you are looking for a less complicated breed then the Ameraucana would be my choice simply because of the tufting genetics (which can be avoided). I think they are both equally handsome in thier own way, but IMO there is nothing more beautiful than an Araucana with beautiful tufting. I say get both (if you have the space) Right now I am working on LF Brown Red Ameraucanas and Bantam Araucanas (mixed colors). I plan to start working in a couple of years on LF Araucana in Silver DW, Golden DW, WT BBR and Red Pyle and LF Blue Wheaten Ameraucanas. They are GREAT fun and you will love them. I would also suggest joining the Ameraucana Breeders Club and the Araucana Club. You will meet great people who will be able to give you lots of insight on the breeds.