What is an Easter Egger?

[buffyandhersisters]

Are Easter Eggers an actual breed? Sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[Davaroo]

Well yes and no.

The term 'easter egger' is a popular name given to birds that have Aracauna stock in their bloodline. The Aracauna breed has the unique trait of laying colored eggs; light blue, light green, and light pinkish tan being the usual shades. Think pastel, here. Thus the name "Easter Eggers."

Birds bred using male Aracauna stock will carry that trait, as the egg color trait is carried by the male sire. I once had a Lakenvelder x Aracauna cross, which laid a lovely blue-ish egg. Was she an Easter Egger? Yes, although unofficially so.

People also call these birds "Americauna." This, I suspect, is intended to lend an air of legitimacy to their mixed breeding here in this country. I don't believe that this is a breed recognized by the APA, per se, but Im not certain of that. In truth, they are all mutts and can be of almost any lineage (as was my EE'er), so long as a male Aracauna was interbred at some point.

True Aracauana's are tailess, have tufted cheeks/ears and originated in South America.