Araucana Chickens: The New Zealand Keeper's Guide
~180 blue eggs a year · Medium (~2.7 kg) · the blue-egg layer
The Araucana is famous for one thing: blue eggs. This South American breed, often crested or tufted and sometimes rumpless, is sought after in New Zealand by keepers who want that sky-blue colour in the basket.
Eggs and laying
Around 150 to 200 genuinely blue eggs a year. The blue runs right through the shell rather than sitting on the surface, which is what sets a true Araucana apart.
Temperament
Active, alert and hardy, friendly enough with handling but more spirited than a placid heritage bird.
New Zealand climate fit
Hardy across New Zealand conditions and a good forager. The pea comb resists frostbite, which suits the colder south.
Care notes
Generally easy, though crested and rumpless lines can carry breeding quirks, so buy from a reputable breeder. Good free-rangers that earn their keep.
More breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Araucanas really lay blue eggs?
Yes, true blue, with the colour going right through the shell. The Araucana is the classic blue-egg breed and the source of the trait in many coloured-egg hybrids.
Are Araucanas the same as Easter Eggers?
No. An Araucana is a defined breed. Easter Eggers are mixed-breed birds carrying the blue-egg gene, so they may lay blue, green or other shades and are not a recognised breed.
Are Araucanas hardy?
Yes, they are active, hardy foragers, and the small pea comb resists frostbite, making them a sensible choice for colder districts.