Araucana Chicken although different questions have been raising, there are no pre-Columbian records on this bird. For chronicles are preserve as for the year 1500, which expose the raising of this hen by the Mapuches in south-central Chile, and different from the European race. It was not until 1880 when the first features of these animals that were raised by the Mapuches were discovered. That is why they take their names.
Between the years 1920 and 1930, the export of this breed to the United States and Europe. The export is due to the main feature of putting the eggs blue and blue-green. It is important to state that their first exports came from their native Chile, which these hens had no tail like Tufts and their blue eggs.
Characteristics of Araucana Chicken
Araucana Chicken usually the roosters of this species are of medium size and their weight is 2.5 kilograms. While the hens are small in size and the weight is 2 kilograms. The legs are olive green shorter. They have clean torsos, it means without feathers. The head is smaller and the skin is very yellow.
Araucana chicken, on the other hand, has a ridge and is pea-like. Their earrings are small and the chin is smaller than the ridges, it has a reddish color, with spots of white color
The Araucana hen has very short legs and the color is greenish which is formed of two colors of yellow and gray. These Araucanian hens have earrings, but it is important to note that in other countries some birds do not have them. You may also like to read Red Shaver Chicken.
The eggs of these hens are blue pigment color, like celestial or green. The Araucana chicken is unique in its kind. The head of the hen is medium, with a round skull. On each side, it has a bouquet of feathers that go up in relation to the earrings, its crest is irregular in shape, and slightly hesitant.
The chins are poorly developed, have a short break, a dark and corner color, and a yellow beak. The eyes are with the reddish iris or orange-reddish, his neck is elongate. They have broad slaving feathers. The trunk of these hens is very round.
The backs are of medium length and broad at the shoulders. The Araucana chicken has a wide and medium round chest, its abdomen is a good development. The tail is absent, the wings are carried horizontally and go close to the body, and do not surpass them. The thighs are strong and the tarsi are of medium length and thin.
Food
Araucana Chicken has to feed on foods that have monocalcium phosphate, this comes from hydrolyzed animal protein. As well as calcium carbon, molasses from sugar cane and sodium chloride. It is very important to take care of these hens and give them the necessary food. You may also like to read Cochin Chicken.
So that they can achieve enough strength at the time of laying the eggs and they are large and healthy. Now, the food must be in an orderly way and not give them too much food because their stomach is not very large. And arbitrarily, that is to say, every certain hour cannot be allowed to spend days or a day without eating.
Usage
Araucana chicken is mainly produced by its eggs. Because apart from being different they are excellent and have a very high gourmet demand. They are very rich for baking, they are ideal for athletes because these eggs contain a high concentration of vitamins and minerals and proteins.
Also, these eggs are low in cholesterol and can be consumed with complete confidence. And the reason for this is that Araucanian hens are bred in fields and are often criollos eggs. These eggs are highly nutritious and important for human consumption.
Special Feature
Araucana Chicken is known worldwide for blue eggs, these hens 10 years ago were totally unknown. These animals reproduce with complete freedom sand and mud baths are given in order to clean and disinfect their plumage, as well as deworming and grooming.
The color variety of eggs of this species does not occur on its own. As there are several agents that cause this color in the eggshell. This is produced by an enzyme that is secreted into the oviduct and transforms hemoglobin into biliverdin, this pigment is incorporated into the egg at the time the shell is forming.
Males of this species can transmit half of their genes to a hen of another species. That is why hens that are not precisely Araucanian lay eggs blue or blue-green. You may also like to read Plymouth Rock Chicken.
FAQ
What is an Araucana chicken?
Araucana chickens are an incredibly unique and fascinating breed of chicken, native to South America. With their bright blue eggs that range in color from a deep greenish-blue to a light turquoise hue, they have become a favorite of many backyard chicken keepers seeking something truly special for the flock.
Where do Araucana chickens come from?
The Araucana chicken is an ancient breed of poultry originating in South America. It is believed to have descended from the ancestral form of both the Chilean Primitive and Colloncas chickens, with some historical evidence suggesting it was first bred by native Mapuche Indians in Chile and Argentina. The Mapuche had a particular reverence for this type of bird, giving it the name “Gallo de la tierra” – or “rooster of the earth” – which has since become part of its official Latin species classification: Gallus gallus araucana.
How big do Araucana chickens get?
Araucana chickens are incredibly unique birds that have become increasingly popular as backyard pets and egg-laying hens. The Araucana is a medium-sized, hardy chicken that is known for its distinctive features, most notably its tufted head feathers and lack of tail feathers.
Conclusion
If you’ve always wanted to know more about the Araucana chicken, we hope this guide has helped! With their blue-shelled eggs and vibrant colors, they make a great addition to any farm. To learn even more about this beautiful breed of chickens, head over to our blog for further reading on how to care for them.
As a reference: Wikipedia