Lavender Ameraucana Chickens: A Unique and Beautiful Breed
Introduction
Lavender Ameraucana chickens are a rare and sought-after variety of the Ameraucana breed, known for their striking lavender-colored feathers and blue egg production. This breed combines beauty with functionality, making it a popular choice among backyard poultry enthusiasts and breeders. This article will explore the history, characteristics, benefits, and care requirements of Lavender Ameraucana chickens.
History of Ameraucana Chickens
The Ameraucana breed originated in the United States in the 1970s. It was developed from Araucana chickens, a South American breed known for laying blue eggs. Ameraucanas were bred to maintain the blue egg gene while eliminating the Araucana’s genetic predisposition to health issues, such as ear tufts and rumplessness.
Lavender Ameraucanas are a more recent color variety, bred for their stunning pale grayish-blue plumage, known as “lavender” in poultry genetics. This color is caused by a recessive dilution gene, meaning both parents must carry the lavender gene for the trait to appear in offspring.
Physical Characteristics
Lavender Ameraucana chickens meet the Ameraucana breed standard, which includes the following traits:
• Plumage: Soft lavender (light gray-blue) feathers, uniform in color
• Eyes: Reddish-brown
• Comb: Small, pea comb
• Wattles: Small to medium-sized, red
• Beard and Muffs: Full, giving the bird a “fluffy-cheeked” appearance
• Legs and Feet: Slate blue to black, without feathers
• Egg Color: Blue (true Ameraucanas do not lay green or brown eggs)
• Size: Medium-sized birds; hens weigh around 5.5 lbs, roosters about 6.5 lbs
These features make the Lavender Ameraucana not only visually appealing but also well-suited for colder climates, as the pea comb minimizes frostbite risk.
Temperament and Behavior
Lavender Ameraucanas are known for their gentle, curious, and intelligent personalities. They are:
• Friendly and docile – Suitable for families and small farms
• Active foragers – Enjoy free-ranging but can adapt to confinement
• Alert and cautious – Good at avoiding predators
• Good with other breeds – Generally non-aggressive
Their calm disposition makes them ideal for both beginner and experienced chicken keepers.
Egg Production
One of the main attractions of Ameraucana chickens is their beautiful blue eggs. Lavender Ameraucanas lay approximately:
• 180–200 eggs per year
• Medium-sized eggs with a strong shell
• Light blue to sky-blue shades, varying slightly between hens
Unlike Easter Eggers, which may lay eggs in multiple colors, true Ameraucanas will always lay blue eggs due to their purebred genetics.
Benefits of Raising Lavender Ameraucana Chickens
1. Unique Appearance – Their lavender plumage and fluffy muffs make them stand out in any flock.
2. Beautiful Blue Eggs – A colorful and appealing addition to egg baskets.
3. Cold Hardy – Small pea combs and dense feathers help them withstand harsh winters.
4. Friendly and Easy to Handle – A great breed for families and small farms.
5. Low Maintenance – Adapt well to both confinement and free-ranging environments.
Challenges and Considerations
• Rarity & Cost: Lavender Ameraucanas are less common than other colors, making them more expensive.
• Lavender Gene Limitations: The lavender gene can cause slight feather quality issues (e.g., “shredded” or uneven feathers), so careful breeding is needed.
• Broodiness: While not as broody as some breeds, hens may go broody occasionally, reducing egg production.
Caring for Lavender Ameraucana Chickens
- Housing & Space Needs
• Coop Space: At least 4 square feet per bird inside the coop.
• Run/Free-Range Space: 10 square feet per bird in an enclosed run.
• Roosting Bars: Provide sturdy, well-spaced roosting bars to accommodate their fluffy muffs and beards. - Diet & Nutrition
• Starter Feed (0-8 weeks): 20-22% protein chick starter
• Grower Feed (8-18 weeks): 16-18% protein
• Layer Feed (18+ weeks): 16% protein with calcium supplements for egg production
• Treats & Supplements: Mealworms, vegetables, and oyster shells for calcium - Health & Wellness
• Common Issues: Watch for mites and lice, which can hide in their beards and muffs.
• Deworming & Parasite Prevention: Regular health checks are essential.
• Frostbite Prevention: Their small comb helps, but keep coops well-ventilated in winter.
Breeding Lavender Ameraucanas
Since the lavender color is recessive, breeders must follow specific genetic pairings to maintain uniform lavender offspring.
Genetic Pairing for Lavender Offspring:
• Lavender Ameraucana × Lavender Ameraucana → 100% Lavender chicks
• Lavender Ameraucana × Black Ameraucana → 100% Split (black, carrying lavender gene)
• Split Lavender × Split Lavender → 25% Black, 50% Split, 25% Lavender
To preserve feather quality and avoid genetic flaws, breeders should introduce fresh bloodlines occasionally while keeping true Ameraucana characteristics intact.
Conclusion
Lavender Ameraucana chickens are an exceptional choice for poultry keepers who value beauty, blue eggs, and friendly temperament. While they require careful breeding and may be harder to find, their unique coloration, gentle nature, and high-quality egg production make them a prized addition to any flock. Whether for breeding, egg production, or simply as backyard pets, these birds are a wonderful investment in the world of poultry keeping.
