We breed Araucana chickens in black, white, and blue. An uncomplicated and beautiful breed!
Image: Very handsome black rooster with excellent leg color, shape, head, chin, and cheek beard. Request: Pay attention to eye color.
We thank the zibb team and of course Roswitha Puls as well as the best cameraman Georg Gidt from RBB!
Which breed of chicken should you choose? With genuine Araucana chickens, you're absolutely right on target if you're looking for mint-green eggshell colors!
We have been breeding very successfully in black, white, blue, and, most recently, wild-type colors since 2009. Our breeding stock comes from the renowned veteran breeder Klaus-Peter Vagt of Fischland. We pay particular attention to the turquoise-green eggshell color, egg size, and excellent laying performance.
The Araucana is one of the oldest chicken breeds in the world, having lived under protection until 1890. They must have fought battles with the indigenous people of Chile, which is why the Araucana may also have been called "warrior chickens".
No one knows how this wild form of domestic chicken originated. It is suspected that it did not descend from the ancestor of all domestic chickens, the red junglefowl. Other theories suggest that Christopher Columbus and other travelers brought chickens from the Old World, which quickly spread and evolved into this original form over the centuries.
Excellent characteristics of Araucana chickens can be found, for example, in the pom-pom/tuff, which grows as a short, protruding tuft of feathers on the ears.
These chickens are especially popular because of their green eggs with blue flecks, which are therefore called Easter egg layers.
The wild form still exists in Chile and is also bred in many countries. This wild form lacks tail feathers, a preen gland, and therefore tail vertebrae; it is practically tailless. The fighting influence gives Araucana chickens a more authentic appearance than other common chicken breeds.
Eggs from hens that lay green eggs are considered healthier because they contain less cholesterol. However, this contradicts statistical data. But their unique flavor confirms it!
Among Germany's most sought-after domestic chickens are undoubtedly the Araucana, which comes in 14 different color varieties. It's not just the plumage color that makes the roosters so eye-catching, but also the fact that green eggs contain less cholesterol. These Araucana chickens are on a winning streak and enjoy the full attention of farmers, but even more so among hobby chicken keepers.
According to German standards, all Araucana chickens are tailless. The rooster should have a broad back and abdomen. The neck and saddle hackles should be abundant. The wings should be held tightly against the body and not stick out backwards.
The plumage is close-lying. The Araucana chicken has an irregular pea comb. The tufts can be very pronounced in some Araucana chickens. A very full chin and cheek beard is also desirable.
The minimum weight for hatching eggs is 50g for the large breed. Roosters weigh between 2-2.5kg and hens between 1.6-2.0kg. Laying performance in the large breed is approximately 160 eggs in the first laying year, and they are excellent winter layers and completely weather-resistant.
Therefore, it is ideally suited for harsh climates in Germany.
Image: very nice, uniform Araucana egg substitute with typical shell color, correct egg size and shape.
Why Araucana chickens are the perfect winter layers - Learn all about their robust nature and their diligent egg-laying service!
Why Araucana Chickens Are the Perfect Winter Layers - Learn all about their hardy nature and prolific egg-laying! If you're looking for chickens that diligently lay eggs even during the cold winter months, then Araucana chickens are the perfect choice! Their hardy nature and prolific egg-laying make them ideal companions during the cold season. These winter-hardy chickens also have a unique appearance and lay eggs in a variety of colors. In this article, you'll learn how to care for Araucana chickens in winter to maintain their egg production. We'll also show you the benefits of enjoying fresh eggs in winter thanks to Araucana chickens and give you tips on raising and caring for young Araucana chicks during the cold season. Read on to find out why you should choose to keep Araucana hens!
1. Why Araucana chickens are the perfect winter layers
If you're looking for chickens that lay eggs even in winter, Araucana chickens are the perfect choice. These birds are robust and highly resistant to cold and snow. The Araucana's winter hardiness stems from their origins in the Andes Mountains, where they live at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters. Their natural adaptability makes them ideal for cold regions or seasons with low temperatures. Araucana chickens are not only winter-hardy but also prolific egg producers. They lay approximately four eggs per week and can continue producing even during the coldest months of the year. Furthermore, their eggs have a unique appearance – ranging from blue-green to green to turquoise – and are often referred to as "Easter eggs." To ensure your Araucana chickens stay healthy and maintain their egg-laying capacity during the winter, there are some important care measures to consider. Make sure they have access to plenty of water and keep their coop clean and dry. Adequate LED daylight lighting can also help reduce their melatonin production (a hormone), which in turn increases egg production. It's also worthwhile raising and caring for young Araucana chicks during the colder months – they can start laying eggs as early as six months old. If you're a fan of fresh eggs in winter, then you should definitely consider keeping Araucana chickens. With their hardy nature and prolific egg-laying, they will certainly be a welcome addition to your garden or chicken farm.
2. The robust nature of Araucana chickens
Araucana chickens are not only perfect winter layers, but also extremely robust animals. This makes them particularly suitable for keeping in colder regions or under adverse weather conditions. These chickens are known for being less susceptible to disease and parasites than other breeds. Their resilient nature allows them to survive and continue laying eggs even in lower temperatures. Therefore, Araucanas are a popular choice for hobby breeders and farms alike. So, if you're looking for a hardy chicken that reliably lays eggs even in winter, the Araucana is definitely worth considering.
3. The diligent egg delivery service of the Araucana chickens
If you're looking for chickens that lay eggs diligently even in winter, then Araucana chickens are the perfect choice for you. This breed is known for its prolific egg-laying, producing around 160 eggs in their first year and egg weights of over 60g (adult hens). This makes them a great source of fresh eggs during the colder months. But that's not all: Araucana chickens are also robust and hardy, meaning they can survive low temperatures and continue laying eggs. If you want to take care of your Araucana chickens to maintain their egg production, there are some important tips for raising and caring for chicks during the colder months. And finally, when you enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs in winter thanks to your own Araucana hens, you'll definitely notice the difference between these and store-bought eggs!
4. The winter-hardy characteristics of the Araucana chicken
Araucana chickens are known not only for their hardy nature and prolific egg-laying, but also for their winter hardiness. This breed is able to survive and continue laying eggs even in cold weather. The Araucana hen has a dense undercoat that protects her from the cold, and her plumage is designed to repel water, keeping her dry. Furthermore, Araucana chickens have a different comb shape, as well as a distinctive chin and beard, which means they experience less stress during the cold winter months than other breeds. In other words, if you're looking for a hardy chicken that will provide you with fresh eggs all winter long, Araucana chickens are an excellent choice!
5. The unique appearance and variety of colors of Araucana chicken eggs
Another reason why Araucana chickens are perfect winter layers is their unique egg production. This breed not only lays regularly, but also produces eggs in a variety of colors. Depending on the hen, the eggs can range from light blue to green or even pink. This makes them a real eye-catcher in any egg basket and a great way to enhance your culinary creations. Furthermore, these eggs have a higher nutritional value than conventional eggs and are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, it's worth taking note of the unique appearance of Araucana chicken eggs and including them in your diet.
6. How to care for Araucana chickens in winter to maintain their egg production
If you want to keep Araucana chickens in winter, it's important to take care of their needs so they can continue laying eggs. One way to do this is to ensure they have enough light and a dry shelter. If your chickens also have access to natural sunlight, even better. It's also important to make sure their water doesn't freeze and remains fresh at all times. Feed your chickens a balanced diet of grain; our Marans special feed is ideal for this. Store the feed in a dry place and make sure it's replenished regularly. Additionally, insulate your chicken coop to increase the temperature inside. Avoid drafts in the coop, as these can negatively affect your chickens' health. By caring for your Araucana chickens in winter and maintaining their egg production, you can enjoy fresh eggs all year round – a real treat during the cold season!
7. The benefits of enjoying fresh eggs in winter thanks to the Araucana chickens
When it gets cold and dark outside, we crave warming meals and fresh ingredients. This is where Araucana chickens come in: they are perfect winter layers and, with their prolific egg-laying service, ensure a supply of fresh, healthy eggs even in the coldest months. But that's not all: Araucana eggs boast a unique variety of colors and are particularly robust thanks to their hardiness. Those who care for these birds can therefore enjoy not only delicious meals but also healthy and resilient poultry. But how do you best care for Araucana chickens in winter? How do you ensure they maintain their egg production despite the cold? And what exactly are the advantages of enjoying fresh, home-grown eggs? You'll find out all this and more in this article!
8. Tips for raising and caring for young Araucana chicks during the cold season
If you've decided to keep genuine Araucana chickens from a breeder rather than from a farm shop, you can be sure that these robust birds will ensure good egg production even in the colder months. But what about raising and caring for young Araucana chicks? Here are a few tips to help ensure the little chickens grow up healthy and strong. First and foremost, a warm and dry environment is essential for the chicks. A coop or aviary with a heat lamp or radiant heater is ideal. The temperature should be between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius to prevent the chicks from getting cold and to maintain a stable body temperature. They should also always have access to fresh water and feed specifically formulated for the needs of young chickens. It's best to ensure the feed has a high protein content (our Marans special chick feed has over 20% protein – TOP for Araucana) and is changed regularly to prevent the growth of any germs. With these simple measures, nothing stands in the way of successfully raising your young Araucana chicks during the cold season!
9. Conclusion: Why should you choose to keep Araucauna hens?
If you're looking for a chicken that lays eggs even in winter and is robust enough to withstand the cold temperatures, then you should definitely consider keeping Araucana hens. These chickens have developed a natural adaptability to cold weather conditions and can easily lay eggs even in low temperatures. Their hardy nature makes them perfect winter layers. Furthermore, they produce colorful eggs in various shades from blue-green to green, which are not only beautiful to look at but also particularly tasty. Anyone caring for these chickens should ensure they have enough food and water and can be housed in a dry coop. With a little love and care, Araucana hens will provide fresh eggs all winter long and be a wonderful addition to your household.