In the world of backyard chicken keeping, Americana and Ameraucana both the chickens are stand out as two charm breeds for their unique appearance and qualities. Both are the popular choices among chickens lover, but their differences some times cause confusion, so lets discuss in details about Americana Vs Ameraucana chickens.
Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken Breed
If you are chicken lover and just looking to add some different and unique chicken breeds to your flock, then these two breeds will sure capture your heart and attention. Both breeds are known for their beautiful plumage and their ability to lay colorful eggs.
As the Americana and Ameraucana both the chickens are may sound similar, but they are actually quite different from each other.
| Features | Americana Chicken | Ameraucana Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Temperament | Calm and friendly. | Calm and friendly. |
| Appearance | various colors, such as black, blue, splash, buff, and more. | Different colors, such as, black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, silver, and wheaten. |
| Egg Production | 200 to 280 eggs per year. | 150 to 200 eggs per year. |
| Egg Color | They can lay eggs in shades of blue, green, and sometimes even pink. | They laying consistently blue eggs. |
| Hardiness and Health | Good adaptation in different climatic conditions. | They are also hardy and can handle different weather conditions quite well. |
| Lifespan | Generally live around 5 to 8 years. | They can also live for 5 to 8 years. |
| Broodiness | Not good | Not good |
1) Breed Origin: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
The Americana chickens don’t have an official breed recognition from the American Poultry Association but they were developed in the United States using chickens from South America.
On the other hand, the Ameraucana is an domestic chicken breed of America. They were developed in the United States in the 1970s by using South American Araucana chickens.
2) Temperament: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
The Americana chickens can vary because of their mixed breed heritage. Some individual chickens may be a bit flighty, while others are may be friendly and curious. Overall, they are active, polite and entertaining bird.
On the other hand, the Ameraucana chickens are known for being calm and friendly but sometimes they may get bit angry and flighty if you try to pick them up. They are also can be great partners with other chickens of the flock.
Read Also: Easter Egger Vs Ameraucana Chickens
3) Appearance: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
The appearance of Americana chickens can vary a lot due to their mixed breed background. However, they can have beards, muffs, and a small to medium-sized pea comb. Their feathers are come in various colors, such as black, blue, splash, buff, and more.
On the other hand, the Ameraucana chickens have more consistent appearance. They typically have a medium-sized pea comb, clean cheeks, muffs, and also beard. They have some recognized color varieties, such as, black, blue, blue wheaten, brown red, silver, and wheaten.
Read Also: Ameraucana Rooster Vs Hen
4) Egg Production: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
The egg laying ability of Americana chickens are little higher than the Ameraucana chickens. As a Americana hen can produce up-to 200 to 280 eggs per year.
On the other hands, the Ameraucana chickens are considered as moderate layers than Americana chickens, averagely a hen can produce up-to 150 to 200 eggs per year.
5) Egg Color: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
One of the most exciting things about Americana chickens is the color of their eggs. They can lay eggs in different shades, such as, blue, green, and sometimes even pink. Each day there is chance of having different and colorful eggs from your Americana chicken flock.
While, Ameraucana chickens are known for their special talent of laying consistently blue color of eggs. It’s their trademark feature that makes them different from other breeds and can add good experience to your egg collection journey.
Read Also: Olive Egger Vs Ameraucana Chickens
6) Meat Quality: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
Both these chickens have a medium-sized body with well-developed muscles, and their meat is flavorful and tender, which suitable for various delicious uses. However, their growth rate is slower if compared to dedicated meat breeds, which cause lower meat yield.
7) Hardiness and Health: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
The Americana chickens are known for their good adaptation in different climatic conditions, like, from hot summers to cold winters, which makes them suitable for different regions or area.
While, the Ameraucana chickens are also hardy and can handle different weather conditions very well, but they are better for being good in colder climates than the Americana chickens. This chicken is generally known as healthy and suitable for colder climatic zones.
8) Lifespan: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
In terms of lifespan, both Americana and Ameraucana chickens have similar lifespans, which is typical for most of the chicken breeds. Both these chicken breeds are generally live around 5 to 8 years. However, the chickens’ lifespans can depend on the individual health and how you care, so it’s important to give them the best and possible living conditions.
Read Also: Most Common Chicken Diseases
9) Broodiness: Americana vs Ameraucana Chicken
Some Americana chickens may show signs of broodiness, wanting to sit on their eggs and hatch them. However, it’s not a consistent quality among all the individuals due to their mixed breed background.
While, the Ameraucana chickens are not particularly known for being broody, but it is seen that some hens are used to sit on their eggs. So if you are looking for consistent egg production rather than hatching chicks, they might be a better fit for you.
Read Also: Easter Egger Vs Olive Egger Chicken
Conclusion
In the topic of Americana Vs Ameraucana chickens, both Americana these chickens have their own and distinctive qualities, which makes them different from each other. Americana’s has unique mix appearances and egg colors, while Ameraucanas has more standardized appearance and the attractive blue color of eggs.
FAQs
Q1: Are Americana and Ameraucana chickens good for beginners?
Ans: Yes, both the breeds can be suitable for the beginners.
Q2: Which breed is more likely to go broody, Americana or Ameraucana?
Ans: Americana chickens are less likely to go broody than Ameraucana chickens.
Q3: Are Americana and Ameraucana chickens good for cold climates?
Ans: Yes, both breeds are generally hardy and can handle different weather conditions, including cold climates.
Q4: Can Americana and Ameraucana chickens be raised for meat production?
Ans: Yes, both the breeds can be used for meat purpose, but their popularity is primarily for colorful eggs and unique appearances.
