Lavender Ameraucana Chicken Eggs: Care, Genetics, and Blue Egg Benefits

Introduction to Lavender Ameraucana Chicken Eggs

Chicken eggs come in a rainbow of colors beyond just white and brown. One of the most striking egg colors is the lavender or blue shade produced by Ameraucana breed chickens. These pastel eggs have become increasingly popular among backyard chicken keepers and small farm homesteaders. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Ameraucanas and their distinctive blue eggs.

Origins of the Lavender Egg

First, let's discuss how Ameraucana chickens end up laying colored eggs. Like other blue egg laying breeds, Ameraucanas possess a genetic mutation that causes their eggshells to contain the pigment oocyanin. This pigment is what gives their eggs an Easter egg-like tint ranging from sky blue to pale purple. The Ameraucana breed originated in the 1970s in America as a cross between Araucanas and other blue egg laying breeds like Andalusians, Legbars, and Marans. Unlike their Araucana ancestors, Ameraucanas have full, puffy tails and are beardless. They also lack the extra lethal alleles that Araucanas often carry. Today's Ameraucana breed conforms to a specific set of color varieties accepted by the American Poultry Association. Any blue egg laying chickens outside these standards are often referred to as "Easter eggers."

Benefits and Uses of Lavender Eggs

Beyond their obvious visual appeal, many chicken keepers seek out Ameraucanas specifically for their blue eggs. The colorful shells make it easy to spot their eggs amidst light brown layers in a communal nest. This helps prevent broody hens from hiding a clutch to go broody. Blue eggs are also highly marketable at farm stands and markets. Their unique color helps them stand out from the crowd. Customers enjoy their novelty and often feel they are healthier or more natural than white eggs. Some think the slightly thicker blue shells may improve their storage life. In reality, the interior quality and nutritional content of blue chicken eggs is no different from white or brown eggs. Only the outer shell color is affected by oocyanin pigment. So blue eggs can be enjoyed the same way as any other egg.

Ideal Habitat for Lavender Egg Layers

Ameraucanas are cold hardy birds thanks to their South American heritage, so they do well in many climates. Their large single combs may be prone to frostbite in extremely cold northern regions, so breeders select for smaller combs. Ameraucanas tolerate hot climates but need shade and ventilation. These active foragers thrive when allowed to free range. They constantly scratch and scavenge the ground seeking seeds, bugs, and greens. But their mature size of 6-7 lbs makes them easy targets for aerial predators. Enclosures should have an enclosed, covered run for their safety. Ameraucanas are not the most productive egg layers. On average, hens lay 3-4 eggs weekly. But the novelty and price premium their colorful eggs bring helps offset the smaller flocks needed to produce them.

Brooding and Raising Lavender Egg Chicks

Ameraucana hens rarely go broody, so chicks are usually hatched using incubators. The breed's reputation for being flighty makes them a challenge to raise in confinement during their early weeks. Providing extra floor space, roosts, and activities can help prevent feather pecking. Chicks sport varied fuzzy color patterns like buff, wheaten, brown, and blue. Their trademark ear tufts begin emerging at 1-2 weeks. At 4-6 weeks old, pullets start exhibiting their adult coloration of blue, silver, brown, or splashed. Sex can only be accurately determined at maturity through feather color and tail shape. It takes 5-6 months for pullets to begin laying eggs. Their productivity peaks in years 2-3 then declines. Birds 6 years or older are considered geriatric. Since lavender layers have a long productive lifespan, flock turnover is gradual through attrition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Chicken Eggs

Are blue eggs really healthier?

There is no nutritional difference between white, brown, or blue chicken eggs. The pigments deposited in the shell do not affect the interior quality. Blue eggs are not healthier or more nutritious than other egg colors.

Do blue egg shells have more calcium?

While some think blue chicken egg shells are thicker or have more calcium, research does not support this. The main mineral present is still calcium carbonate. However, the pigment oocyanin may strengthen the shell slightly.

Can you dye white eggs blue?

Yes, it is possible to dye white chicken eggs blue by boiling empty shells in food coloring. But this only temporarily colors the outer shell, not the interior contents. True blue eggs with pigment throughout can only be produced by certain breeds.

How much does a dozen blue eggs cost?

Pricing varies, but on average expect to pay $3-5 per dozen for blue chicken eggs. Their specialty status lets sellers ask more than the typical supermarket white egg. But lower supply costs for hobby farms helps keep blue eggs affordable.

What breeds lay lavender blue eggs?

Ameraucanas and Araucanas are the two main lavender egg laying breeds. Hybrid Easter Eggers can also produce blue eggs depending on their lineage. Some Marans, Legbars, and Cream Legbars may lay more olive-tinted eggs.

Raising Your Own Lavender Egg Layers

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of the origins, benefits, and care for Ameraucana chickens and their pastel blue eggs. Their striking eggs make them a must-have breed for any small flock owner. With proper housing and range access, Ameraucanas will reward you with a rainbow of eggs for years to come.

FAQs

Do Ameraucanas lay eggs every day?

Ameraucanas lay about 3-4 eggs per week when healthy and well cared for. They will not lay one egg every single day, but their egg production is fairly consistent.

What colors do Ameraucana eggs come in?

The most common Ameraucana egg shades are sky blue, green, olive, sage, lavender, and pinkish. Some hens may lay darker navy blue eggs as well.

How big are Ameraucana eggs?

Ameraucana eggs are medium-sized, averaging 48-50 grams. They are slightly smaller than chicken eggs from production breeds but larger than bantam eggs.

Do blue eggs taste different?

The flavor and nutritional content of blue chicken eggs is identical to white or brown eggs. Only the outer shell pigmentation is different between egg colors.

What is the best climate for Ameraucanas?

Ameraucanas do well in a wide range of temperate and colder climates. Provide shade in summer and protect combs from frostbite in winter for optimal production.