Ancona Andalusian and Araucana Chickens

I will begin by discussing these three breeds. These three breeds are wary and active foragers which do a good job living of the land. They seem to do a good job avoiding hawks and stray pets being good fliers. All three do wonderful in hot climates like the southern United States. My grandma’s family was always partial to ancona’s. Its one of the few breeds they had. They would rustle for most their food eating bugs and grass. At night grandma gave them access to laying mash a few hours before they rooster. They were great layers during warm and hot weather however they laid few eggs during winter. Ancona chickens originated in central Italy near to the sea. The soil is very poor and imported grains were expensive. So the breed became good converters of feed. They were developed from early leghorns. The chicks are hardy and so are the hens. You will get plenty of white eggs from these chickens. Our cockerels weighed around five pounds and the grown cocks weighed around six pounds. The pullets weighed in around four pounds and the hens weighed about four and a half pounds. Got my first start of Andalusians from Murray McMurray hatchery back in 1972. They mature very early both the pullets and cockerels so you have an abundant supply of eggs real soon. This breed is beautiful and wonderful for show. Males of this breed seldom fight. They are one of the oldest Mediterranean breeds originating in the province of Andalusia Spain. The breed lays right through hot summers however their combs dont handle cold weather well. Two of my roosters had their combs and wattles freeze. Love roosting high in your trees if given the chance. This is the breed that early geneticist Gregor Mendel used in his experiments into color heredity. So expect some to be blue black and white. Blue is the only ones you can show. Roosters go just under six pounds and hens average four to five pounds. When it comes to crowing they do it loudly. Neighbors could hear my Blue Andalusian cock crow a half mile away. So if you have close neighbors this might not be the breed for you unless you have a cement block hen house. Lastly lets consider the Araucana chicken from Chile south america. The purest ones lay blue eggs have ear tufts and are rumpless. The breed was created from three local breeds in Chile. Araucana’s often prefer to hide their nests. In Chile they live in a feral state making a living from their surroundings since the people are extremely poor. Their meat is quite delicious and similar to dark cornish and quail. On laying mash they are good layers and dont suffer from heat stress. Lots of crossbred birds which lay colored eggs pass themselves off as Araucana’s so be careful you buy them from a reputable breeder. Good specimens fetch a lofty price. Breeding these birds is both challenging and rewarding since hatchability is not very good. Some of my bloodlines layed both blue and green eggs. They come in a variety of color patterns and are calm non aggressive birds. Mine layed well except during the months of december january and february. Snow seem to halt their egg production. Hens would average around five pounds and roosters around six pounds. These three breeds are low maintenance meaning that they can handle muddy poultry yards tall grass and messy hen houses. Hope I am giving you some insight on which breed or breeds would best fit in with your family and lifestyle.