Ameraucana chickens have become very popular with backyard chicken keepers. Their attractive appearance and blue eggs make them highly desirable. However, people unfamiliar with the breed may ask if Ameraucanas have feathers on their feet.
Ameraucana chickens do not have feathers on their feet or legs. This is true for both the standard size Ameraucana and bantam Ameraucana chickens. Their leg and foot color is determined by the color of their plumage but is generally blue or slate grey.
Chicken species have become vast and varied, with different characteristics identifying the various breeds. For example, feathering on the legs and feet is seen in some breeds. Many people think this trait is attractive and desirable.
Do Ameraucana Chickens Ever Have Feathers On their Feet?
Ameraucana chickens do not have feathers on their feet or legs. The breed developed from Auracana chickens from Chile. The aim was to breed chickens that laid blue eggs but did not have the lethal genetic factor seen in Auracana chickens.
Araucana chickens do not have feathers on their feet. Chicken genetics is complicated, but scientists believe that feathering on feet is a recessive gene. The implication is that both parents must carry the gene for feathered feet before the characteristic occurs in the offspring.
Since Auracana chickens form the basis for developing Ameraucana chickens, so it is impossible for Ameraucanas to have feathered feet.
Why Would My Ameraucana Chick Have Foot Feathers?
If you have a chick with foot feathers, it is not an Ameraucana chick. In all likelihood, your chick is probably an Easter Egger that was confused for an Ameraucana. Easter Eggers usually have French Marans in their ancestry, and they have feathered feet.
What Chicken Breeds Have Feathered Feet?
Some people enjoy the appearance of chickens with feathered feet. There are several standard and bantam breeds that have feathers on their feet.
- Brahmas are giant chickens with heavy feathering on their feet.
- Belgian D’Uccles come in 20 different colors and have elaborate foot feathers.
- Cochins are a chicken with abundant feathers, including on the feet. There are nine different color variations.
- Booted Bantams are exhibition chickens as they produce small eggs and are not good for meat.
- Croad Langshan chickens originated in China. Besides having foot feathers, they produce dark brown eggs and occasionally plum-colored ones.
- Faverolles from France are considered an endangered species. Their foot feathers help them deal with cold climates.
- French Marans have feathered feet and legs, but English Marans do not.
- Pekins come in 12 colors, lay small eggs, and have feathers on their feet.
- Silkies are well-known bantams that are fluffy all over, including the feet.
- Sultans from Turkey are unusually docile birds that need protection from flock politics. Their upright posture makes their feathered feet clearly visible.
Are Feathered Feet In Chickens Good Or Bad?
Foot feathers can be beneficial for chickens living in cold climates. They can help to prevent frostbite by keeping the feet warm.
Feathered feet can be problematic if the chicken steps in tree resin or some other sticky substance. In addition, the foot feathers can become gummed up with feces in dirty living conditions. This can predispose the chicken to bacterial and fungal infections of the feet.
What Are the Characteristics Of Ameraucana Chickens?
Amerauacanas were accepted into the American Poultry Association in 1984. They must meet prescribed characteristics to be registered as Ameraucana chickens.
- They have small pea combs.
- Their wattles are small and barely noticeable.
- The wattles and combs are red.
- Their eyes are orange to red-brown.
- Their legs are featherless, and the color is determined by their plumage but is most often slate grey or blue.
- They have a compact body and broad chest.
- Their stance is upright.
- They have no ear tufts but have a muff and often a beard.
- Ameraucana chickens lay blue eggs.
- They lay 3 to 6 eggs a week.
- They have a tail.
How Big Are Ameraucana Chickens?
Ameraucana chickens come in two sizes; standard and bantam. Standard Ameraucnas hens weigh 5.5 pounds, and roosters weigh 6.5 pounds. Ameraucana bantam hens are tiny, weighing only 1.5 pounds, with the roosters reaching 2 pounds.
What Colors Are Ameraucana Chickens?
Ameraucana chickens come in eight different colors.
- White
- Black
- Buff
- Brown red
- Blue
- Blue Wheaten
- Wheaten
- Silver
What Is the Temperament Of Ameraucana Chickens?
Ameraucana chickens are docile, friendly chickens. They make excellent mothers, looking after their chicks diligently. Several hens may adopt the chicks and share the care of the brood.
They get on amicably with other chickens and do not get involved in henhouse bullying. Roosters are seldom aggressive and are generally safe around children.
Are Ameraucana Chickens Easy To Keep?
Ameraucana chickens are easy to keep. They can be fed traditional chicken food and have no special requirements. They are not big birds and need modest amounts of coop space. They are also birds that thrive as free-ranging poultry.
Ameraucanas have small combs with feathers that sit close to the head. This, combined with their large eyes, give their heads a hawk-like appearance. Many backyard chicken keepers believe their appearance helps deter raptors that usually prey on chickens.
Are Ameraucana Chickens Easily Available?
Ameraucana chickens are readily available in the United States. Some colors may be rarer, but many Ameraucana chicken breeders are springing up due to their popularity.
In some stores, Ameraucana chickens may be confused with Easter Eggers. That’s why it’s best to purchase an Ameraucana chicken from a breeder.
Ameraucana chickens are considered a rare chicken breed in most other countries and are difficult to purchase.
Final Word
Ameraucana chickens do not have feathers on their feet. Instead, they have smooth-skinned legs and feet. Numerous other standard and bantam chicken breeds have foot feathers.
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- Are Ameraucana Chickens Good to Eat?
- Barred Rock Vs. Ameraucana
- Can Ameraucana Chickens Get Along With Other Chickens?
- Are Ameraucana Roosters Aggressive?
- Ameraucana Vs. Easter Eggers
- How Often Do Ameraucana Chickens Lay Eggs?
Sources
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rspb.1938.0011