Easter Egger or Ameraucana, what is the real difference?

This is one of the most confusing comparisons in chicken keeping, because the two often get sold under the same name. The Ameraucana is a recognized breed with a written standard. It has a beard and muffs, a pea comb, slate legs and lays blue eggs. The Easter Egger is not a breed at all. It is a mixed bird that carries the blue egg gene, and it can lay blue, green, olive or sometimes tinted eggs.

Choose by what you want

• Eggs. Easter Eggers are often the better layers and come with a surprise color. Ameraucanas give you true blue eggs.
• Temperament. Easter Eggers are usually friendly and curious. Ameraucanas tend to be a bit more reserved, though many are sweet.
• Kids. Easter Eggers. They are easygoing, and the colorful eggs are a big hit with kids.
• Climate. Both often have pea combs, which hold up well in cold. Both handle heat reasonably with shade.
• Meat. Neither is a meat bird. Both are light to medium in size.
• Noise. Both are moderate.

Raising them in one flock

They get along fine. In fact, many keepers have both without knowing it. Since Easter Eggers vary in look, a mixed group can include birds with muffs, beards, pea combs and many feather colors. Ameraucanas look much more uniform. Neither tends to be a bully, so they also mix well with most other backyard breeds.

The deciding factors

Do you plan to show or breed? If you want to show birds or breed to a standard, you need a true Ameraucana from a breeder. Easter Eggers cannot be shown as a breed.

Do you need blue, or just colorful? If you want a guaranteed blue egg, get an Ameraucana or another true blue layer. If any shade of blue or green makes you happy, Easter Eggers are cheaper and easier to find.

What does the seller call it? Many hatchery chicks labeled "Ameraucana" or "Americana" are Easter Eggers. If the seller cannot tell you the variety and line, assume Easter Egger.

For more on how the blue egg gene works, see the blue egg guide.

Common questions about Easter Eggers vs Ameraucanas

How can I tell if my bird is a real Ameraucana?

Check for slate or blue legs, a pea comb, a beard and muffs, a recognized color, and blue eggs. Missing any of these usually means Easter Egger.

Do Easter Eggers lay blue eggs?

Some do. Others lay green, olive or tinted eggs. Each hen lays her own color for life.

Are Ameraucanas and Araucanas the same?

No. They are separate breeds. Araucanas are often rumpless and have ear tufts.