ARAUCANA TYPE

A few pointers on selecting proper type when breeding or purchasing Araucanas

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The Araucana is a rumpless, tufted, blue-egg-laying, pea-combed fowl. It can be difficult to define an Araucana, however, since some of these traits (most notoriously, ear-tufts and rumplessness) do not breed true. Therefore, it is extremely important to take care in breeding Araucanas for proper type.

What do we mean by "type?" In the poultry world, breeds aren't defined only by obvious physical characteristics, such as comb type. Equally important is their style of body form and carriage, which is more difficult to pinpoint. It is easier illustrated than described.

For example: Take a look at the two photos below. On the left is a leghorn; on the right is a plymouth rock. They are quite obviously different, but what makes them so? They are both cockerels, both white in color, both have single combs and yellow legs. Their origins are different, but as far as physical characteristics go, it can be difficult to say exactly what defines them. Hence, poultry people use the term "type."

*** The above photos were stolen off the internet somewhere -- if anyone knows their whereabouts, feel free to contact me so I can give proper credit. ***

So what is the "type" of an Araucana? Even experienced breeders who have been raising Araucanas for many years may still disagree on what an Araucana is supposed to look like. There are, however, several items of Araucana type that most sources seem to agree upon.

Take a look at the two cockerels pictured below. These boys are full-blooded brothers and are both rumpless with bilteral tufts. Which one is more attractive or pleasing to the eye?

You probably find the cockerel on the right to be more attractive, and may think the one on the left "looks weird." Can you think of any specific reasons why this might be?

Here are the things I see:

1) The cockerel on the left has overly-long legs. The legs of an Araucana should not be this long; it makes the bird look gamey and is a sign that the bird has some game blood in their background.

2) The cockerel on the left has short hackles. This is another sign of game blood. An Araucana should have hackles that flow into the body, such as the cockerel on the right.

3) The cockerel on the left has droopy tufts. Instead of being positioned about the ear-area, they are so low they're actually on the neck. This is somewhat unattractive. Personally, I prefer the tufts to be higher on the head, such as the cockerel on the right.

4) The cockerel on the left has a very short rump. See how the back looks "cut off," whereas the cockerel on the right actually has a defined rump area. Birds with very short rumps are more prone to chronic "poopy butt."

5) You may not be able to tell from the photos, but if you were to pick them up, you would find that the cockerel on the left is scrawny and has a protruding breast-bone, whereas the one on the right is solid and well-fleshed. An Araucana should be a solid bird; HOWEVER, often I see Araucanas that are TOO heavy-set. Most likely those kinds of birds are actually Easter-Egger crosses.

5) The cockerel on the left also has an "arched beak" which is a general defect and adds to the akwardness of this bird. Overall, the cockerel on the left is a terrible genetic misfortune and should not be bred under any circumstances.