Lavender Araucana

The Lavender Araucana is a truly unique and exotic chicken breed, cherished for its striking soft-purple plumage and its world-famous ability to lay beautiful pastel blue eggs. With their distinctive ear tufts and slightly quirky personality, they are a highlight of any flock and a favorite among poultry enthusiasts looking for something truly out of the ordinary.

History & Origin

The Araucana breed has a fascinating and international history, with its ancient roots tracing back to the Mapuche (Araucanian) people of Chile in South America. These birds were unique for their genetic ability to lay blue-shelled eggs long before they were discovered by western explorers. In the mid-20th century, the breed was brought to the United Kingdom and North America, where it underwent further refinement. The Lavender variety is a modern development, created by introducing the recessive lavender (dilute black) gene into the breed while maintaining its signature Chilean traits. This blend of ancient South American heritage and modern European breeding has resulted in one of the most distinctive and elegant chickens in the world.

Temperament & Behavior

In terms of temperament, Lavender Araucanas are alert, intelligent, and often described as having a slightly quirky or independent nature. They are active birds that enjoy foraging and are very quick on their feet. While they can be friendly and interactive with their keepers, they are less docile than some dual-purpose breeds and possess a spirited, confident outlook. Their intelligence makes them very adaptable to different environments, though they are at their happiest when allowed to explore and stay busy. They are often the first to notice any change in their surroundings, keeping a watchful eye on the rest of the flock with their characteristic alertness.

What Makes Them Special?

The most prized feature of the Lavender Araucana is, without doubt, the stunning pastel blue color of its eggs. Unlike other breeds that apply pigment only to the outside of the shell, the blue color in Araucana eggs is present throughout the entire shell, from the inside out. Beyond their eggs, their appearance is completely unique. They are most famous for their “ear tufts”—clumps of feathers that grow from the sides of their heads—and their distinctive, slightly upright stance. The Lavender variety features a beautiful, soft, uniform pale-grey plumage with a distinct purple tint, which contrasts beautifully with their bright red combs and orange-red eyes. They also possess a distinctive upright tail that gives them a sharp, perky, and alert silhouette that is easily identifiable from across the yard.

Egg & Utility Facts

Araucanas are reliable layers, typically producing 150 to 200 medium to large blue eggs per year. They are efficient birds that do not require excessive amounts of feed to maintain their productivity. While they are a lighter-bodied breed and not primarily used for meat, their hardiness and ability to thrive in a wide range of climates make them a practical choice for both backyard keepers and small farms. Interestingly, the blue egg gene is dominant; however, breeding Lavender Araucanas is a labor of love, as the lavender gene itself is recessive, meaning both parents must carry it to produce offspring with that beautiful soft purple plumage. They are generally good mothers if allowed to go broody, though they are primarily kept for their stunning eggs and ornamental beauty.