Description
Splash Ameraucana Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Splash Ameraucana Chicken is a beautiful Ameraucana variety known for mostly white plumage with random splashes of blue to black, blue egg potential, muffs, beard, pea comb, slate legs, and strong colored-egg appeal. If you want a true Ameraucana with unique feather color and blue eggs, Splash Ameraucanas can be a standout addition to your backyard flock.
Cackle Hatchery® started offering blue egg laying Splash Ameraucanas in 2018. Cackle also notes that its production-type Splash Ameraucana bloodline has been developed by Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm since 2017.
Splash Ameraucanas are true Ameraucanas, not Easter Eggers™ and not Araucanas. They carry the standard Ameraucana traits customers look for, including muffs, beard, pea comb, tail, slate legs, and blue eggshell genetics. Cackle’s Ameraucana resources explain that Easter Eggers, Americanas, and Rainbow Layers can vary widely in body type, feather color, and egg color, while true Ameraucanas have more specific breed traits.
Appearance and Characteristics
Splash Ameraucanas are mostly white or light-colored birds with irregular splashes of blue to black throughout the feathers. No two birds look exactly alike, which gives the variety a fun, eye-catching appearance in a mixed flock.
Standard Ameraucana features include:
- Muffs and beard
- Pea comb
- Slate leg color
- Full tail
- Blue egg potential
- Mostly white plumage with blue-to-black splashes
- General-purpose Ameraucana body type
The Ameraucana Alliance describes Ameraucanas as general-purpose fowl with distinctive blue eggshell coloration. It also notes that large fowl Ameraucanas belong to the APA All Other Standard Breeds class and that the breed should have muffs, beard, pea comb, and no ear tufts.
Important Update About APA Recognition
Older Splash Ameraucana descriptions often say that Splash is not an American Poultry Association recognized variety. However, this has changed.
The American Poultry Association lists Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl as newly added to the Standard, with an acceptance date of November 10, 2023. The APA Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl standard document also states that Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl was admitted on November 12, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio.
Because older product copy may still mention non-recognition, it is helpful to use updated language: Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl is now an APA-recognized variety.
Egg Color and Laying Expectations
Splash Ameraucanas are blue egg layers. Cackle Hatchery® notes that a small percentage may lay eggs with shells in shades of light green.
This makes them a strong option for customers who want a colorful egg basket with blue, brown, white, cream, or green eggs. However, egg color can vary slightly by individual hen, age, nutrition, season, and breeding line.
For customers comparing blue egg breeds, Cackle’s Best Blue Egg Layers article is a helpful internal resource.
Splash Ameraucana Genetics: What Customers Should Know
Splash Ameraucanas come from blue poultry genetics. Blue does not breed true, which is why blue-to-blue Ameraucana matings can produce blue, black, and splash chicks.
Cackle Hatchery® explains that when two Blue Ameraucanas are bred together, the expected hatch can include about 50% blue chicks, 25% black chicks, and 25% splash chicks.
Splash genetics work differently once you have splash birds:
- Splash bred to splash produces splash chicks.
- Splash bred to black produces blue chicks.
- Blue bred to blue can produce blue, black, and splash chicks.
This does not mean the birds are mixed or incorrect. It is the normal result of blue/splash poultry color genetics.
Splash Ameraucana vs Blue Ameraucana
Splash and Blue Ameraucanas are closely related through blue color genetics, but they look different and breed differently.
A Splash Ameraucana is mostly white or pale with blue-to-black splashes. Splash bred to splash produces splash chicks.
A Blue Ameraucana chicken has blue-gray plumage, ideally with darker lacing. Blue bred to blue does not breed true and may produce blue, black, and splash chicks.
Choose Splash Ameraucana chickens if you want a lighter bird with unique splash markings and blue egg potential.
Choose Blue Ameraucana chickens if you prefer blue-gray feathering and understand that blue matings can produce multiple chick colors.
Splash Ameraucana vs Lavender Ameraucana
Splash Ameraucanas and Lavender Ameraucanas can both look soft and light-colored, but their genetics are different.
A Splash Ameraucana is part of blue/splash genetics and usually appears mostly white with blue-to-black splashes.
A Lavender Ameraucana chicken carries the lavender gene, also called self blue in standard language. Lavender bred to lavender should produce lavender chicks.
Choose Splash Ameraucana if you want irregular splash markings and blue egg potential.
Choose Lavender Ameraucana chickens if you want a more even lavender-gray color and true-breeding lavender genetics.
Splash Ameraucana vs Easter Egger™
Splash Ameraucanas and Easter Eggers™ are often confused because both may be connected with colored eggs. However, they are not the same.
A Splash Ameraucana is a true Ameraucana variety with specific breed traits, including muffs, beard, pea comb, slate legs, tail, and blue egg genetics.
An Easter Egger™ chicken is usually a mixed or non-standard colored egg layer. Easter Eggers™ can be excellent backyard chickens, but they may vary widely in body type, feather color, and egg color.
Choose Splash Ameraucana chickens if you want a true Ameraucana with blue egg potential and splash coloring.
Choose Easter Egger™ chickens if you want a fun colored egg layer and are flexible on exact egg shade or breed type.
Important Note About Ameraucana Sexing Accuracy
Ameraucanas can be more difficult to vent sex than many other breeds. Cackle Hatchery® notes that sexing accuracy for Ameraucanas averages about 80%, compared with the usual average of about 90% for many other breeds.
This matters most for customers ordering females. If you live where roosters are not allowed, or if you need a very exact male-to-female ratio, keep this lower sexing accuracy in mind before checkout.
Important Note About Scissor Beak / Cross Beak
Cackle Hatchery® notes that the Ameraucana breed has an inherent genetic beak issue. About 1 out of 100 chicks may develop some degree of scissor beak or cross beak as they grow.
Scissor beak, also called cross beak, means the top and bottom beak do not align properly. The condition can vary in severity, and it often becomes more noticeable as the chick matures.
Customers should understand this breed note before ordering Ameraucanas. Many chicks grow normally, but the genetic risk exists in the breed.
Temperament and Suitability
Splash Ameraucanas can work well in backyard flocks, colored egg flocks, and small breeding programs. They appeal to customers who want true Ameraucana identity, blue egg potential, and a lighter bird with unique splash markings.
This variety can work well for:
- Backyard blue egg flocks
- Colored egg basket projects
- Ameraucana enthusiasts
- Customers who want true Ameraucana traits
- Keepers who like unique feather patterns
- Small breeding programs with careful selection
- Flocks with other colored egg layers
- Customers who want a blue egg breed that is not an Easter Egger™
However, customers who want a standardized appearance in every bird should remember that splash markings vary from bird to bird. In addition, customers who need the highest possible sexing accuracy should review the Ameraucana sexing note before ordering.
Is the Splash Ameraucana Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Splash Ameraucana chickens if you want:
- Blue egg potential
- A true Ameraucana variety
- Mostly white plumage with blue-to-black splashes
- Muffs and beard
- Pea comb and slate legs
- APA-recognized Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl
- Splash genetics that can breed true when splash is bred to splash
- A beautiful addition to a colored egg basket
However, consider another breed if you need very high sexing accuracy, a lower-cost colored egg layer, or identical feather markings on every bird. In short, Splash Ameraucanas are best for customers who want true Ameraucana type, blue eggs, and unique splash-colored plumage.
Care and Housing Tips
Splash Ameraucanas need the same dependable care as other standard-size chickens. They do best with a clean coop, secure run, proper feed, fresh water, and predator protection.
For best results, provide:
- A dry, well-ventilated coop
- Predator-resistant fencing
- Clean bedding
- Fresh water at all times
- Balanced chick starter and age-appropriate feed
- Enough roosting space
- Nest boxes when pullets near laying age
- Shade and airflow during hot weather
- Protection from drafts and damp bedding in cold weather
- Enough run space to keep feathers clean and healthy
Because Splash Ameraucanas are lighter-colored birds, clean bedding and dry runs help keep plumage looking its best. Their pea combs can also be helpful in colder climates, although all chickens still need dry, draft-free shelter.
Recognition, Clubs, and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® started offering Splash Ameraucanas in 2018 and lists this variety as a colored egg layer with limited seasonal availability. Cackle also notes that customers can plan to order Splash Ameraucana chicks as early as late November, with hatching and shipping from early February through early August.
Jeff Smith and Cackle Hatchery® are members of the Ameraucana Alliance Club. Customers who want to learn more about Ameraucana standards, history, and breeders can review the Ameraucana Alliance and Ameraucana Breeders Club websites. The Ameraucana Alliance describes itself as a breed club representing bantam and large fowl Ameraucana chickens.
Since hatch dates and shipping windows can change during the season, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Splash Ameraucanas may also enjoy other Ameraucana varieties, Easter Eggers™, blue egg layers, and Cackle’s comparison tools.
Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:
FAQ: Splash Ameraucana Chicken
What is a Splash Ameraucana Chicken?
A Splash Ameraucana Chicken is a true Ameraucana variety with mostly white plumage, random blue-to-black splashes, muffs, beard, pea comb, slate legs, tail, and blue egg genetics.
Are Splash Ameraucanas real Ameraucanas?
Yes. Splash Ameraucanas are true Ameraucanas and are not Easter Eggers™ or Araucanas.
Are Splash Ameraucanas recognized by the APA?
Yes. Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl was added to the American Poultry Association Standard in November 2023.
What color eggs do Splash Ameraucanas lay?
Splash Ameraucanas are blue egg layers. Cackle Hatchery® notes that a small percentage may lay eggs with light green shells.
Are Splash Ameraucanas good blue egg layers?
Yes. Splash Ameraucanas are a good option for customers who want true Ameraucana traits with blue egg potential.
What do Splash Ameraucanas look like?
They are mostly white or pale birds with random splashes of blue to black in their feathers. They also have standard Ameraucana features, including muffs, beard, pea comb, slate legs, and a tail.
Does splash breed true?
Yes. Splash bred to splash produces splash chicks.
What happens when Splash Ameraucana is bred to Black Ameraucana?
Splash bred to black produces blue chicks.
What happens when Blue Ameraucana is bred to Blue Ameraucana?
Blue bred to blue can produce approximately 50% blue chicks, 25% black chicks, and 25% splash chicks.
What is the difference between Splash Ameraucana and Blue Ameraucana?
Splash Ameraucanas are mostly white with blue-to-black splashes. Blue Ameraucanas are blue-gray birds, ideally with darker lacing. Both are connected through blue color genetics.
What is the difference between Splash Ameraucana and Lavender Ameraucana?
Splash Ameraucanas come from blue/splash genetics and have irregular splash markings. Lavender Ameraucanas carry the lavender gene and usually have a more even lavender-gray color.
What is the difference between Splash Ameraucana and Easter Egger™?
Splash Ameraucanas are true Ameraucanas with specific breed traits and blue egg genetics. Easter Eggers™ are mixed or non-standard colored egg layers that may vary widely in appearance and egg color.
Are Splash Ameraucana chicks easy to sex?
No. Cackle Hatchery® notes that Ameraucanas are harder to vent sex than many breeds. Sexing accuracy averages about 80% for Ameraucanas, compared with about 90% for many other breeds.
What is scissor beak or cross beak in Ameraucanas?
Scissor beak, also called cross beak, means the top and bottom beak do not align properly. Cackle Hatchery® notes that about 1 out of 100 Ameraucana chicks may develop some degree of this condition.
Does scissor beak get worse as chicks grow?
It can. Cackle Hatchery® notes that the condition normally gets worse as the chick grows.
Are Splash Ameraucanas good for backyard flocks?
Yes. Splash Ameraucanas can work well in backyard flocks for customers who want blue eggs, true Ameraucana traits, and attractive splash plumage.
Are Splash Ameraucanas good for beginners?
They can be a good fit for beginners who understand lower Ameraucana sexing accuracy, possible scissor beak risk, limited availability, and blue/splash genetics.
Does Cackle Hatchery® offer other Ameraucana varieties?
Yes. Cackle Hatchery® offers several Ameraucana varieties, including Black, Blue, Buff, Lavender, Splash, and White Ameraucanas, depending on availability.
Is Cackle Hatchery® connected with Ameraucana breed clubs?
Yes. Jeff Smith and Cackle Hatchery® are members of the Ameraucana Alliance Club.
Where can I check Splash Ameraucana availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Since Splash Ameraucanas are limited, ordering early is recommended.
mmcaffey –
I purchased 3 Splash Americauna chicks from Cackle Hatchery in Lebanon on April 19th, and they are the comedians of my flock! These girls have so much personality—they’re curious, adventurous, and always getting into something. They love hanging out with the horses and will fly right up into the horse feeders, which never fails to make me laugh.
They haven’t started laying yet (as of early November), but they’re already practicing by sitting in the nesting boxes whenever my Lavender Orpingtons are laying. They tend to stick close to the barns and love foraging in the garden areas. They’re also incredibly alert and watchful, seeming to keep an eye on everything happening around the ranch.
If you want chickens with personality and entertainment value, Splash Americaunas are fantastic. They’re active, smart, and full of character. I’m looking forward to those beautiful blue-green eggs once they start laying!
Christie Ives –
I ordered 7 chicks in the spring of 2025. Splash Ameracaunas were not the breed (or even top 5) that I wanted, but the other birds were sold out. Lucky me! These have turned out to be awesome birds that I enjoy so much. They were vigorous, easy chicks and are sweet and mellow adults, even the rooster. They haven’t started to lay yet since the days are shortening and they are just old enough, so I can’t review that quality. I highly recommend these birds!
Amanda Myers –
I ordered three females of these this year. I ended up with 5 extra. Beautiful and docile birds. I absolutely would recommend this bird to anyone! Cackle hatchery is the bomb with their chicken. Would not hesitate to order this bird or any others from them
Jeanette Cahill –
These are beautiful birds! Very docile. They are just starting to lay now and I love the blue colored eggs! One of my favorites! I also have very good luck with cackle hatchery. I have ordered six times. All chicks have always arrived healthy! Looking to place my order for the spring!
Kelly Tanner –
Great birds. I ordered three in what is a pretty large chick order for us as hobbyists (60 chickens). The order overall was a hot mess with alot of substitutions but the splash chicks were fulfilled with three female ordered and two received along with one gent. The rooster is a beautiful bird and is not people aggressive. This order seems to be laying earlier than past orders. I would recommend adding a few splash americauna to your flock. The hens are beautiful too, btw and each lays bright blue eggs. Maybe a bit brighter than our other americaunas.
Nia Sopiwnik –
These Splash Ameraucanas are gorgeous. I think we got an extra one for free because they had run out of a different kind we ordered and it turned out to be a rooster and he is so darn handsome. We really wanted a rooster and I’m glad we got him. The Splash are beautiful birds with beautiful eggs. We’ve had great luck with all our orders so far. Thank you.
Debbie Davis –
This is a colorful, hearty, and friendly breed. They have good longevity. I highly recommend every chick receive the Marek’s vaccine.
Jill Smith –
Love these birds! I ordered 5 blue egger female surprise, crossing my fingers I would get all Ameraucana, and I did! I was sent 6 altogether, 2 splash, 2 blue and 2 black. The extra splash ended up being a rooster, but it worked out because I lost my blue Amercaucana boy a few months later. He is a great rooster, just like my blue was, protective of the girls, but fine with people. This little flock has been a joy to watch. They are such beautiful birds, honestly, more beautiful than the Ameraucanas I had from a breeder. One of the blacks just started laying at 7.5 months and her eggs are a really beautiful, vibrant blue. I am so pleased with these birds, and am very excited to see that Cackle will be offering more Ameraucana colors in 2025!
coolplus199 –
I love this breed! I ordered 6 pullets and received 7 very strong and healthy birds. I ended up with 5 pullets and 2 cockerels which was absolutely fine since Cackle discloses that these are harder to sex as day old chicks. Fast forward to them being 21 weeks old and starting to lay. Their eggs are so beautiful! My roosters are also so beautiful! I will be ordering more of these in the future! Love their temperament!
jedi44 –
These are beautiful! We are so in love with these. They are so friendly and easy to care for. They are our favorite over all the other ameraucana we have
jtarizona2003 –
I ordered 5 splash ameraucana and received 6 chicks. I am very pleased with my order, they look exactly like the pictures. I was worried a bit when they were maturing, but they just went through an ugly faze and now 6 months later are very beautiful.
Tim Cleveland –
These were part of a larger chick order. Ordered 3 pullets, got 3 pullets +1 extra that turned out to be a rooster. Our first rooster so hopefully he’s a good one. Birds are getting close to point of lay (~18 wks) but no eggs yet. The birds are friendly enough but a little flighty. They are getting a little more comfortable with us everyday but haven’t been handled much. All were healthy and active at shipment. Two have beautiful splash as shown in stock photos. Two (one being the rooster) are more solid dark gray like the blue Ameraucanas. Anyway, they seem to be great birds. Will try and update once they are a little older and laying.
JOYCE MURPHY –
I thought I wanted Blue Ameraucanas, but once I saw the Splash Ameraucanas I had to have them. We ordered 3 from Cackle and they ended up sending 4 chicks: 3 Splash and 1 Blue! We love the coloring on the Splash and have enjoyed having them. They’re wonderful and sweet and all are very healthy 4 months into this chicken adventure.
nanami.zaida –
From Missouri to Florida is a quite a trip. But I must say that I’m very satisfied with my purchase I order exactly 15 straight run and I have atleast 5 hens and 5 roosters. They are very heat hardy,healthy and beautiful. And of course people will always lose a chick or 2 it’s normal it all depends on the distance and stress but I would definitely recommend this breed and hatchery to friends and family. I’m very satisfied with my order I hope to order next year birds that I have in mind from cackle. Thanks cackle for your business.
kathrynjallenesq –
I raised 2 Splash from Cackle 4 years ago. One had some rust leakage and only a few Splashes; one was beautiful, big, and seemed to conform to the breed standard. Both had great personalities, so I ordered 3 this Spring. Of the 3, one has a slight cross beak. The legs on all 3 are more of a light grey/green, not slate. The feather coloring/pattern and personality are amazing! I don’t breed or show, but since I paid for purebreds, I would expect the leg coloring to be slate; otherwise, I think they are considered Easter Eggers. Again, I got them for their sweet personalities, so I would recommend to anyone looking for pet-quality. I hope Cackle will at least refund me for the one with a crossbeak.
ravendatura –
We bought 3 female chicks, and received 2 extras free of charge. The 3 splash Ameraucana chicks were all female. The 2 extras look like they were lavender, and we ended up with 1 hen and 1 roo. Ironically I named the lavender chick “Fleki”, it was the only hen without spots! We have had them nearly a year now, and they might be the healthiest chickens we’ve had so far. Unfortunately only one hen started laying before it was too cold, but the blue eggs are beautiful. We are very happy with these chicks and would recommend.
saramiera –
My splash Americana, named Sky, is such a beautiful and sweet chicken!! Her splash markings are gorgeous and her temperament is friendly. She loves to perch on my shoulder or even my head if other chickens are occupying my shoulders. She is not pushy or loud but instead quiet and gentle. She has full muffs and beard and is of a slighter build than my Easter Eggers and black Americana. As a chick she looked lavender but as she feathered out, she developed her splash pattern. Over all she is a great chicken I love her splash pattern and I can’t wait to see her eggs – which should be soon as they are going to be 6 months old soon.
Stephanie Fenske –
Got my chicks today and they are so full of life! Fluffy, active, eating and drinking! Ordered 15 and got a few extra. 2 days in transit to Florida. This order exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t ask for any better.
Jennifer Parker –
I have to say I’m very pleased with these chickens! This is my second time ordering from cackle hatchery and they have some amazing breeds! My hens are now 6 months old and one has laid her 1st egg! It is very very blue!!! Its actually darker then my Easter eggers eggs!! Which I also purchased from here a year and a half ago! The Easter eggers have good eggs too and vibrant in color but this breed just happens to be darker! And they are my most friendliest! They always come right up to me let me pet them they’re supper sweet! I will say tho we did end up having one with cross beak but they sent an extra bc this can happen. We tried to save and feed her but she just didn’t survive! Over all I’m very happy with my purchase!! I originally ordered some buff Marans ameuricanas, and blue laced Wyandotte. All came healthy and are thriving except for the extra one that had cross beak. One of my marans turned out to be a roo, which is to be expected even tho I ordered all hens I received 11 altogether and only ended up with one roo. He’s actually really nice and we plan to hatch some of our own in the spring!! One of my marans laid her egg for the 1st time and let me tell u that is the darkest brown egg I’ve ever seen! It’s stunning! She is black tailed red Marans! Or buff maran for short. Thanks cackle hatchery for making some pretty awesome chickens! I will always come here when I buy chicks!
stephaniediaz0711 –
They are so pretty with vivid white and grey splash! Mine are now about 5mo old close to full grown. They are slightly more timid/flighty than some of the other “fat fluffy hens” but have a very sweet demeanor overall no complaints. I am not sure about the egg color yet but they will soon come 🙂
Bailey Mcdonald –
Ordered 4 females and they gave me an extra! All 5 are now 8 weeks old and doing fantastic! They are a beautiful addition to the flock!
rida29r –
I ordered 3, ended up with 4 yippeee! Unfortunately one was a Roo however a friend wanted him, and she’s a happy girl! These are absolutely stunning hens. We are at 10 weeks now and they are lapchickens. I usually have one on each shoulder and another in my lap in the evening sunset. They are smart and personable….but I can see how they would dismiss a human if not raised closely as hatchlings. Each girl has different eye color and they are truly stunning. Thanks CH!! I love my girls.
Ari –
Beautiful!
There was an extra one put into my order of 3 and as luck would have it, they are all girls! Came healthy and just a-peepin’. 10 weeks old now and so beautiful. All of my other chicken keeping friends are jealous! They are flightier than my other girls but I’m working on bribing with treats. My experience with cackle was so positive.
Em –
Adorable!
I ordered 8 unsexed, and was nervous about the shipping, but they were ready for pickup 36hrs after shipping! Cackle Hatchery went 10 just incase, but they’re all looking healthy after the first day! So excited! Will update at 1 month.
Elaine –
Good blue eggs!
My splashes that I got spring 2019 all laid blue eggs. One hen did not have any muffs or beard, but they were all more hardy and faster growing than my black Ameraucanas. One hen did go broody.
Becky the Cat in Florida –
Pretty birds with puffy cheeks
They are 6 months old, I ordered as day old chicks from Cackle. Haven’t started laying yet, but I wanted some colorful eggs. What I didn’t know is that splash ameraucanas have puffy, fuzzy cheeks! So cute.
Tony –
Beautiful birds
Bought 4 splash. Beautiful birds nice color good personality. Haven’t got eggs yet but we’re waiting. Would like to have more.
Jenifer –
Nice looking birds
We have bought these before and absolutely love them, great looking birds with pretty eggs and gorgeous roosters!
LHfarms –
Very nice birds
I bought 4 for spring 2018 and got all roosters but that’s how it goes sometimes I kept one he is beautiful! Awesome hatchery would buy from again!!
Becky Nevada –
Lovely And Colorful!
My Splash are almost a year old now and I just love them! The older they get the more splash markings show up. 1 in particular is stunning, looking as though I painted her with black spots and stripes! The others have gorgeous dark and light blue splotches and stripes. Great layers too with dark blue eggs.