Description
Lavender Ameraucana Chicken
Breed History and Development
Cackle Hatchery® has been breeding the Lavender Ameraucana since 2015, building on foundation stock originally developed by master breeder John W. Blehm in 2005. This variety has quickly become one of the most popular and sought-after Ameraucana types due to its unique coloration and reliable blue egg production.
Although highly desirable, the lavender variety is not currently recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA). Despite that, it continues to gain traction among backyard poultry keepers and specialty breeders. Cackle Hatchery® focuses on maintaining a consistent, production-quality line with strong egg-laying performance.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Lavender Ameraucanas are known for their soft, uniform grayish-blue plumage, often referred to as “self blue.” Unlike the blue (Bl) gene—which produces inconsistent offspring—the lavender (LAV) gene breeds true. This means mating lavender to lavender results in 100% lavender chicks.
However, this genetic consistency comes with a tradeoff. The lavender gene is associated with a feather quality issue often called the “shredder gene,” which can cause frayed or tattered feathering, especially in roosters.
Like all Ameraucanas, they feature pea combs, muffs, and beards, giving them a distinct and full-faced appearance.
Egg Production and Performance
Lavender Ameraucanas are strong layers, producing approximately 180–200 medium to large eggs per year. Their eggs are typically a light pastel blue, though a small percentage may lay light green eggs. For a list of the best blue egg layer we offer see here: https://www.cacklehatchery.com/cackle-hatcherys-best-blue-egg-layers/
They usually begin laying later than many breeds, often around 8–9 months of age, but they make up for it with steady production once mature.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
This breed is active and slightly flighty, though generally manageable with regular handling. They do well in both backyard flocks and free-range environments, especially where they have space to move and forage.
They are not typically broody, making them better suited for egg production rather than natural hatching.
Breeding Considerations
The lavender gene breeds true, making it attractive for breeders aiming for color consistency. However, feather quality should be closely monitored and selectively improved over time.
There are also two important considerations with this breed:
These factors make it important to set proper expectations, especially for new buyers.
Availability and Ordering
Lavender Ameraucanas are in limited supply and tend to sell out quickly. It’s smart to order early—typically starting in late November—for delivery between mid-March and early August.
Related Resources
Check out our blog: Blue Egg Chicken: Ameraucana or Americana? https://www.cacklehatchery.com/blue-egg-chicken-ameraucana-or-americana/
Cackle Hatchery® is also a member of the Ameraucana Alliance Club. ameraucanaalliance.org and ameraucana.org
FAQ
Do Lavender Ameraucanas lay blue eggs?
Yes, they primarily lay blue eggs, with a small chance of light green shades.
Does the lavender color breed true?
Yes, breeding lavender to lavender produces 100% lavender offspring.
What is the “shredder gene”?
It’s a feather quality issue linked to the lavender gene that can cause frayed or rough-looking feathers. https://www.cacklehatchery.com/shredder-gene-in-lavender-chickens/
Are Lavender Ameraucanas good egg layers?
Yes, they produce around 180–200 eggs per year.
Are they good for beginners?
They can work for beginners, but you need to understand their later laying age, lower sexing accuracy, and potential genetic considerations.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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Michaelene Klem –
Gorgeous! Love the coloring. One ended up having severe cross beak. But she’s one of my favorite hens.
Jacquelynn Ireland –
I have never had Ameraucanas before so this is our first time with them. I have been so surprised on how friendly they are! They are super cute with their little puffy checks. We ordered 3 hens and ended up with one rooster. He is really big and very handsome. A nice surprise. All the chicks we have received through Cackle have arrived healthy and happy. Would definitely get these beautiful Lavender Ameraucana again!
Rachel Levine –
Love all of my Ameraucana’s! The lavender girls have especially beautiful coloring! We ordered 3 females of each color this year and were so excited when they arrived, all survived shipping and have been a delight raising. One in particular was almost like a parrot and would climb up his shoulder when he came to change their water every day in their brooder!
brandynelkins –
I love my little lavenders. They are so curious and full of energy. They run around and are fun to watch. They are in their honking stage so its funny to listen to. I can hold them and pet them. They do have a mind of their own and run amuck on the farm but its harmless and entertaining to watch them and interact. They seem really intelligent. Highly satisfied!
taraeschafer –
I love this breed so much that I bought hens and 1 rooster! The birds came in very healthy, lively and alert. They have been able to integrate seemingly with my flock that I already have established and I cannot wait until they start laying those beautiful blue eggs!
Ashley Beecroft –
No shredder!
Beautiful, correct feathering with a depth of color pictures don’t convey.
Dumb as rocks and some of the worst broodies I’ve got. Good thing they’re pretty. The gorgeous yet knuckleheaded entertainment is worth a few in the flock.
Kristie Jacot –
Ordered 15 unsexed lavender ameraucana chicks. They sent 18 and all survived shipping. One ended up with scissor beak and died at about 12 weeks. All the others are great. I ended up with 11 roosters and 7 hens. They all had nice dark legs, good feathers, fluffy muffs and nice coloring. Really impressed because I ordered hatching eggs from a breeder and those are not as pretty as cackle. Will be ordering again in the future.
Tori Filskov –
I have always had Lavender Orpington roosters for my mixed flock and LOVED them. This year, I decided to purchase Lavender Ameraucana chicks to add to my flock and I have been so pleased with them. They were hand raised by my boys (11, 8 and 4) and they are all so friendly. I didn’t have high expectations because most of my other Ameraucana’s aren’t overly friendly- slightly skittish and stubborn. These Lavender chicks are the first ones to greet us whenever we go outside or arrive home. I would HIGHLY recommend this breed and will definitely be purchasing them again in the future!
Amy France –
Beautiful birds! I’m always so pleased with my chicks from Cackle Hatchery. Have been purchasing here for 10 years! The Lavender Ameraucana did not disappoint! Beautiful birds in general. Docile and mix well with other breeds. Lived up to expectations regarding egg production too! All around great birds!
Morgan Oschwald –
The chicks were shipped very quickly and arrived in wonderful condition! They have proven to be very hardy and have filled out very well with gorgeous silver feathers. They started laying beautiful blue eggs exactly 4 months after they arrived and have made a stunning addition to our flock! This is my first experience with the breed and I am in love with both them and Cackle Hatchery!
Morgan Oschwald –
The chicks were shipped very quickly and arrived in wonderful condition! They have proven to be very hardy and have filled out very well with gorgeous silver feathers. They started laying beautiful blue eggs exactly 4 months after they arrived and have made a stunning addition to our flock! This is my first experience with the breed and I am in love and with both them and Cackle Hatchery!
Steven Harper –
I ordered 10 Lavender chicks back in 2023 and received 11 this past February. Right off the bat I didn’t listen to the warning to use a heat lamp. I’ve raised plenty of chicks without one. But… I quickly lost two chicks and ran as fast as possible for a lamp. Luckily saved the rest! That was sad. Now I know, these birds are slow growers and slow to eat a lot, they need that extra heat. Don’t skip it!
That said, one of the remaining nine turned out to be a rooster. Very flighty and easily spooked by their own shadow and quite shy to any touch. As I said slow to grow and slow to start laying. six months out before the first egg was had. And still growing. But when they reached maturity they calmed down drastically and became very friendly. Sweet birds and so beautiful! My boy Slim is coming along just fine, still plenty of growing to do. Not aggressive in the least but don’t care for being handled. I find it best to let my roosters come to me in time and just leave them to their business. It works.
Recently threw a few eggs in the incubator with some Marans eggs I was hatching. Not expecting much was surprised to have 5 out of 7 hatch. One leaping out front in size I thought rooster maybe? Then a couple days later found white feathers on the legs. hahaha That was a surprise! My Marans roosters have little interest is birds, looking at them like they’re aliens. Appears one of my Blue Copper Marans did the dead and threw the blue color gene. Lavender with blue speckles at the moment. No telling where it’s going but it’s going to be awesome just hope its a little girl.
Don’t think a person can go wrong with these birds. They are a pure joy to have running around the place! And Cackle Hatchery did me right by them. I have no complaints.
kathrynjallenesq –
Stunning!
Super friendly & seem to conform to breed standards. Pleasantly surprised! 5 stars!
Andrea Pierson –
Cackle’s Lavender Ameraucanas have gotten better and better each year. I received three pullets two year ago and have been so impressed with their quality that I ordered ten more straight run this year. I received two extras, which was extremely generous considering the price point of this breed. Thank you for putting so much effort into the quality of your birds!
Rachel Manciocchi –
Chicks arrived in the nicest package, I even think there was a heat pack in there! Ordered these beauties in January and it was a long wait. I waited till may when the weather was a little nicer. I am so pleased with this purchase! Every bird I have received from here has been healthy and high quality. They even sent an extra, which was even more exciting. Beaks look good and healthy. Thank you!!
dana.robertson4 –
I ordered 6 Lavender Ameracauna Pullets and 2 Lavender Ameracauna cockerels. I got 8 happy and healthy chicks. All arrived alive. They clearly marked the two male chicks so I could tell who was who.
However one of my females developed crossbeak as 1/100 can. When I contacted Cackle Hatchery they said they would refund me right away! I am very happy with their customer service.
I will be coming back for more chicks!
Amber Hunsaker –
I ordered 12 birds, but only received nine due to a short hatch. I requested two males, which I got, though one of them was not one of the birds that was marked as male. No harm no fowl. They are only four months old so I’m not sure how they will grow out, but right now I am loving them. They were gorgeous, fluffy, happy babies, and they are my social and gregarious birds. Some of the hens are shaping up a little nicer than others, but they all have lovely personalities.
Bryan Peed –
ordered 14 straight run Lavenders. We got 15 and all were healthy and active. within a dat they were running around and super energetic. Still a little to young to sex, but it looks like we may only have 5 out of 15 that are roos. Cackle is the best hatchery we have dealt with hands down.
gaschup –
What a mess. I ordered my Lavendar chicks in Dec 2020. You’d think they’d have my female chicks reserved. Nope! I got 5 of the 8 ordered straight run and some have cross beaks. I also ordered black Amer. chicks. Some of them have cross beaks, too. I won’t order from Cackle again. I’ve asked for a refund but it hasn’t been received yet, either. :-(((((((
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
Looks like we did refund you by check on April 20th.
LJ –
We lost the chicken lottery
We placed our order early January and we were so excited to get our birds . All 11 chickens ( ordered 9 ) arrived alive and happy . After about 3 weeks 2 of 4 developed scissor beak. After training everything in the book the one birds beak froze and she couldn’t eat or drink and the flock excluded her . It was time for her to go . I would strongly strongly suggest NOT getting the Lavender. The Blue and Black birds that I revived are amazing and perfect. 2nd bird just died randomly about 4 weeks in . Nothing like losing 72$ a bird . For the 2 remainder lavender birds one is large and beautiful and one is small and round . WASTE OF MONEY.
Chicken mom in Texas –
Love them
The Lavendars are wonderful chickens, the rooster are very large but not aggressive like my other rooster. Very friendly and love to hang out with me when I’m in the back field with them. They free range during the day.
Mark –
Excellent choice
I could not be more pleased with my lavender ameraucana from cackle hatchery! All are thriving, calm, good egg producers after only 6 months and one is sitting. They free range during the day and mingle with cats, dogs, bulls and horses.
Marci –
Lavender Ameraucana
I ordered 3 female Lavender Ameraucana, only 2 survived due to post office delay, not Cackles fault. The one that I have is just stunning! She is still young and not laying yet, excited to see that first beautiful egg!
Actually all the breeds I ordered have turned out beautiful, I ordered female only and all 15 I ordered were female.
– –
Love My Lavenders!
One of my most lovely and eye-catching hens, these now 5-month olds are laying the most gorgeous eggs. I have gotten all my Americaunas- Lavenders, Easters and Olives- as day-old chicks from Cackle Hatchery and all have been in picture-perfect health and good natured as they mature. Children are simply bedazzled by these exotic looking birds and excited by their radiantly colorful eggs! KP
Terry –
Very happy with the quality of my lavender chicks
I ordered 10 straight run lavender chicks I received 11. All but one made it. Very happy and actually very surprised with the quality of the birds was not expecting them to be as nice as they are especially coming from a large hatchery.
Lorraine –
Lavender Ameraucanas
I ordered Lavendar Ameraucanas this spring for the first time. The chicks were beautiful and active… they feathered into a beautiful color. My Lavenders are wonderful hens that are calm, curious and definitely family friendly. They lay the most
Beautiful blue eggs and have been a wonderful asset to my rainbow collection of eggs. Thank you Cackle Hatchery for always delivering such good quality chicks.
diana –
The sweetest chickens I have ever had!!!
My 4 Lavender Ameraucana’s all female (completely perfectly sexed by Cackle by the way, are the sweetest chickens yet! Even more than my Lavender Orp!!! I pet them, they cuddle and talk to me all the time. The sweetest teal eggs and all four are laying. Thanks so much for having them and your great sexing of them Cackle!
Becky –
Lavender Ameraucana
My chick order is now 4 1/2 weeks and I have to say these chicks are not only beautiful, but have been vigorous and very active. They are just as laid back and curious and friendly as the black Ameraucan I got from you.
Becky –
Excellent
I am so happy with the 3 black Ameraucana’s from last year that I ordered Lavender and Splash this year. They are healthy robust and so laid back! Thanks for the extra chick! I loved the heat pack, gro gel, and chick food which I think made a huge difference since we hit subzero temps this month. Thank you, your chicks are always so nice!
Katrina –
Lavender Ameraucana
We have a Lavender Ameraucana hen, that we got as a day old chick from Cackle Hatchery. I also have a black Ameraucana that we got from Cackle Hatchery last year. We always liked our black Ameraucana because she has a pretty mild personality. So we got the Lavender this year, and I have to say our Lavender is amazing! She’s been the most laid back hen we’ve ever owned. I noticed that even as a chick she was much calmer than the rest of the chicks. Now she free ranges during the day and follows us around anytime we go out. We haven’t babied her or given her extra attention, she’s just naturally calm and laid back. She’s beautiful and feathering out very nicely. I have to say I’m highly impressed with Cackle Hatchery’s Lavender Ameraucanas! The breeder is doing an amazing job, and providing high quality, calm, family friendly birds. Highly recommend!!!