rhode runner
Unless you have intentions of getting bad bloodlines, I don't see why these chickens should be any more prone to illness then other breeds. I am aware that some breeds do have certain problems (feather foots- can collect mud balls, and are more likely to get leg mites known as scaly mites, Crested birds- can have issues seeing, and get frozen crests, Large breeds- some can be prone to fatness). However, the Ameraucana seems to be a pretty clean breed.
The keys to keeping your flock healthy are
Providing good food: Making sure your birds get a round diet, or protein egg laying pellets, some scratch, veggies and fruits, grit if they aren't free ranging (need small rocks to digest), and oyster shells if you fear they aren't getting enough calcium.
Exercise: A fat chicken isn't healthy, and is much more likely to become egg bound. Make sure your birds have some free-range time, or enough space in their pen to move around.
Less Mud: Mud isn't fun, but is a pretty common problem. So make sure your coop is well drained.
Clean: Shovel it out. If there is blood bleach the area so nothing smells it. If you have mites, powder the coop.
Socializing: Do not let your flock socialize with other birds, unless you have kept the other birds separate for a three week period, otherwise you could be passing a disease right into your older flock.
Vaccines: You can purchase chicks that are vaccinated. However, the Ameraucanas breed isn't actually sold by any hatcheries I can think of (they all sell Easter Eggers labeled as Ameraucanas), so vaccinating may not be easy. But, if you are buying from a private breeder, you can look for one that is NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Plan) in other words they are tested for diseases yearly.
Sickly birds: If you ever notice a sickly bird separate it from the rest of the flock that instant, or you risk a great chance of infecting the flock. As for the care of the bird, or the put down of it, that is dependant on you.
There is a lot to keeping chickens when jotted down on paper, but in real life it is very easy. The Ameraucan breed is just like the others when it comes to care. They can get confusing with all the names people call them, because they commonly mistake them for something else. However, all names have specific meanings.
Ameraucana, Easter Egger, and Araucana are all different:
http://www.hinkjcpoultry.com/araucana.htm here is a great chart with all the differences, and what bird is which.
Best of luck, you picked a fun breed to work, and if you have any questions feel free to contact me via email,
Jamie/Rhode Runner
Orignal From: What are the most common diseases Ameraucana chickens get?
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