Is the Ameraucana or Olive Egger a better egg layer?

The Ameraucana lays about 180–250 eggs a year; the Olive Egger lays about 150–200. The Ameraucana is the stronger layer — about 180–250 eggs a year against the Olive Egger's 150–200.

Ameraucana vs Olive Egger — which is better for beginners?

Both the Ameraucana and the Olive Egger are beginner-friendly and forgiving of first-time mistakes.

Ameraucana photo: Royale Photography (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Olive Egger photo: V. Ott (CC BY 4.0) · via Wikimedia Commons

Ameraucana vs Olive Egger

Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.

The quick verdict

The Ameraucana is the stronger layer — about 180–250 eggs a year against the Olive Egger's 150–200.

The Ameraucana lays blue eggs; the Olive Egger lays olive green.

Both egg layer birdsBoth cold-hardyBoth handle heat wellBoth beginner-friendlyBoth calm and easy to handle

Choose the Ameraucana if you want…

More eggs — up to 250 a year

Full Ameraucana profile →

Choose the Olive Egger if you want…

Nearly identical on paper — comes down to looks and what's available locally

Full Olive Egger profile →

Side by side

Trait	Ameraucana	Olive Egger
Purpose	Egg layer	Egg layer
Eggs per year	✓180–250	150–200
Egg color	Blue	Olive green
Egg size	Medium	Large
Hen weight	5–6 lbs	5–6.5 lbs
Temperament	Friendly and curious	Friendly, but varies with the parents
Cold hardy	Yes	Yes
Heat tolerant	Yes	Yes
Broodiness	Sometimes broody	Sometimes broody
Beginner friendly	Yes	Yes

Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.

More head-to-heads

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Or browse every comparison · see all 51 breeds

Ameraucana or Olive Egger — track whichever you pick

Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.