Trying to start breeding Lav Ameraucanas

Hi all,

I feel like I'm trying in vain to get started in breeding Lav Ameraucanas - or ANY Ameraucanas at that.

I bought what I was "told" were Ameraucana chicks earlier this spring, and they've turned out to be EEs. So they're in with the rest of my production layers, and I like the birds - but they aren't what I was "sold."

There are no breeders in my state (Kentucky) for any variation/coloring of Ameraucana. I thought last week I'd made a great connection with someone in Tennessee who was planning to sell her breeding flock for Lavs. I emailed her and I haven't gotten a reply. I've emailed/called everyone listed on the ABC directory that ships, and haven't gotten a reply or a call back at all to let me know either way whether they have any chicks or started birds of any variety at all.

It's rather frustrating to feel ignored, or like you're on the outside and not welcome. There are very few breeders, from what I can see, that are listed on the directory for the U.S. and again, there are NONE in my state. I want to be of assistance, not of competition. I don't have the land to any competition - we're more interested in showing the birds, and it's actually my sons' wishes to do so. I'm personally more invested in the breeding and genetics of the Lavs simply because they aren't being recognized, and I think more breeders/show birds of that variety in an isolated flock from good stock will be the key to getting these beautiful birds recognized.

If there's some sort of unspoken rule about the Ameraucana breeders not really being open and forthright with newcomers, that's fine - I can respect that. But to consistently not have emails or calls returned, or even posts on threads here go unreplied - it's hard to not feel like I'm being ignored.

Been there, done that! When I set out to start raising lav orpingtons I had the same problem. Till I got my foot in the door with a small breeder just a few hours from me. I took the time and went to see her operations, really invested in understanding what she's breeding for and even walked through the coops that didn't have lavs in them and learned what her goals were with those breeds. Some people aren't welcoming at all, and it's hard to not feel ignored. But be patient and at some point I'm sure you'll get your foot in a door some where! Best of luck! Sorry I wasn't more help

Cuteincamo said:

Been there, done that! When I set out to start raising lav orpingtons I had the same problem. Till I got my foot in the door with a small breeder just a few hours from me. I took the time and went to see her operations, really invested in understanding what she's breeding for and even walked through the coops that didn't have lavs in them and learned what her goals were with those breeds. Some people aren't welcoming at all, and it's hard to not feel ignored. But be patient and at some point I'm sure you'll get your foot in a door some where! Best of luck! Sorry I wasn't more help

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No, no - no apologies! At least you responded! It's been like pulling teeth from an angry rhino to get responses or replies. We can't get the coloration recognized without more breeders dedicated to producing quality birds, and getting them out there into shows.

Have you looked outside your immediate area? I know it's expensive to ship birds. I had to do it, had to order some English Oprhingtons out of state and man I paid for it. What about getting stock that carries the genetics to produce Lavs?

Cuteincamo said:

Have you looked outside your immediate area? I know it's expensive to ship birds. I had to do it, had to order some English Oprhingtons out of state and man I paid for it. What about getting stock that carries the genetics to produce Lavs?

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I've actually emailed or called all the listed breeders on the ABC directory for quite some time now (over a year). Shipping birds can be expensive, but in the end, it's worth it if that's what you have to do to do what you want. ;-)

As far as the stock goes - you have to get reliable breeders that actually sell TRUE Ameraucanas, and not pass off the EEs for them in order to start getting the genetics going. Hatcheries usually are bad for pulling the wool, so-to-speak. Every hatchery offering "Ameraucana" chicks for shipping couldn't even tell me whether theirs were Wheatens, blacks, blues, or splashes. LOL - that's always a red flag.

Here is a link to a well known Ameraucana breeder up here in Michigan. He seems to run a tight operation, and keeps his website updated. Right now he has posted that he is sold out for this year but in June he will come out with a new order form. I know this doesn't help you now, but maybe for next spring. I also recommend Amy with Happymtnfarm. I will post both links below......good luck.

http://chickhatchery.com/Chicks.html

http://www.happymtnfarm.com/chicksandeggs.html

filumene said:

Here is a link to a well known Ameraucana breeder up here in Michigan. He seems to run a tight operation, and keeps his website updated. Right now he has posted that he is sold out for this year but in June he will come out with a new order form. I know this doesn't help you now, but maybe for next spring. I also recommend Amy with Happymtnfarm. I will post both links below......good luck.

http://chickhatchery.com/Chicks.html

http://www.happymtnfarm.com/chicksandeggs.html

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Thank you! One I've tried contacting since last spring - the other is new to me, so I'll definitely get in touch.

Geez not hearing back from a breeder is sooooo frusturating. I wonder if they realize that it doesnt make them look all that good.

Ellaluvsbirds said:

Geez not hearing back from a breeder is sooooo frusturating. I wonder if they realize that it doesnt make them look all that good.

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This time of year, they are slammed. Most of the contacts I've tried to make have been over the winter, usually slow season for breeders. I can understand spring-fall not being able to be contacted, completely understandable. Of course, winter comes and while the breeding/show season is inching, they probably have other jobs and family-doings that take precedence. I've learned that breeders are people, too - first and foremost. They do this because they love what they do - let's face it - it's not like chickens are gold mines. I'm hoping the one breeder I was finally able to get in touch with will get back to me soon so I can meet up with them before the year is out. This week, I'm running more fencing in the side pasture where the show/breeding birds will be kept, and this coming weekend we'll be putting the two smaller coops outside once they're completed sometime this week. Since the husband works 60 hours a week and I'm getting ready to go back into massage therapy in a month, I'm trying to get this going before I have to divide my time again. At least I know my income will support the showing, breeding, and raising of all our birds and the weight will be off the hubby!

I am in KY and have true ameracauns. I just started two pens of black cockerals over blue pullets and will be starting a pen of black hens/pullets with my blue cockerel. I have a pair of lavenders and extra black pullets/hens. If you are interested in eggs,let me know. I am in Center which is Metcalf county.