Recently, Walt Leonard asked APA members if they would like to see APA sponsored egg shows at the shows. There was quite a bit of encouragement and I wouldn't be surprised to see something along those lines coming down the pike. However, for Ameraucanas to participate in APA sponsored egg shows, there would have to be a color range, or standard - possibly similar to what the Marans breeders have done.
In the process of the project for the new color card concept, the ABC Board has been kicking around different ideas about what are the acceptable colors and which are not. For a long time, there were many varieties that were less standardized than others (eg, black is probably the most common, ergo the most standardized, while brown red or silvers might be considered, arguably, not quite as standardized), so their egg color is probably less consistently desirable than, say, the blacks.
Having said that, this breed has been around long enough to start standardizing, and establishing goals for, one of the identifying characteristics of the breed - the blue egg color. This may come in the form of a range of colors, or the "highest and best" to "acceptable, but not desirable" colors.
Of course, this isn't going to happen overnight. It's going to take time, work, focus, and dedication by a lot of breeders. But I think we'll get there.
Oh, meant to add - with my last hatch in the incubator now, I don't need anymore chicks! lol Although, I'm sure DnD and I will be doing some "horse-trading" once he gets his NPIP.
While the natural tint of blue in a shell may vary, one thing is key...the inside of the shell should match the outside of the shell. If it doesn't, there is a shade of brown applied, even if ever so slight, meaning outcrossing. While in some colors, especially those under development, it may be considered "acceptable", in the established colors the shell should not show brown influence.
