Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[Tailfeathers]

Phrogg, I have no doubt that there are some very well-informed folks on BYC but I don't think you are going to get any better advice that you can count on than that which is given on ABC. And that goes for any Breed Club for that matter.

The folks on ABC have been there from the beginning. They are focused and dedicated to the breed. The information that is gathered and then subsequently passed on to others and is available on the Forum is probably 10 times further ahead than a generic site. There are several folks that belong to the ABC that have such a wealth of knowledge specifically pertaining to the Ameraucana and aren't on BYC and have accumulated this information for so many years that I'm not sure why you'd really be asking what you did.

With regard to the issue of egg color, each parent contributes a color gene. The reason the rooster gets so much attention is because you can't see a direct correlation between egg and parent. You have to wait for the offspring. That's why "color testing" has come to the forefront again so much these days. And it's especially true with the Ameraucana. One should be looking to eradicate any brown from the genes.

God Bless,

 

[phrogg]

Tailfeathers:
I was just curious to maybe hear from others something like "out of 48 pullets from so and so X amount of birds layed off color eggs". There is a decent amount of activity around here and I just like to hear people's direct experience. Not to mention I can't post over at ABC as I am not a member of the club.

 

[mediazeal]

Quote:
Gold leaking is the gold color in his hackles...and he has a lot of it. You don't want it in a splash, and it is exceedingly difficult to breed out. I had a bantam lav roo with a little bit, and I sold him off so I didn't have to deal with it at all...

ahh, when I got back in the thread to the right pic it started to make sense
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/42757_americannas_003.jpg

thank you for the info!

 

[FLF]

More photos, from today, including a couple with one of Henry's black girls...

And 3 eggs from today plus a silkie egg.

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:

 

[NateDomRIR]

Ann,

My birds were tested by the State of Texas for Pollorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza. They will get tested again in March so I will be good on that.

Who do I contact to find out the health requirements of Arkansas?

Of course I will bring a healthy purebred bird that conforms to the Standard as close as possible. I have the 1998 APA American Standard of Perfection book to compare them with.

I just bought some of those plastic numbered leg bands at the feed store today. Will those work? I've been wanting to order some wing bands. What are the best type and who would you recommend to order from?

I have cages to get them use to. I helped my daughter show some birds at the County show last year. I had to look up how to bathe and groom them so I know a little about that. All my birds are breeders so they probably won't be in top show condition.

Nate

 

[NateDomRIR]

Ann,

Another thing, how old do the birds have to be?

 

[SkyBlueEgg]

Quote:
Nate,

Your are good on the health requirements. As long as you are current on your NPIP test papers you won't need anything else in Arkansas. I believe there are some additional requirements for waterfowl but we aren't offering any waterfowl classes this time around. As you probably know the toughest State on testing and health requirements is Texas!

Yes, those numbered plastic bands will work. I get my wing bands form Smith Poultry supply. I use the aluminum Jiffy bands. I also tried the brass wing bands but they are a bit heavier and more expensive. Not sure why. Someone else may have some input on that.

I always show my breeders. And, I do lose points from some judges on condition but I do pretty well anyway. Some judges are real nuts about condition and it is a big part of the "points" but more and more shows are year round and the birds do have to molt sometime! <LOL> AND we do need to breed them.

Ann

 

[NateDomRIR]

Quote:
Cottagegarden,

Thanks for the input/observation. I have him and his brother. I'll have to look/compare with the APA Standard and the ABC pics.

I was told that the parents were show stock and I know that that doesn't mean they will be. I mainly bought them for two 3 month old pullets that I surprisingly hatched. They are two Araucanas, one black bilateral tufted/tailed Quetros and one red/brown headed blue rumpless Collonca (my avatar). I am still trying to get them an Araucana cock.

Thanks,
Nate

 

[SkyBlueEgg]

Quote:
Hmmm . . . that's debatable. You want them to be mature and of breeding age . But I have shown birds a lot younger than that. The best time to show a pullet or hen would be just as they begin to lay, they usually look their best then and are peaking. Regarding cockerels, since I show rumpless birds I don't have to consider tail feather development, etc. so I am probably the wrong person to ask on that one. I will have some Jersey Giants out this Spring and I am waiting on their tails to develop fully before I show them. If they were Araucana I would have already had them at a show once they reached standard weight and were reasonably mature.

Ann