This is my Ameraucana rooster Richard. I got him at an auction and he is very friendly. I don't have any pure breed hens yet so I am not breeding him yet.
I am liking the lacing that I see! Woot! Are his offspring retaining the same dark edge? I do like the looks of the Orpington x Ameraucanas, but I feel guilty admitting it. Our most recent Lavs and Split Lav pullets look so different from their Lav Am grandmamas who have the big ol' dumpy Orpington butts!
I've been really luck with my crosses, even with the chocolates. They are retaining the ameraucana qualities better than I had hoped. I do not have any offspring on the ground yet; just eggs in the incubator.
The pattern gene is recessive, having two copies gives better lacing. He is actually better laced than the photo shows, I couldn't get the camera to pick it up. I think I will take him to the Stevenson show this month.