I think part of the problem is folks figure this is something they can learn overnight. Just get the right book and I'll be an expert. It doesn't work that way. Reading helps but you have to breed the birds, over and over, see the good ones, and the bad ones, and continue to learn. Over many years - and even then, I think the good ones keep learning. I think you also have to get out to the shows - especially the big ones, where you can see Jean's birds, and Harry's birds, and John's birds, and all the other breeders with more or less experience. I think it also helps to look at birds that aren't Ameraucanas. You have to develop an eye and decide for yourself what you like and don't like. What works and doesn't work. So for me, I just keep plugging away at. Attend clinics, attend shows, join the clubs, read what I can - some good, some probably worthless, but eventually some stuff starts to make sense to me and I'm starting to form a plan of direction. I'm sure I'll produce more bad than good at first but I fully intend to keep reading, asking questions, and learning from whomever is willing to direct me.
And, most importantly, LOVE the learning process. Chicken breeding and showing is highly subjective. It is truly an art form. Of course, you need to learn the basics just like with any art, but as such, it will always be more of a journey, much more than a destination.
Well said! I just made it through another 10+ pages and am caught up again. So many good posts, questions, and comments I'd like to comment myself on but so little time.
I have been breeding the WBS variety exclusively now for over 5 years. I've read everything I can read and continue to do so. I also glean everything I can from the "Old Timer's" who know a whole lot more than me and I'm not the least bit ashamed to say, "I don't know. Can you help me?" I honestly don't see a time when I would ever stop learning. Maybe that's because I'm not the brightest bulb in the socket but from the folks I've talked with and the things I've read, even the best keep trying to learn. There are some basic principles that never changed and I try to always apply those but then there are things like Kenny Troiano wrote in the May or June PP talking about "sex-linked traits" that was a real eye-opener. V
BarnGoddess (forgive me but if I knew your name at one time, I've forgotten) hit the nail square on the head. She covered all the bases. Chicken breeding is highly subjective and the SOP allows some room for a personal touch or preference. I've written fairly extensively on this thread, and others, before about breeding so I'll leave you to search for that if interested but perhaps most importantly is starting out with a plan, following it, modifying it if necessary, and consistently working toward a specific objective.
On a totally separate note, somebody several pages back said that what makes an Ameraucana is Type & Color. Not true. A true Ameraucana is a breed. Not unlike any other breed. So I would submit it is genetics that make an Ameraucana. Remember, in order for a breed to be accepted by the APA there are specific requirements which must be met. It would be good to look those up. There are a minimum number of birds that must be held for a minimum number of years (I believe 5) by a minimum number of breeders (Again, I believe 5) and those birds MUST BREED TRUE to an agreed upon set of standards with great conformity.
Theoretically I would imagine it is possible for a bird to "look like" a particular variety of Ameraucana but not actually be one and not breed true. For example, I have an Easter Egger Cockerel that looks pretty doggone close to an actual Wheaten Ameraucana. I just happened to know it's not. Based on some of the shows I've attended, I have no doubt that one could quite possibly get by with not having the bird DQ'd at a show - BUT that does NOT make it an Ameraucana.
I would strongly encourage everyone to realize what went into getting this wonderful breed established in the first place. Let's not negate or detract in any way from all the time, expense, and just flat doggone good old hard work that MANY made in order to get this breed approved and accepted into the ABA and APA.
Oh, almost forgot. Here's an interesting little tidbit that many might find humorous and/or interesting. At a church picnic yesterday one of our elders was telling a bunch of us about his goats and other animals. At one point he happened to mention that he made a bunch of money selling "Pugadors". For thos who don't know, that's a cross between a Pug and a Labrador. Evidently, so-called "Designer Breeds" like Pugadors, Min-Pins, etc. command a huge price and there's supposedly a big market for them. Well, it got me to thinking about EE's. Basically those "Designer Breeds" are mutts. Cross-breeds. So are EE's! Wouldn't it be ironic if EE's started commanding a big demand over true Ameraucanas?!
God Bless,