were can I find the ABC color chart
Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds
- Thread starter hcammack
- Start date
I've not been able to spend the time that I have in the past following this thread but I just went back and looked over the last 3 or 4 pages. It appears there has been a lot of discussion about egg color and I'd like to comment on a few things that I think haven't been brought up yet. If they have, forgive me, I might not have read back far enough.
First, I see a lot of misconception on just how "blue" the Ameraucana egg should be. Most folks who are really disappointed are looking for the "Robin Egg Blue" and for it to be much deeper than it is. That's why I like to refer to the blue as "sky blue". I think it's a much safer description.
Second, someone pointed out that colors can be seen differently by different folks. I have found that to be true. Especially when it comes to how much green someone sees.
Third, it was recently brought to my attention that I have a line of birds that are throwing white eggs. I was finding a white egg in my lower coop with the pullets and then coincidentally someone else (who is probably reading this) emailed me to let me know that she had gotten birds from someone I sold eggs to and her pullet was laying a white egg. So I then emailed everybody that I sold eggs to and found one other person who is getting a white egg. Three of my breeding pens from last year have thrown pullets that are all laying a white egg. They are:
PEN #12
#14 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #15 Blue Wheaten hen
PEN #13
#15 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #6 Wheaten hen
PEN #15
#15 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #10 Blue Wheaten hens
The common denominator appears to be the #15 BW line. The #14 BW rooster appears to be throwing fine color to all the other breeding pairs I did with him and the #6 Wheaten hen is who actually lays one of my best looking eggs. My #10 BW hens lay my lightest colored egg to begin with so any lack of blue being passed on by the rooster in that pairing would make sense to have a white egg.
All this is to say that I would never have intentionally or knowingly sent someone eggs that would result in a white egg. And having said that, I'm not sure at this point that I won't want to breed the white egg layer. At least I know now that it's unlikely the offspring will throw any brown - which is the culprit for the greenish tint. And now I've forgotten where I was going with all that. So...
Fourthly, I can tell you that I personally have gathered eggs that I think look really blue but then when I get them in the house and wash them, they appear to have a greenish tint to them. I've also noticed that the blue hue diminishes after they've sat in the fridge for awhile.
Fifthly, and lastly (I think), the one comment about being disappointed with the eggs that supposedly came from someone who was the "best of the best of breeders", concerns me. I know several of the "best of the best of the breeders" and I KNOW they work hard at trying to improve the breed (which includes egg color) and to please their customers. That holds true regardless of whether it's with Ameraucanas, Barnevelders, Welsummers, or what have you. The Ameraucana as a breed is a relatively newly accepted breed and most noteable sources would tell you that it is still a work in program.
Along these same lines I think it's important to point out that one must compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges - so to speak. There are certain varieties that have been approved (and thus worked on) longer than others. I think Jean would tell you that the Buff (which I know nothing about) is relatively new and has the most surprises with regard to egg color. Obviously that's due to recessive genes still rearing their ugly head.
No matter who the breeder is, he or she must work with what they have. And anyone who's been breeding for any time at all can tell you it's a pretty complicated matter. Just when you think you've got a good thing going, something pops up that can take you right back to the drawing board. For example, take my white egg problem. Let's say that my #15 rooster was a textbook perfect APA SOP bird. Well, now he's not passing on any blue genes - or worse he starts passing on brown genes resulting in green eggs. Now I have to dump him. Either than or start double breeding for individual male and female lines - which I haven't totally ruled out just yet. Or conversely, maybe I got my #14 who is throwing some really good blue egg genes but he's got too much striping in his hackles, never gets a full black beard, too much red in his tail, wrong eye color, too short of back, too long of back, wrong tail angle, lousy leg color, or... get the picture? Now I need to dump him too and then I risk bringing in some bad egg genes.
And btw, Speckled, I think you've got the makings of a nice looking BW cockerel there. Keep us posted on how he progresses. I've got two left after all my culling and I think they're going to turn out well. Of course, it would be just my luck that I'll get a really nice cockerel to the Standard and have him throw some brown or not so good blue toward his offspring's eggs.
Oh yeah, I remembered what I was gonna say earlier. I think it's important to remember it's not what the outside of the shell looks like but rather what's on the inside of the shell. Genetics being what they are, I suppose there is always a chance that a greenish egg will produce a greenish egg layer but there is also a chance that the bird on the inside of that egg is one step closer to producing a consistent blue egg.
I hope some of this makes sense and is helpful.
God Bless,
First, I see a lot of misconception on just how "blue" the Ameraucana egg should be. Most folks who are really disappointed are looking for the "Robin Egg Blue" and for it to be much deeper than it is. That's why I like to refer to the blue as "sky blue". I think it's a much safer description.
Second, someone pointed out that colors can be seen differently by different folks. I have found that to be true. Especially when it comes to how much green someone sees.
Third, it was recently brought to my attention that I have a line of birds that are throwing white eggs. I was finding a white egg in my lower coop with the pullets and then coincidentally someone else (who is probably reading this) emailed me to let me know that she had gotten birds from someone I sold eggs to and her pullet was laying a white egg. So I then emailed everybody that I sold eggs to and found one other person who is getting a white egg. Three of my breeding pens from last year have thrown pullets that are all laying a white egg. They are:
PEN #12
#14 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #15 Blue Wheaten hen
PEN #13
#15 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #6 Wheaten hen
PEN #15
#15 Blue Wheaten Rooster x #10 Blue Wheaten hens
The common denominator appears to be the #15 BW line. The #14 BW rooster appears to be throwing fine color to all the other breeding pairs I did with him and the #6 Wheaten hen is who actually lays one of my best looking eggs. My #10 BW hens lay my lightest colored egg to begin with so any lack of blue being passed on by the rooster in that pairing would make sense to have a white egg.
All this is to say that I would never have intentionally or knowingly sent someone eggs that would result in a white egg. And having said that, I'm not sure at this point that I won't want to breed the white egg layer. At least I know now that it's unlikely the offspring will throw any brown - which is the culprit for the greenish tint. And now I've forgotten where I was going with all that. So...
Fourthly, I can tell you that I personally have gathered eggs that I think look really blue but then when I get them in the house and wash them, they appear to have a greenish tint to them. I've also noticed that the blue hue diminishes after they've sat in the fridge for awhile.
Fifthly, and lastly (I think), the one comment about being disappointed with the eggs that supposedly came from someone who was the "best of the best of breeders", concerns me. I know several of the "best of the best of the breeders" and I KNOW they work hard at trying to improve the breed (which includes egg color) and to please their customers. That holds true regardless of whether it's with Ameraucanas, Barnevelders, Welsummers, or what have you. The Ameraucana as a breed is a relatively newly accepted breed and most noteable sources would tell you that it is still a work in program.
Along these same lines I think it's important to point out that one must compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges - so to speak. There are certain varieties that have been approved (and thus worked on) longer than others. I think Jean would tell you that the Buff (which I know nothing about) is relatively new and has the most surprises with regard to egg color. Obviously that's due to recessive genes still rearing their ugly head.
No matter who the breeder is, he or she must work with what they have. And anyone who's been breeding for any time at all can tell you it's a pretty complicated matter. Just when you think you've got a good thing going, something pops up that can take you right back to the drawing board. For example, take my white egg problem. Let's say that my #15 rooster was a textbook perfect APA SOP bird. Well, now he's not passing on any blue genes - or worse he starts passing on brown genes resulting in green eggs. Now I have to dump him. Either than or start double breeding for individual male and female lines - which I haven't totally ruled out just yet. Or conversely, maybe I got my #14 who is throwing some really good blue egg genes but he's got too much striping in his hackles, never gets a full black beard, too much red in his tail, wrong eye color, too short of back, too long of back, wrong tail angle, lousy leg color, or... get the picture? Now I need to dump him too and then I risk bringing in some bad egg genes.
And btw, Speckled, I think you've got the makings of a nice looking BW cockerel there. Keep us posted on how he progresses. I've got two left after all my culling and I think they're going to turn out well. Of course, it would be just my luck that I'll get a really nice cockerel to the Standard and have him throw some brown or not so good blue toward his offspring's eggs.
Oh yeah, I remembered what I was gonna say earlier. I think it's important to remember it's not what the outside of the shell looks like but rather what's on the inside of the shell. Genetics being what they are, I suppose there is always a chance that a greenish egg will produce a greenish egg layer but there is also a chance that the bird on the inside of that egg is one step closer to producing a consistent blue egg.
I hope some of this makes sense and is helpful.
God Bless,
Quote:
You can get them from the Ameraucana Breeder's Club. They just got a new shipment in, so they should be able to get it to you fairly soon. It is about the size of a 3x5 card and has color tabs all around the perimeter. Google Ameraucana Breeder's Club and they should pop right up.
You can get them from the Ameraucana Breeder's Club. They just got a new shipment in, so they should be able to get it to you fairly soon. It is about the size of a 3x5 card and has color tabs all around the perimeter. Google Ameraucana Breeder's Club and they should pop right up.
Btw Cynthia, I think you've got the makings there of a fine looking young cockerel. Keep us posted on how he turns out. I've culled all my BWs down to two and am anxious to see how they turn out as well.
God Bless,
God Bless,
Those all really good points, Tailfeathers, and well said. I was thinking along similar lines when I read some previous posts, but you vocalized what I was thinking perfectly. Thanks for taking the time to post it!
Wow Shaffer! Thou almost persuadest me to breed lavenders!
Quote:
Royce what I have found that when they start laying their eggs are ususally lighter color at 1st.
Royce what I have found that when they start laying their eggs are ususally lighter color at 1st.
Quote:
Thank you, Royce! That means a lot. I'm loving him right now. Maybe one day, if he gets to stick around, I'll have to get some pretty wheaten/BW girls for him.
Thank you, Royce! That means a lot. I'm loving him right now. Maybe one day, if he gets to stick around, I'll have to get some pretty wheaten/BW girls for him.
Quote:
You can get them from the Ameraucana Breeder's Club. They just got a new shipment in, so they should be able to get it to you fairly soon. It is about the size of a 3x5 card and has color tabs all around the perimeter. Google Ameraucana Breeder's Club and they should pop right up.
Found it yea
You can get them from the Ameraucana Breeder's Club. They just got a new shipment in, so they should be able to get it to you fairly soon. It is about the size of a 3x5 card and has color tabs all around the perimeter. Google Ameraucana Breeder's Club and they should pop right up.
Found it yea
Last edited:
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