Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[jajeanpierre]

The reason you are having a hard time with the "type" topic is because it is not something that is black and white. Type is subjective, so there is the ideal bird described in the SOP. Judges and breeders are going to have there own image of what is the ideal bird. If you are new to the breed, you need to get the best birds you can find, with your budget, and pic one or two things to work on. You might cross two lines together, and not have great results even if you start out with birds with no horrific faults.

So even is someone tells you on here they like your bird because of A, B, and C, or they say we don't like it because of a,b, and c, that is that persons opinion. The things you also must consider are the faults, as well as the positives of your own birds, and use that as part of your breeding plan. A bird can work in your breeding program, but not in someone elses. I don't know if this is making sense, I hope so.

Your pullet: I like her beard and muffs, I do not like the black in her hackle. That is something that is an ongoing issue with this variety. I like her bottom line, and neck. I think her tail is set to low (in this pose). If her tail rises more in a different position you are pretty good. That will make her back seem not as long. She has a decent depth, I cannot comment on her chest. It seems like her legs are the correct space apart (not narrow). She has a nice skull structure, I can't see the eye. Her tail looks like it would make a nice V shape from the back. She is not overly fluffy which is good, you want nice tight feathers, with just enough fluff in the vent area.

Thank you!

I've been involved with breeding and showing dogs for many, many years--I do understand the elusiveness of defining "type." I wanted to get a feel for the breed and it is by discussion such as your critique of this little pullet and other birds that I--and others--can get a better feel for the breed.

I agree her tail set is too low, but I think the heat (it was over 100F when I took this picture today) is making it look worse than it is. I was wondering if her legs were a proper color.

Here is another picture. I think it shows the eye better. I think the eye is too light. Is it? She was coming close to me hoping for a treat but at the same time nervous. She doesn't have a disproportioned neck--she was just reaching towards me. It was over 100F when I took the picture, hence the panting. Thanks for any comments.

 

[pips&peeps]

She looks to small to me to be a breeder.

 

[chick-among-us]

What I think people are trying to say, is you first have to know if you are looking at an AM or not.  If you are looking at an EE, it doesn't matter what the type is.

Now I'm really confused.   Is my lavender an easter egger? 

I am no expert. That said I think any Lavander ameraucana is still considered an EE ( could be wrong) they breed true... And are a solid color. HOWEVER it is not a recognized color in the SOP. Or on the Ameraucana website. I breed and raise Lavs and have some nice birds and stock from breeders that have been working on them a while ...like Harry Shaffer. While All are trying to work towards not only the SOP and getting them recognized ...they have as yet not been able to get it done.... There are now and always will be those who argue that Lavs are not EEs but IF you read the SOP or visit the website it is pretty plain... they are still EEs TECHNICALLY. Do i like it? nope...do i call my beautiful lavs EEs ? nope nor do I plan to start, but that is what they are until we get them recognized by the powers that be. the LAvs can be shown under self blue and BV and I believe that may be it..( I don't show yet) But yep still EEs until we are able to get enough people together to get them a recognized color.

 

[jajeanpierre]

She looks to small to me to be a breeder.

Oh, forgot to mention that. She is small--2 pounds 14 ounces at one day shy of five months.

I don't intend to breed wheatens, so she won't be bred. I would show her if she is of show quality.

How serious a fault is that?

 

[pips&peeps]

Her current weight is a DQ. They can only be 20% under standard. She is at 35% under right now. Even if you got her weight up, it would be very noticeable and she probably wouldn't place.

She will only produce small offspring.

 

[jajeanpierre]

Her current weight is a DQ. They can only be 20% under standard. She is at 35% under right now. Even if you got her weight up, it would be very noticeable and she probably wouldn't place.

She will only produce small offspring.

How much weight would you expect her to gain in the coming months? We've had record breaking temperatures and record number of days over 100F this year. (I'm in South Central Texas.) Today was over 100F as was yesterday and it seems like most days. The chickens have really suffered.

At five months how much would you want a cockerel and a pullet to weigh?

You know, I hope by the time the next SOP is published, they will clear up all the houskeeping errors. I checked the weight in the SOP and looked up Ameraucanas in the index. Page 198. Well, Page 198 is ARAUCANAS. It is a mess.

Thanks!

 

[chickee]

I have a question about the color on some of my blue wheaten pullets. I have been working on producing clean hackles, which I have made a lot of progress on, but my question is about the contrast between the hackle and body color. Is the body color too light?

Not the best pictures, which make her body color look a bit lighter than it really is~ Truer to color in the first photo.

 

[pips&peeps]

I like her. You need to show this one!

 

[chicksnthestiks]

I have a question about the color on some of my blue wheaten pullets. I have been working on producing clean hackles, which I have made a lot of progress on, but my question is about the contrast between the hackle and body color. Is the body color too light?

Not the best pictures, which make her body color look a bit lighter than it really is~ Truer to color in the first photo.

Oh she is pretty!

 

[chickee]

I like her. You need to show this one!

Really? Wow! Thanks Jean! I have two like this. She is a granddaughter of the wheaten rooster you got from me (from your eggs.) Hope he has produced some good chicks for you!!