Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[junebuggena]

This is another of my chicks.
What color is it? Is it an Americana?

Looks Blue. Where did it come from?

 

[chicken19]

A heritage hatchery. They were sold as Ameraucana's and some of them have more muff and beard than others.

 

[junebuggena]

A heritage hatchery. They were sold as Ameraucana's and some of them have more muff and beard than others.

If they were not sold with a color/variety specified, they are not Ameraucana. True Ameraucana are always sold with a color/variety specified.

 

[CGilbert]

If they were not sold with a color/variety specified, they are not Ameraucana. True Ameraucana are always sold with a color/variety specified.

x2

 

[chicken19]

Quote: Ok, thanks. I was asked if I prefered a color but I just replied that I wanted all the colors.

 

[samouw]

Duck foot is the first thing that came to mind. But isn't that toe supposed to point forward? Towards the front toe if its duck foot? The right toe is worse than the left.
Please let me know what you think it is..if anything at all ? And I assume I would definitely not want to pass this trait on. Even a crooked toe could be a deformity that could be passed on?
Thanks guys!

I don't see duck foot in those pictures, I just see a bent toe. I've had chicks with bent toes, but it was because, back then, I was hatching from a styrofoam incubator and it was difficult to maintain temperature and humidity. I've read that the bent toes can be caused from unstable temp and humidity. Now that I've changed to a cabinet incubator and cabinet hatcher, I haven't had a case of bent toes in a couple of years.

Duck foot, however, is hereditary and you would not want to breed a bird with it. Duck foot is when that back toe faces sideways or to the front in the worse cases.

 

[Miss Ameraucana]

Sometimes those wonky toes correct themselves with time. I've had several chicks develop bent toes. I only splint the most severe cases, when mobility is compromised. Eventually they straightened out. I think it's mostly caused by weak/loose ligaments, it takes time for those joints to strengthen. 

Interesting! Thanks very much! I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[Sylvester017]

You have the right answer and the right resource. I put the day-old chick photos on the club's site years ago to help folks identify the different accepted varieties, just as I did with the adult photos of both bantams and large fowl. http://ameraucanaalliance.org/photos.html
The second part of your reply, mentioning an "other breeds category" is something I've never heard of. All fowl are entered under whatever breed they are and variety they are. If they aren't a recognized APA/ABA "breed" then they shouldn't be shown. The exception would be a new breed that isn't yet recognized. If a bird doesn't meet the breed standard it is entered under it will be disqualified when judged be a competent judge.

I stand corrected. I've heard of other breeds categories before but maybe I didn't use the right terminology but you clarified it - thx!

 

[samouw]

A few of my 4 week old (hatched 2/29) wheaten/blue wheaten pullets and cockerels...

Blue Wheaten pullet


Blue wheaten cockerel


Wheaten cockerel


Pullet (above) looking for a treat

 

[marchick]

A few of my 4 week old (hatched 2/29) wheaten/blue wheaten pullets and cockerels...

Blue Wheaten pullet


Blue wheaten cockerel


Wheaten cockerel


Pullet (above) looking for a treat

Awsome! They are so cute! I think I need me some of those! Maybe next year!