Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[pips&peeps]

You have easter eggers.... and a frizzle.

 

[chknsofinstagrm]

You have easter eggers.... and a frizzle.

Yep, I'm realizing that after a bit more research. Fingers crossed my blue pullet is pure. She's matching all of the criteria but who knows. Thanks!

 

[carcar80]

Another thing I've been keeping an eye on.. Eye color. Does that change as they mature? One of my pullets..

 

[bbhorsefly]

I was sold some "Amerauacana" from a local breeder. From my research they looked legit, but now this thread has me feeling unsure. I've read it explained that Ameraucana have muffs AND beards, but Easter Eggers only have muffs and no beards. By that standard, I think mine appear Ameraucana, but I haven't seen their colors on the breeders club page. So I'll ask you fine folks here! Your opinions would be greatly appreciated! These are our first chickens and we just got them about a month or two ago. I'd like to know if the two with the prominent combs are boys? How old you would guess they are? If you'd care to venture. Thanks so much!
Marshmallow-suspected roo. He doesn't have much of a tail
Yet

Francis-suspected roo

Sunny-just lost her chick fuzz on her face

Biscuit

This is what they looked like when we got them at "8 weeks" but I think they looked more like what my 3-4 weekers look like now.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Ravynscroft]

@bbhorsefly
Wow, where to start? lol... ok, Ameraucanas should have muffs and beards and also their feather and leg color should match the ones on the Breeders club page... Easter Eggers can have muffs, beards, both or neither... and Easter Eggers colors don't breed true and *usually* do not match recognized Ameraucana colors...
So, it looks like you have Easter Eggers...
Marshmallow and Francis both are looking like young cockerels, thats a lot of pink going on in those combs... so think you are right on that...
As for their age when you got them, I have never seen 8 week olds with that much chick down... they should fully feather out between 6-8 weeks, so my guess is they were at least 2 weeks old but no older than 4 weeks at the time you got them... my guess would be about 3 weeks, I think...
Hope this helps!

 

[bbhorsefly]

Thank you so much! Sounds like my suspicions are being confirmed! I do want real Ameraucanas in future, but Easter Eggers were on my list so we're good!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Thank you so much! Sounds like my suspicions are being confirmed! I do want real Ameraucanas in future, but Easter Eggers were on my list so we're good!

Very welcome! Good luck to you and your flock!

 

[MrsBachbach]

If you'll look at the enlarged photo again, it looks like it has mottled black legs too. Does the original poster know what type of bantam this is, or did it come from a bantam bin? I'm just curious what this little guy is....he's starting to grow on me!

Aren't silkies black skinned? Maybe he has some silkie in him. Black or slate legs are common enough, combs not so much. Trying to think of breeds with black combs.

Looking at her updated pics, I see black coming in on the wattles also. On his feet you can see white skin so I doubt he has black skin like silkies. He is a strange one. Never seen a mottled comb. Hope something isn't wrong with him.

 

[MrsBachbach]

Thanks SO much. You have reflected my gut feeling on both counts. Look forward to hearing from others too!

I would not use him for breeding either. He will pass that leakage on to his offspring and then you will have it popping up in males down the road. I have had very few Ameraucana over the years that act out aggressively. That's not to say it doesn't happen and it could be something passed on by even the females or it could be a matter of becoming too familiar with the males as they grow up. However, the leakage is reason enough to find another breeder. There are plenty of gentle ( I have a blue wheaten male that is awesome) or just respectful Ameraucana out there to chose from. Too bad you aren't closer. I could set up up with a new male pronto.

 

[carcar80]

I would not use him for breeding either.  He will pass that leakage on to his offspring and then you will have it popping up in males down the road.  I have had very few  Ameraucana over the years that act out aggressively.  That's not to say it doesn't happen and it could be something passed on by even the females or it could be a matter of becoming too familiar with the males as they grow up.  However, the leakage is reason enough to find another breeder.  There are plenty of gentle ( I have a blue wheaten male that is awesome) or just respectful Ameraucana out there to chose from.  Too bad you aren't closer.  I could set up up with a new male pronto.

Thanks so much, how kind. I actually have plans to pick up a new boy this weekend! A blue, which is what I originally planned to have eventually. I believe the breeder he's from is fairly good as far as what's available here- I'll be sure and post new pics when I get him. This current boy is on his way out.