Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[ashandvine]

So... If a female has a tail that is horizontal or even a bit rounded that is DQ or fault in show but what does that mean for breeding? Don't? I looked at a scrapbook on line and it shows beautiful hens with nearly horizontal tails. I read or was told that their tails should be 40 or less (= horizontal) but I want confirmation of this.

TAIL: Medium length, well spread, carried at 40º angle above horizontal.

​

What does this really mean re the fluff? Does someone have a good example??
BODY AND STEARN: Full but trim, fluff well-tucked up.

I was reading about culling chicks and about how to read them and 'clown faces' and genetics etc. Talk about too much to swallow in one sit down, or even two. Buffet of information! I've been at this for a few months and I still feel like I know almost nothing. Reading chicks (as I call it) is something I want to learn to do if its possible. I want to know where to invest my thoughts-- they all get the effort of food and water but not necessarily will stay here to breed, so this learning thing is important so that my energy and sentiments aren't misdirected. I keep lurking in the breeder site. Still don't feel up to joining. No good excuse. Its daunting in there! Its like playing back yard football and then dropped into a stadium. Where's my mouth guard?? Does anyone have Ameraucanas for Dummies??

 

[MoriahQuilts]

Ash - I'm right there with you, trying to understand, not knowing where to go for good basic info, beyond how to raise chickens, but how to choose them, beginner genetics: Ameraucana For Dummies would be great for me. An online workshop? Ameraucana tip-of-the-day?

A Quarter Horse mag I used to subscribe to would have two pages of Conformation Clinic each month. The first you try to identify good and bad qualities. Then the back of the page had a judge's evaluation, drawing angles on the chest, back, and croup, hock and pastern, depth of chest and neck, characteristics of face, etc. It was helpful and my favorite part.

Is there a source of info we don't know about?

 

[pips&peeps]

The only DQ's specific to ameraucanas are "presence of ear tufts, absence of beard and muffs, or yellow skin".

The are a few pages in the SOP (pages 30-34) which describe defects and DQ's for all birds.

40 degrees above horizontal means the tail should be held at a 40 degree angle from the flat of the back and should do so seamlessly, not just jutting up at some point,a nice smooth transition

Fluff well tucked up means that the bird does not look like an orpington. Yes there is fluff in the thigh but it doesn't hang low and the feathers should be fairly tight.

Never heard of "clown face". The only thing I cull chicks for when first hatched is for wrong down color or genetic anomalies.

You need to read the SOP, the whole book and not just the ameraucana section. You should also look at other birds and their descriptions and the pictures give a general idea of what the bird should look like. Remember they are an artist's interpretation and may not be spot on.

Also go to shows and look at the birds that are being placed.

 

[MoriahQuilts]

Jean - Thanks! Those descriptive details are helpful.

 

[DeannaOR]

Ash - I'm right there with you, trying to understand, not knowing where to go for good basic info, beyond how to raise chickens, but how to choose them, beginner genetics: Ameraucana For Dummies would be great for me. An online workshop? Ameraucana tip-of-the-day?
A Quarter Horse mag I used to subscribe to would have two pages of Conformation Clinic each month. The first you try to identify good and bad qualities. Then the back of the page had a judge's evaluation, drawing angles on the chest, back, and croup, hock and pastern, depth of chest and neck, characteristics of face, etc. It was helpful and my favorite part.
Is there a source of info we don't know about?

I used to quiz myself every month with that! I think it was the AQHA Journal. I have been looking for something similar for chickens. I can't find anything but written descriptions.

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Ash - I'm right there with you, trying to understand, not knowing where to go for good basic info, beyond how to raise chickens, but how to choose them, beginner genetics: Ameraucana For Dummies would be great for me. An online workshop? Ameraucana tip-of-the-day?

A Quarter Horse mag I used to subscribe to would have two pages of Conformation Clinic each month. The first you try to identify good and bad qualities. Then the back of the page had a judge's evaluation, drawing angles on the chest, back, and croup, hock and pastern, depth of chest and neck, characteristics of face, etc. It was helpful and my favorite part.

Is there a source of info we don't know about?

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.

 

[ashandvine]

You are talking about me here. I wish it weren't true but it is. I not only read like the dickens but I also am ...was, an artist, so I take time to look and look and look. I can't imagine getting to shows that mattered. I don't travel. Doing the breeding bit well is important to me and do know it won't be overnight that I learn. Asking stupid questions like the ones above is part of how I learn. I suppose I should give up on the idea of doing anything more than having chickens but I want to be good at it and I love to learn. Not everything. Chemistry and calculus and certain kinds of politics ...and tax laws... those things really are for someone else. Everything else is fair game for this brain! The SOP is on my Christmas list officially as of this morning. I got told to get it AGAIN while asking a question about whether or not my Marans chicks would lose their 'mossy' red flecks. I find that the UK/EU/AU descriptions are helpful when it comes to standards as they include pictures. There is not guarantee that having this book is going to keep me from asking foolish questions though. I'll probably just ask more.

Pips- I was in the ABC reading about 'clown face,' and chicks who show these markings in relation to carrying certain genes, which were referred to as 'clown face' by those posting. I'm not sure who it was now but not a no body like me.

 

[Goose and Fig]

Maybe the clown face was from a discussion about the blacks? The white markings on the faces of some split(lavender) chicks is what a few breeders are trying to eliminate because of a theory that John Blehm brought up.

Otherwise, I would assume it was "clean faces".

 

[ashandvine]

Maybe the clown face was from a discussion about the blacks? The white markings on the faces of some split(lavender) chicks is what a few breeders are trying to eliminate because of a theory that John Blehm brought up.

Otherwise, I would assume it was "clean faces".

Yes, yes! I thought it was JB but didn't want to say that and be wrong. Thank you. I found that theory interesting.

BTW ... got geese and have some Buffs on reserve for next spring

 

[DirtyAnkleAcres]

Hello everyone we are new to byc and just getting started with our ameraucanas all of our birds are 12 weeks or younger, we hatched them all. We have wheten, sliver,white blue wheaten, blue, blue splash, and lavender(i know last 2 colors are recongized yet) but our goal is have a flock of good pure ameraucanas no color preference, and a small of flock of show quality blue ameraucanas, we just got a gorgeous 3 month blue pullet from a friend that used to show them and this was the last one out of her flock she had left.....i've gotten some good young ameraucanas to start flock with, but we are looking to learn and a breeder of show blue ameraucanas to look into purchasing some eggs from........So if their is anyone that has blue ameraucanas or knows someone please let us know.......Thanks