Ameraucana thread for posting pictures and discussing our birds

[Nicole01]

I don't know if these will be show quality, but I'm hoping you'll help me figure it out. If not, I'll start over with a new hatch and a different breeder.

First chick hatched

I really really really want a black chick too. Also, I only want to keep the females for now. I'll add a rooster 1-3 years down the road maybe. I haven't decided yet. I'd like one, but hubby prefer we keep females only.

 

[aoxa]

You can not determine if it is show quality until the chick is fully feathered out. You can pick out flaws, but you can not say: "This chick is SQ." It's just how it is. Goes that way with every breed.

 

[Nicole01]

I know, I figured that. I won't know until their almost a year old right?

I'm hoping y'all will help me when the time comes. This is my very first experience with anything like this. I have so much to learn. I'd like to do everything right and learn as much as I possibly can.

You guys are the experts that have the most experience and knowledge.

 

[Nicole01]

I'm thrilled that these are not Easter eggers like my last 4 I hatched 5 days ago that were sold to me as pure bred Ameracuana's.(on a different online site)

Also, I'm looking to hatch another set from a reputable breeder. I need to do my research first. I really do want nice birds for my girls to show.

 

[aoxa]

I know, I figured that. I won't know until their almost a year old right?
I'm hoping y'all will help me when the time comes. This is my very first experience with anything like this. I have so much to learn. I'd like to do everything right and learn as much as I possibly can.
You guys are the experts that have the most experience and knowledge.

You can tell way sooner then 1 year old. Probably get a good idea by the time they are 4 months old or so. If you can tell if a silkie is SQ by 6 months, you should be able to tell earlier with Ameraucanas!

 

[aoxa]

I'm thrilled that these are not Easter eggers like my last 4 I hatched 5 days ago that were sold to me as pure bred Ameracuana's.(on a different online site)

Congrats! Only one so far?

 

[Nicole01]

I'm thrilled that these are not Easter eggers like my last 4 I hatched 5 days ago that were sold to me as pure bred Ameracuana's.(on a different online site)

Congrats! Only one so far?

Yes, there are a few more pipped. I had to post the picture. I'm so very excited!

 

[Christie Rhae]

I don't know if these will be show quality, but I'm hoping you'll help me figure it out. If not, I'll start over with a new hatch and a different breeder.

First chick hatched

I really really really want a black chick too. Also, I only want to keep the females for now. I'll add a rooster 1-3 years down the road maybe. I haven't decided yet. I'd like one, but hubby prefer we keep females only.

Yay babies!!
But without a rooster how are you going to breed your birds to take to the poultry shows? Do you plan to only show birds that you hatch from other peoples eggs?

 

[Nicole01]

I don't know if these will be show quality, but I'm hoping you'll help me figure it out. If not, I'll start over with a new hatch and a different breeder.

First chick hatched

I really really really want a black chick too. Also, I only want to keep the females for now. I'll add a rooster 1-3 years down the road maybe. I haven't decided yet. I'd like one, but hubby prefer we keep females only.

Yay babies!!
But without a rooster how are you going to breed your birds to take to the poultry shows? Do you plan to only show birds that you hatch from other peoples eggs?

Before we get a rooster, we have to fence in our property. We only have 4 acres and we are fencing next spring. We will fence in about 3.5 of the 4 acres. I have 3 neighbors with roosters and they roam everywhere. I do not want this happening with my own flock. So far my hens stay in my yard. I do know roosters like to roam farther then hens and I really want to keep my flock on my property. They love to free range.

Right now, we are starting in 4-H showing from this batch if possible. Yes, we are planning on showing eggs I hatch at this time. I am looking for another reputable breeder for a set of eggs to hatch. If there is an outstanding nice quality rooster, I would probably keep him for show as well. Or I might even wait until next spring to buy hatching eggs or have day old chicks shipped.

I know nothing about shows yet. I'm housebound, so it's difficult to leave the house for an extended amount of time. My husband is taking a day off this week to talk to people at the fair that are showing their chickens. I need to go to the shows myself and see what I need to do. My girls start 4-H in 2 weeks, so this is all very new to us.

I'd like to start in 4-H for us to learn how to show and handle the birds before we get into the APA/ABA shows.

You guys have been a terrific help too! I appreciate all the advice you given me. You have no idea how grateful I am!

 

[aoxa]

Before we get a rooster, we have to fence in our property. We only have 4 acres and we are fencing next spring. We will fence in about 3.5 of the 4 acres. I have 3 neighbors with roosters and they roam everywhere. I do not want this happening with my own flock. So far my hens stay in my yard. I do know roosters like to roam farther then hens and I really want to keep my flock on my property. They love to free range.
Right now, we are starting in 4-H showing from this batch if possible. Yes, we are planning on showing eggs I hatch at this time. I am looking for another reputable breeder for a set of eggs to hatch. If there is an outstanding nice quality rooster, I would probably keep him for show as well. Or I might even wait until next spring to buy hatching eggs or have day old chicks shipped.
I know nothing about shows yet. I'm housebound, so it's difficult to leave the house for an extended amount of time. My husband is taking a day off this week to talk to people at the fair that are showing their chickens. I need to go to the shows myself and see what I need to do. My girls start 4-H in 2 weeks, so this is all very new to us.
I'd like to start in 4-H for us to learn how to show and handle the birds before we get into the APA/ABA shows.
You guys have been a terrific help too! I appreciate all the advice you given me. You have no idea how grateful I am!

My girls free range wayyy further then my boys :/