Arkansas Blue egg layers

[caj1985]

My point is that I don't think there is a defined type yet is there other than being BBS, pea combs and laying blue eggs? Considering people are still getting variety out of 'pure' stock (ie recessive white popping up out of BBS stock...) also I remember some people on rare occasion getting straight combs from the originals although I think people are doing a better job of selecting now.

I am not at all saying one should intentionally breed away from what they look like at the moment, simply saying that the original designed intent of the bird is not appearance and body type first(which is yet to be defined), eggs second. The original bird was bred for a specific egg laying roll, the appearance that came about just happened to be.

These should have a specific body type. Their shape is very similar to that of a Sumatra. The only big debate that I have been involved in was whether legs should be yellow or green. I prefer the willow myself.

 

[caj1985]

I would say that the birds I have are very similar in type to Sumatra. I have raised both at the same time. The body structure is very similar. You do not have the multiple spurs and the broodiness of the Sumatra but other than that the shape is very similar. The roosters tails do not get to quite the same length but do reach the ground or close.

 

[johnderosa1]

What cross made that dark green egg? That is a beautiful blue egg also. I want some! Kern

I put a black copper marans and a clean legged wheaten marans in with my splash Uof A rooster to produce my latest olive eggers.... just put some of the eggs in lockdown tonight. I am hoping the u of a's will increase productivity....

 

[1muttsfan]

Good news, Crystal

 

[ronott1]

I

I think I have them promised by contacting Agri teachers and FFA sponsors. Fingers crossed. I do have a whole incubator full of Blues egg due to hatch on two separate dates.

I hope you can get them back when you find a new job!

 

[Manningjw]

These should have a specific body type. Their shape is very similar to that of a Sumatra. The only big debate that I have been involved in was whether legs should be yellow or green. I prefer the willow myself.

I have never owned a Sumatra before, I did read that in the email to Jim. I always thought they looked a lot like Leghorn body type with a pea comb, which would make sense with them being predominantly Leghorn blood in them. I would be fine with the definition of 'kind of like' another breed.

The pea comb of the Sumatra certainly makes them seem similar in appearance. I imagine there is a fair bit of variety in shank color given that they are essentially a cross breed bred down a few generations. I bet you could get back to black/blue shanks of the Araucana with some selection if you wanted to, the yellow would definitely be from the Leghorn side.

 

[johnderosa1]

These should have a specific body type.  Their shape is very similar to that of a Sumatra.  The only big debate that I have been involved in was whether legs should be yellow or green.  I prefer the willow myself. 

Crystal... I like the yellow legs. I think it differentiates them from EE's.

 

[Manningjw]

Crystal... I like the yellow legs. I think it differentiates them from EE's.

We each have our preference!

I personally like black or slate for the same reason you like yellow.

I for one am super excited to start breeding Arkansas Blues. *Crossing fingers* for a good hatch this time around. If not, I will be buying eggs again right away because I cannot stand to wait another year before I can breed them!

 

[Metella]

Here is my A / B roo ... he doesn't like when I come close and stare at him - so this is as close as I could get ... how's that for some free range area ?

 

[farmhand]

Is that a Mountain Lion I see in the brush?