Help. Is she an EE or Ameraucana?

[justmeandtheflock]

I think it's possible she could be Ameraucana. The legs look slate to me. Is she all white? I think the experts would need better pics to be sure. A full body shot from the side would be good but I know how hard that can be

 

[chickenlover54]

She appears to be way to small

 

[dsowens15]

No she is pretty big. she looks white with some blueish on her head.. maybe lavender

 

[megcpat]

Quote:
Ah ha, in that case, you've got yourself a beautiful EE.

 

[dsowens15]

can you tell me what made her an EE?

 

[Mahonri]

She doesn't fit the standard for any recognized variety.

Pretty EE.

Go here...

Ameraucana Breeders Club

 

[megcpat]

Two things that are super confusing here;
First, you can have a rooster who is a prize winning Ameraucana, lets say a Blue Ameraucana, and he can mate with a prize winning Ameraucana hen, but of a different color variety, lets say she's Buff, the chicks that will be created from this match will be considered Easter Eggers because they will not be one of the eight accepted color varieties of the breed. They will be beautiful, wonderful chickens who have the muffs, beards, eye color, leg color and should lay blue eggs, but they would be disqualified if they were taken to a poultry show.
Second, in breeding for the Blue and Black color varieties, and in breeding for the Wheaten and Blue Wheaten color varieties, there is a color variety that is a natural by product, a small percentage of chicks will hatch out that are "splash" color. So their brothers and sisters may pop out prize winning Blues, Blacks, Wheaten, or Splash Wheaten, an these dear little ones pop out splash or splash wheaten - not accepted color varieties, so, once again, "technically" we are talking about EEers, though it is very common for these chickens to be referred to as Ameraucanas and it to be accepted. They can be used to breed and, with the proper mate, can produce some perfect Ameraucana of the accepted color varieties. So, not confusing at all, right.....

 

[dsowens15]

I understand, What color would be a good mate form her?
Thanks for all the help

 

[SteveH]

Quote:
While my personal opinion is that splash versions should and may someday be accepted colors , they're not at this time . Dominate blue to dominate blue breeds true 50% of the time which is the APA minimum requirement on color varieties . While I'm a novice at breeding chickens , I see nothing confusing about the more dedicated Ameraucana breeders striving for quality representatives of the varieties accepted by the APA and pointing out to the more casual breeders why their crosses are not recognized as Ameraucana . Splash versions of blue and blue wheaten can be an important part of a breeding program because when crossed on black or wheaten produce 100% blue or blue wheaten . While I'm very much more of a " function dictates form " mentality and not really into the showing where the judge selects a winner based solely on conformity to a written standard of appearence , I respect the many years of breeding that went in to the developement of the eight accepted varieties . Crossing two varieties can instantly negate the efforts that went into the develope a variety that breeds true ; although those with experience or knowledge of genetics may use one variety or even another breed to improove their lines . When this is done the responcible APA Ameraucana breeders then cull the bulk as EE and begin selecting again for conformity to the APA standard .

I can't see enough of the bird pictured by the OP to give an opinion as to color or even Ameraucana/EE classification . She's got a crooked toe which would disqualify her as a breeder for most people , but sounds and looks as if she may be a splash and if so when crossed to a black Ameraucana would produce 100% blue chicks .

 

[megcpat]

I'm glad that you have not suffered the confusion that so many of us have had to endure in our long struggles towards gaining true Ameraucanas, SteveH. I did find the whole thing confusing for quite a while in the beginning, when I first bought "Ameraucanas" from the feed store only to get brown and green eggs. Then buying advertised "true Ameraucanas" from a local breeder only to discover that they were still only EEers, though I was happy because they layed blue eggs and the important traits bred true (egg color, muff and beards, etc...). In admitting that I found the distinctions confusing, I was in no way belittling the standard or the years of effort that went into creating these birds - just being honest about the whole experience.
I do wish that there was a strong, sharp distinction made between EEers that are a cross between Ameraucanas and some totally different breed altogether, and EEers that are simply a non-standard color variety. I have found that there is far greater demand for my off standard Ameraucanas than the pure bred versions - so many people just want a beautiful bird who will lay a beautiful egg and can be bred with confidence to replicate these key traits. The other type of EEer is a total blast to have and to play with, but holds a very different place in the breeding program.
dsowens, SteveH has an excellent point about breeding her with a Black Ameraucana rooster - you would have your answer as to if she is a splash or not in the chicks from that cross. Sounds like you have some super fun experimenting ahead of you!