How much is too much for Ameraucanas?

[SwampFlock]

I think part of the problem is that EEs were derived from Ameraucanas, so people think they can get away with calling them that, even if they aren't full. The biggest clue in my experience is if the hatchery sells them as mixed color only--if they're real Ameraucanas, they'll have them available based on their plumage color.

I HAVE been able to suss that out from between the lines on these sites. Why do I have to like the Black ones? They seem to be the hardest to get.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I HAVE been able to suss that out from between the lines on these sites. Why do I have to like the Black ones? They seem to be the hardest to get.

C'est la vie. Ameraucanas in general are getting kinda rare, probably due in no small part to the rise of the Easter Egger. Good luck on your search!

 

[Amer]

Ameraucanas in general are getting kinda rare, probably due in no small part to the rise of the Easter Egger.

Actually, Ameraucanas are probably second only to the Marans in popularity, and they’re only getting more common. Easter Eggers were around first, so the Ameraucana technically owes its success to it.

 

[SwampFlock]

Actually, Ameraucanas are probably second only to the Marans in popularity, and they’re only getting more common. Easter Eggers were around first, so the Ameraucana technically owes its success to it.

Not in TX at least. I can't find Blacks hardly ANYWHERE. I'm not even talking show quality. You can't find them on Craigslist or through neighbors or local feed stores. I've only been seeing them through major online hatcheries and as some have suggested, those may not be real deal A's.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Actually, Ameraucanas are probably second only to the Marans in popularity, and they’re only getting more common. Easter Eggers were around first, so the Ameraucana technically owes its success to it.

The history is muddy, honestly, but I can't find any source that doesn't list Ameraucanas as rare.

Thanks for that last line though, I learned something from it. Apparently both Araucanas and Ameraucanas were derived from "Easter Egger" chickens (though at the time all were just called Araucanas). I did not know that. However, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that either breed was developed from the current strains of Easter Egger, since they both come from the 1920s-30s and more recent Easter Eggers are often hybrids or have been crossed back to the standardized Araucanas or Ameraucanas (hence why I say muddy).

 

[cinnamoncockatiel]

I have paid over 200$ for a 3-month-old trio of SQ American Seramas.

I have also purchased a 50$ SQ D´Uccle Pullet.

 

[Amer]

Not in TX at least. I can't find Blacks hardly ANYWHERE. I'm not even talking show quality. You can't find them on Craigslist or through neighbors or local feed stores. I've only been seeing them through major online hatcheries and as some have suggested, those may not be real deal A's.

The funny thing is, blacks are the most common. Try finding brown or silver, those are worth their weight in gold!

The history is muddy, honestly, but I can't find any source that doesn't list Ameraucanas as rare.

Thanks for that last line though, I learned something from it. Apparently both Araucanas and Ameraucanas were derived from "Easter Egger" chickens (though at the time all were just called Araucanas). I did not know that. However, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that either breed was developed from the current strains of Easter Egger, since they both come from the 1920s-30s and more recent Easter Eggers are often hybrids or have been crossed back to the standardized Araucanas or Ameraucanas (hence why I say muddy).

Ameraucanas may be rare but they are more common than the other Standard breeds. Anyone selling “rare breeds” with fancy egg colors are going to have Ameraucanas.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

The funny thing is, blacks are the most common. Try finding brown or silver, those are worth their weight in gold!

Ameraucanas may be rare but they are more common than the other Standard breeds. Anyone selling “rare breeds” with fancy egg colors are going to have Ameraucanas.

I suppose that's fair. It's just usually when I see an Ameraucana for sale they turn out to be an EE...but there isn't necessarily much difference, since non-standard color Ameraucanas apparently get lumped in with the EEs too.

 

[SwampFlock]

I think $50 is reasonable to pay for quality birds. Age would be a factor. Closer to laying age, higher the price. If this is the breed and color you want and you trust the breeder, then it is not too much IMO.

Thank you! That's the conclusion I'm coming to as well. They are pullets and I'm not worried about having hatching eggs day one or anything haha. It's 90% I love chickens and 10% I have too much invested in this hobby to NOT try to make some $$$ back!!

 

[SwampFlock]

Cackle Hatchery's black and lavender Ameraucanas are actually John Blehm's birds. They have had plenty of time to breed away from the SOP but the seed stock was decent birds. Most small breeders will play up the birds they have that are from good or very good breeding programs but how far back are those people and have they brutally culled breeders even at a financial loss?
I expect to pay $10 for a straight run home grown Ameraucanas day olds. I think I paid $6 straight run lavenders from JB maybe 6 years ago but I don't think he sells chicks anymore. $50/bird to build a breeding program around is nothing.

I'm in! I decided after my first batch of chickens and after watching "Chicken People" that i want to strive for APA perfect birds. Just what I latched onto about this hobby!