Thanks! I am holding out hope the last two will make an appearance before anyone comes out, but I will post pictures when they break free of their incubator jail!
I wonder if the fertility in the Lavs could be reduced as well by those genes that affect feathers? It could certainly help explain the poor hatch rates so many have experienced. I saw someone in this thread post that Paul mentioned a 50% hatch rate on his lavenders, but I wasn't sure if that was his personal hatch rate at home, or if that was his hatch rate reported back to him on his shipped eggs from customers.
I have heard the sentiments about poor feather quality and hardiness issues from a few breeders over the years. Another reason for utilizing the the blacks could be to breed the self-blue closer to the standard, increase beard size, egg size, help obtain a bluer egg, etc., since blacks have been bred longer, and have not been outcrossed as recenty. My own knowledge of Lavenders is limited and I have no personal experience with them (traded a Lav Orp away once because of the ugly feathers!), so I have lots to learn! That is my favorite part about chickens, the endless learning =) Me personally, I love the black Ameraucanas, and the option to get lavender down the line was a bonus!
Congrats! Bummer is right about your LA
One of my Paul ones is oozing☹ due tomorrow... don’t have my hopes up. I bet you are right about his hatch rate. Pics of your newbies?
1 is a lavender
