Iowa Blues - Breed thread and discussion

[IowaBlueCurt]

Kari is correct. Historically both variations exsisted. The green legs that we were originally calling "willow" are in fact technically within the definition of "slate" per the APA judges. What causes the difference in leg color?

If there is melanization in the inner skin layer (epidermis) then black pigment in found within the inner skin layer. Now, if the outer skin layer (dermis) is yellow, the legs and toes look willow green colored and will have yellow soles. The yellow soles happen because the black pigment does not present itself there.

If there is melanization in the epidermis on a white skinned bird, the legs will look a slatey blue color. So, the difference between a willowy green color and a slately blue color are dependend on the skin color of the individual chicken.

As Kari stated earlier, not only have both variations exsisted historically, but the APA judges shared with us that both colorations fit within the category of "slate" as described by the APA. So, both can exsist within the population, however, most breeders feel the slate blue color fits into the overall Iowa "Blue" description better than a greenish colored leg and toe. As a result, most breeders are moving in the direction of slate blue color. However, I wouldn't discriminate a great looking pullet or cockerel of good size and type because it had yellow skin!

 

[Candy442]

I like the look of the slate legs and on Sweetie she has slate feet too. They are not noticeably lighter at this point. Please define what is meant by "yellow" feet? and is this considered more desirable for the standard?

 

[wolfglen]

I've never had any Iowa Blues before, but I'm getting some birds which look exactly like them in my hodge podge of birds which I think are the product of some of my Brahams and some black chickens. Any idea about this?

Jack

 

[ottbjumper06]

I like the look of the slate legs and on Sweetie she has slate feet too. They are not noticeably lighter at this point.  Please define what is meant by "yellow" feet? and is this considered more desirable for the standard?

Yellow feet means yellow on the soles, which means willow in color

 

[ottbjumper06]

I've never had any Iowa Blues before, but I'm getting some birds which look exactly like them in my hodge podge of birds which I think are the product of some of my Brahams and some black chickens.  Any idea about this?

Jack

If you post some pictures we would be able to tell better if they are Iowa Blues or some other breed.

 

[Hurley]

What the judges were saying is that the dusky yellow color (like my rooster with lighter legs) is the perfect example in their mind of "willow", which differs from what I would call willow and differs from what we were wanting to convey. Genetically, willow is black overlying yellow skin, however phenotypically in the judge's opinion, willow is what I would call dusky yellow. The judge's opinion of our dilemma was to state "slate" for the standard and not specify skin color (i.e. white vs. yellow soles), and that this would cover both appearances seen in our birds of black overlying either white or yellow, would be judged as such, and would give leeway to breed them how we want (we being each individual breeder). I personally prefer the appearance of the white skinned variety of slate, but have both in my flock. Personally, I'm breeding towards white skin/slate legs when I have a choice.

 

[ottbjumper06]

Connie- I'm a little confused. I renewed my membership a couple days ago and was looking through the website and saw the "Members Only" Tab that needed a password... Do I receive the password by email? Thanks

 

[Hurley]

Yes, there's a website, which is found in the welcome letter. I had everyone current as of Monday night, didn't have time to do it last night, work records got me, but will be checking for submissions and processing any entries. I'm guessing you submitted shortly after I finished updating Monday night. You'll receive the packet tonight.

 

[ottbjumper06]

So I was doing a little searching this evening on the review part of BYC and found this picture on one of the reviews for Iowa Blue. The post doesn't say where she got the bird, but notice the lacing? Either we can add him to the list of Charcoal IB's or he's a Birchen with the gene for lacing... ideas?

I always seem to come up with more questions, sorry guys!

 

[Candy442]

So I was doing a little searching this evening on the review part of BYC and found this picture on one of the reviews for Iowa Blue. The post doesn't say where she got the bird, but notice the lacing? Either we can add him to the list of Charcoal IB's or he's a Birchen with the gene for lacing... ideas?

I always seem to come up with more questions, sorry guys!

Don't be sorry asking questions please! otherwise I will feel bad about doing so. We are very new and are confused as to what is considered "desirable". Having only 4 IaB's at this point we are not able to be picky at all, but in the future I would like to have a bird from another line that has "desirable" features and to eliminate too much in breeding.