As someone said earlier, I also don't have a dog in this fight. I don't raise or breed lavender/self-blue, but I was instrumental in getting the package together to send to APA for the petition to accept self-blue as a new variety of Ameraucana.
As much as some would like to argue or obfuscate the facts, I can, without any hesitation, state that the petition was to get the color many call "lavender" accepted as a standard variety of Ameraucana. The ONLY reason the name "self-blue" was used, was because that was the only way to get them accepted, since the APA already had set a precedent with getting the "lavender" silkie and the "lavender" OEGB accepted, under the name of self-blue, and had unequivocally stated they would not accept a new title for the same color.
The color description used in the proposed standard is the accepted description for the lavender/self-blue color by the APA, and, until very recently, was the standard used by most of the lavender breeders in the US.
As also mentioned earlier, there are some that will try to pass off their poorly patterned blues as "self-blue" - just as there are those now that try to pass off EEs as Ameraucanas. Regardless of whether they succeed in their attempts or not, the bird will not breed true - just like an EE that may look like an Ameraucana will not breed true.
For those that are earnestly trying to learn more about the breed, and about this variety in particular, I applaud your search for answers. Keep asking.
For those that are answering those seekers of information, please try to be clear and concise in your answers.
Edited by Staff