Looking for a high quality Ameraucana breeder please!

[kurby22]

I have 2 pullets from there, but when I posted them here, I feel like I didn't get good feedback on their appearance. I have a black and a blue.

What part of CA are you in? I know two good ones near Sacramento and one in Aromas, and there’s a lady down in SoCal somewhere that recently posted on the CA Poultry Facebook page! You can also use the Ameraucana Alliance directory, it’s not totally up to date, but there are a lot of folks to choose from. Lindsay at Once in a Blue Moon Farm has very nice birds, I know she ships to CA as I have discussed it with her already! She’s taking 2023 orders for LF Ams right now and bantams in Spring.

 

[kurby22]

I have no budget. I really really really want some self-blue Ameraucanas. I will pay a lot for some show quality ones.

Definitely ask Once in a Blue Moon Farm, she has some really nice self-blues! Bombshellchix has black split to lavender Ameraucanas and she’s in Loomis. If you want gorgeous BBS Ameraucanas Dana Smith in Walnut Grove is awesome!

 

[chickenmomma16]

As others have said look through the Ameraucana Alliance breeder list and the Ameraucana Breeders Club breeder list. Most don’t have anything available this time of year. So first, pick what variety you want and educate yourself on Ameraucanas using the Standard of Perfection. There are a few FaceBook groups you can join as well and if you lurk around enough you can find a good breeder Also, I encourage you to join both breed groups and don’t be shy about asking questions. It’s a wonderful breed to get involved with! Welcome!

 

[chickenmomma16]

What part of CA are you in? I know two good ones near Sacramento and one in Aromas, and there’s a lady down in SoCal somewhere that recently posted on the CA Poultry Facebook page! You can also use the Ameraucana Alliance directory, it’s not totally up to date, but there are a lot of folks to choose from. Lindsay at Once in a Blue Moon Farm has very nice birds, I know she ships to CA as I have discussed it with her already! She’s taking 2023 orders for LF Ams right now and bantams in Spring.

I second Lindsay!

 

[chickenmomma16]

I have no budget. I really really really want some self-blue Ameraucanas. I will pay a lot for some show quality ones.

My advice to you, buy as many chicks as you can comfortably house/afford so you can cull down to your top 10% And start your there. It will give you the best start of your line. “Show quality“ is never guaranteed even with good quality birds. If someone says “show quality chicks” run.

 

[willchickeneat]

I have no budget. I really really really want some self-blue Ameraucanas. I will pay a lot for some show quality ones.

Went to two major poultry shows this year - One in Lodi, one in Fresno. Did not see any self-blue shown at either shows. They are still hard to come by, show quality or pet quality. I know of a few folks in the central valley that breeds em, but again, this time of the year is harder to come by. It's also molt season, so the birds you see might look raggy. Hard decision to make if they are show quality. If someone does claim they have show quality self blue Ameraucanas in N. CA, I have yet to see any at the poultry show. They can't be show quality if they've never been shown and judged by APA judge.

I know one lady who occasionally sells self blue chicks from the Merced, CA area. She was selling $15/chick late Summer. There's also some folks further north east like the Oakdale area. Lady in Aromas farm is called Feathered Feet Farm has self blue, but she has so many chickens not sure on quality. If you want self blues at this time of the year, you'll have to drive 2-4 hrs from your SF location.

Growing some self blues atm too, but they are still young 2-3 months. Can't tell gender at this age yet.

 

[willchickeneat]

My advice to you, buy as many chicks as you can comfortably house/afford so you can cull down to your top 10% And start your there. It will give you the best start of your line. “Show quality“ is never guaranteed even with good quality birds. If someone says “show quality chicks” run.

Amen. Especially folks who don't even know the SOP for the breed, or can tell you what they are currently working on, etc. Or, don't show at poultry shows

 

[chickenmomma16]

The ABC (Ameraucana Breeders Club) is having a silent raffle right now and there are some Self-Blue chicks from Paul Smith + a few other varieties from other breeders. The count is only a dozen or so but you might check that out as an option!

Amen. Especially folks who don't even know the SOP for the breed, or can tell you what they are currently working on, etc. Or, don't show at poultry shows

I don’t show due to having a young family but breed to the SOP and try my best. It’s a huge misconception that you buy a few chicks from a good breeder and quality flock and most/all will be quality. I wish more people understood this.

Example: I bought 20 Wheaten Ameraucana chicks to start (all I could afford at the time) and after they all grew out I hated all the cockerels and only liked 2 pullets. I wished I had bought a minimum of 50 to grow out and pick from. I actually culled them all and started over and I’m much happier with the line I re-started with.

But I’m saying this to any who are reading: Hatch/buy a lot and cull HARD. Especially when starting out.

 

[willchickeneat]

The ABC (Ameraucana Breeders Club) is having a silent raffle right now and there are some Self-Blue chicks from Paul Smith + a few other varieties from other breeders. The count is only a dozen or so but you might check that out as an option!


I don’t show due to having a young family but breed to the SOP and try my best. It’s a huge misconception that you buy a few chicks from a good breeder and quality flock and most/all will be quality. I wish more people understood this.

Example: I bought 20 Wheaten Ameraucana chicks to start (all I could afford at the time) and after they all grew out I hated all the cockerels and only liked 2 pullets. I wished I had bought a minimum of 50 to grow out and pick from. I actually culled them all and started over and I’m much happier with the line I re-started with.

But I’m saying this to any who are reading: Hatch/buy a lot and cull HARD. Especially when starting out.

ABC yearly auction is always fun. I'd say, if you're not betting $200 + range for the live chicks, don't bother betting. The people who donates for the auction usually are well known in the AM circle. I'd say bet $300 min and ask to be notified if you've been over bid.

I agree with you with breeding practices. Hatch crazy, only keep the best ones meeting SOP. Work with what you have.

 

[kurby22]

ABC yearly auction is always fun. I'd say, if you're not betting $200 + range for the live chicks, don't bother betting. The people who donates for the auction usually are well known in the AM circle. I'd say bet $300 min and ask to be notified if you've been over bid.

I agree with you with breeding practices. Hatch crazy, only keep the best ones meeting SOP. Work with what you have.

Oh boy, I’m guessing I won’t be winning with my bids then Those are high roller prices I’m not quite able to spend at this point, but @Ruffled Feathers if price is no barrier, you can’t go wrong with Paul Smith self blues!!