The Hardiest of Breeds...

[SteveH]

Quote:
That's a good point. I don't know where you can really get pure Americaunas, except from a breeder who sells for high prices. I understand hatcheries like to use "Easter Egger" and "Americauna" interchangeably, but that that is actually deceptive 'cause EE's aren't true Americaunas. Do you know of a hatchery that sells pure Americaunas?

http://www.sandhillpreservation.com/catalog/chickens.html#ameraucanas [Though I've got mine from breeders, and never personally seen Ams. from here.]

 

[LindsayB]

My pet chicken sells purebreed ameraucanas. I think they're hatching eggs and just the blue variety.

 

[cubakid]

Well i have to point out that you will never really find a pure bred Americauna. thats the same as saying purebred Easter Egger. It is spelled Ameraucana.

 

[punky rooster]

I personally doubt that My Pet Chicken has true Ameraucanas. It may say they do, but I believe other hatcheries do the same. It all depends on where they drop-ship from.

 

[tellynpeep]

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MPC sells EEs, as well as "Ameraucana hatching eggs." They make the distinction between the two, and I believe the eggs are true Ameraucanas. I don't know where they purchased their breeding stock from, but they are the only large hatchery that points out the difference, so I tend to believe them. Check out the website.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Sumatras. I would stay away from the larger, fluffier breeds--they will not do as well in the heat & humidity.

 

[punky rooster]

Quote:
MPC sells EEs, as well as "Ameraucana hatching eggs." They make the distinction between the two, and I believe the eggs are true Ameraucanas. I don't know where they purchased their breeding stock from, but they are the only large hatchery that points out the difference, so I tend to believe them. Check out the website.

MPC is a drop-ship hatchery if I am not mistaken. Also Sand Hill points out the difference, too. I'd need to see some their stock to be sure.....

 

[GotGame]

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for just pure hardiness, and survival abilities, and hot and cold tolerence, you flat out cant beat a game bird...American Game would be your best bet. The hens will to broody, hatch their own young and are very protective, and the roosters are awesome flock protectors

 

[Gresh]

Quote:
I've thought about the Sumatras, too. However, I'm not sure if I can keep them from flying off. I don't have an enclosure that has a roof/chicken wire on top. Do you think they can be sufficiently "trained" to stay within a certain range and go home to their coop at night?

 

[GotGame]

Quote:
I've thought about the Sumatras, too. However, I'm not sure if I can keep them from flying off. I don't have an enclosure that has a roof/chicken wire on top. Do you think they can be sufficiently "trained" to stay within a certain range and go home to their coop at night?

No, I dont believe you can train a bird to stay in a pen. If you have a place you dont want your birds going, that is likely where you will find them soon as you turn your back. If you dont have a top on your pen, you will be making it awful easy on hawks. Coon could come in, possum, all kinds of predators can and will come in a pen that doesnt have a top.