I hatched what I was told were pure Araucana eggs the problem is I don't know whats wrong with my boys comb, please can anyone tell me if this is normal?
Normal.. yes. Not every chick that hatches will be top quality, EVEN when parent stock is chosen for correct phenotype (looks/physical) that won't account for genotype (hidden/genes).
Correct.. no.. not according to the standard of perfection that I am familiar with in the US.. does the Australian standard call for a pea comb also? Or which standard of perfection are you using? Comb seems like one of those things that translates across all countries' standards...
Looks like it may have had some straight comb popping out.. this CAN happen in pure bred birds.. if one or both are hiding the less dominant gene.. in this case straight comb MAYBE.. when bred together the straight comb may pop out up to 50% of the offspring perhaps..
What I see LOOKS like a straight comb with side sprigs *more* than it looks like a pea comb to ME.. this is just my assessment though, according to what little I do understand about combs and genetics.
Is he rump-less?
Looks like not homozygous for tufting, as far as I can SEE.. meaning he is only carrying a single copy of that lethal gene.. Just discussion and practicing my observational/detective skills and not a comment on quality.. breeding the more rare and difficult genetics.. like Araucana.. present many unique challenges one may never know unless faced themselves.
In other words.. I would breed from him if I had no other option.. knowing that I WILL be selecting a better sire from future generations.. as is the constant case for flocks that breed.. your improving or diminishing in quality.. things never stay the same. So for breeding ALL breeding stock are temporary.. when their time comes.. they find new home or grace freezer camp.
