The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Breeding

Body feather color

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Holiday Hatch:
Here's another one of my color questions.  This Cockerel is supposed to be Wheaten/Blue Wheaten Ameraucana but his body color looks dark gray.  He's not from my stock.  He's a cross between stock from one person on the Ameraucana Breeders List, and stock from another person who raises purebred Wheaten/Blue Wheaten Ameraucanas, but isn't a part of this group.  I like this Cockerels personality but I don't think the color is okay.  I've found a home for him but would appreciate any input about his coloring before I let him go.  Thank you - Linda

Sharon Yorks:
Hi Linda,

I am definitely not the right person to answer this question, but regarding the shade of blue/gray on his chest (you are talking about his chest, right) it may be just like the blue variety...meaning there is light blue and dark blue and a whole lot of shades of blue in between. Does he have any lacing? If he is a nice bird and you like him, maybe breeding him to lighter shaded females will throw nice chicks. I am strictly talking about the gray issue. I am not a blue wheaten breeder and don't know much about their patterns. How about posting more pictures of him?

I love your chicken yard! Looks like a chicken paradise  :)

Holiday Hatch:
Sharon - You're very kind to say you like the yard.  It's actually a mess because I let the chickens roam around.  It is his chest color I'm talking about.  The chest does have lacing and I tried to get a photo but it didn't come out.  It will be a couple of days before I can get more photos.  I'm wondering if anyone else has had a Blue Wheaten with this coloring or if I should give up on him and let him go.  Thanks again - Linda

Sharon Yorks:
If it were me, these are the questions I would be asking myself:

Do I like his body type?
How is his comb?
Does he have good eye color and pupils?
Are his legs and toes straight with good color?
Do I have a better male on hand right now?

I would consider all of these questions before I made a decision. I have gotten rid of several males that I wish I wouldn't have because of a small flaw here and there, then ended up with very little to choose from that maybe weren't as good as something I had sold. On the same token though, you don't want to breed to something that has several flaws. Just don't be too quick to get rid of him unless you have something better. If he has some lacing, the shade of blue/gray may be an easy fix if bred to a nice female. This is just my opinion and may not be the advice others would give. 

Mike Gilbert:
The rooster has several good things going for him.   First and foremost is a super clean hackle without striping.   Blue is extremely variable in expression, so it would be a mistake to cull him for the exact shade of blue.   Also, it can be difficult to achieve lacing (edging, really) on the chest area and if he has that, it is another plus.    Seems to have decent size and shape from what can be seen in the photos.   Yes, he has some excess orange in the tail, but I wouldn't consider that a deal breaker.   Why not put up some photos of other males you have that you consider to be better in that variety?

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