The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Breeding
The "Legacy" Varieties
Don:
Finding a solution to over-sized birds that everyone would agree on would be harder than finding the Golden Ticket to Willie Wonka's factory. I expect some would want to change the standard. And also I don't think that the weight limits are a problem with all of the varieties? You sometimes hear folks say they are trying to increase their size in several varieties or lines. And another issue might be that some birds have more fluff and look bigger and not actually over weight. Only the scales will tell the whole truth according to standard.
The best solution for weight would probably be to self regulate the breed. Everyone should start to weigh their birds before each show and, We could start to weigh entries at the bigger shows. This would help the judges get the right size in their minds too. But underweight birds could be D'Qd too, right? That might probably cause more exhibitors to be disqualified. It would not create warm fuzzy feelings with all of the members.
We have discussed in the past that it would be helpful to have some discussion seminars about type at some of the bigger shows. This would give folks a chance to ask questions and discuss topics about the breed with others. Hopefully everyone could agree on the type and new folks would learn from the experienced breeders.
Susan Mouw:
--- Quote from: Don on March 28, 2016, 09:23:13 PM ---There has been a problem with oversize LF for decades. The term Bigger the Better is always been the motto of many breeders. Some would argue that the larger birds were not as viable, would have trouble with fertility, couldn't set eggs, etc. I am not sure I would agree with those statements. But I do know that the Plymouth Rocks are way above standard weight and still are quite viable. The AMs and Plymouth Rocks are supposed be about the same weight. Next time you go to a show take a look at the two breeds. So when you compare the two, you can see why some might think the AMs are too small.
Many Bantam breeds/varieties are over sized too. And I do agree that the whole intent in having bantams is to keep them small. Some breeders will hatch their show bantams later in the year to allow less time for the birds to grow in size. But if these same birds are bred and eggs hatched earlier the next season, they will grow too big for the standard that year. It is just an artificial size restraint. Some judges pay attention to the size on bantams but in my experience most judges will ignore the weight limits on the LF.
--- End quote ---
I saw a beautiful white Rock hen at the show in Lake City two weeks ago, but she was huge! I didn't look at the standard, but I bet she was 7+..or bigger.
Don:
If she was visibly Large, then she probably was above their standard weight too. After checking the APA standard the weights of the two breeds are very different. The cocks/hens in AMs are 6.5/5.5 and the Rocks 9.5/7.5. So there should be a visible difference. The feathering should be similar, not too hard and not too soft, (But just right) But seeing the birds side by side would make the AM look too small in my mind anyway.
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The standard does allow 20% over or under the weight. So by my calculations the range is;
Cock 5.2-7.8 Hen 4.4 - 6.6
Jump in anyone if this needs correcting.
Cesar “CJ”:
If you read the standard, the key word that keeps popping up is "medium". What I was told, is that Ameraucanas were never meant to be a heavy LF breed. I think emphasizing that to judges will help eventually help.
But I believe Don is correct, one long time judge was told me that there is no such thing of too big of a large fowl. I think this mentality needs to be changed.
Sarah Meaders:
I am so glad to see all this! Right now, I am weighing my birds, and I seem to have a HUGE cockerel and one TINY cockerel! I have been told before, but I cant find the answer; if the weights for adults are supposed to be 6.5/5.5, what is the leeway percentage? All of my girls are about the same size, but so far, all of my boys have been one extreme or the other!
Also, I truly hope nobody tries to change the standard to make larger Ameraucanas! I think the medium size is one of the appealing characteristics! They are petite and graceful.
For my wheaten/blue wheatens, hackle color is definitely an area I will be striving for improvement. What else keeps being a thorn among long term breeders??
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