The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Breeding
The "Legacy" Varieties
Susan Mouw:
Recently, I clerked for a judge at a small local show. While we were on the bantam row, the other judge was judging the Ameraucanas in back of us. As he walked away, I heard him say that "these Ameraucanas need more size!"
Granted, I do need some size on a couple of my black hens (they are just under 5.5#, but within the tolerance), but he said this after putting away my 7# wheaten cockbird. He is at the top end of the standard size, with the overage allowances. My other cockbird, shown that day, is also at 7# and one of the hens is pushing 6#.
How do you deal with that? I really don't want 8# cockerels and 7# hens!
Ernie Haire:
The judge that judged us this weekend at the South Texas State Fair told me after the show that the Ameraucana breeders were getting their birds too big for the Standard. I have to say that this judge judged with his APA Standard Of Perfection close at hand and referred to it many times. I thought that he did a great job of judging the Ameraucanas. Before anyone starts to wonder, I didn't win the breed and still agreed with the way the Ameraucanas were placed. LOL!!!
Just Saying,
Ernie Haire
Poultry 2XL
Arp, Texas
Birdcrazy:
--- Quote from: Ernie Haire on March 28, 2016, 02:07:19 PM --- Before anyone starts to wonder, I didn't win the breed and still agreed with the way the Ameraucanas were placed. LOL!!!
Just Saying,
Ernie Haire
Poultry 2XL
Arp, Texas
--- End quote ---
Ernie, better luck next time!
Don:
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, (I am sorry....actually they are quite different in weight according to standard. I should have looked checked the standard before I put my foot in my mouth) But...Next time you go to a show take a look at the two breeds. When you compare the two, and you see how much bigger the Rocks are, probably still above their standard, 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.
Birdcrazy:
--- 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.
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 ---
Don, I think that sums it up very well! What is a viable solution to get shows back to showing per the standard?
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