The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Breeding

Breeding priorities from a historic perspective

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Don:
There often is a discussion about selecting for one trait over another, if we should be interested in just the "show attributes" or about the total bird.  While AMs are not a historic breed, I think we can still learn from this article about breeding mindsets, evaluations and being progressing the Breed as a whole. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanPoultryAssociation/permalink/10158716301588767/?__tn__=K-R

Susan Mouw:
Very interesting and historically informative article, Don.

I'm not sure it applies all that well to Ameraucanas, however.  This breed is not a "production" bird, as the Leghorns and RIR, and many others, are known to be.  Ameraucanas tend to be more moderate layers, and certainly are not known for meat production.

When I was still breeding - which I'm not any longer - I set goals for each breeding cycle, and for each breeding pen, depending on where I was in achieving the "perfect" bird. Of course we all know the "perfect" bird doesn't exist (though I've seen some at shows that came pretty dang close!).  Setting those individual goals didn't mean I was overlooking the whole bird, however - in fact, quite the opposite.  I was addressing each individual bird's shortcomings and trying to put a pair, or trio, together that would strengthen that shortcoming in the next generation.

Birdcrazy:
Susan, it was great hearing from you again on the ABC Forum. It has been too long since your last post! You have been missed and some of us need constant guidence and prodding!!!!!!   ;)

Don:
Ameraucanas are a Dual Purpose breed. It's true that Tyson didn't use them to create their broiler line. 

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