Ameraucanas vs araucanas

[Guest]

I have heard that araucanas have a lethal gene.  What exactly does that mean?  I would like to get some ameraucana chickens, organic if possible but whenever I see them sold at a hatchery they group the two breeds together.  How do I tell the difference and how do I get real ameraucanas and not the araucanas?  Also does anyone know if there are any of these being sold in new england, NH specifically?  Thanks, Aimee

[Mike Gilbert]

All genes except those on the sex-link chromosome come in pairs.    One lethal gene (the tuft gene in Araucanas) no problem.   Two of these and the chick dies prior to hatch almost 100% of the time.   Same deal for the creeper gene that causes the ultra-short legs in Japanese bantams, otherwise known as Chabos.   Check out the FAQ link on our home page, also the Breeders List which is under the Downloads link.

[Guest]

Thank you very much, I will check them out.