The double judged shows are fun to see the difference in judge’s opinions and their interpretation of the APA Standard of Perfection (SOP). The past few years we have been seeing judges use Ameraucanas that are much larger framed (oversized), level backed rather than taller at the shoulders, loose feathered to the point that they are fluffy. We as Ameraucana breeders must get back to the SOP or we will have our Ameraucana breed in the same situation as the Berkshire hogs are now, where they have either the old time Berks or the new modern Berks with lots of white due to crossing with other breeds. We need to encourage each other to select our breeding birds as close as possible to the SOP! I had two ABC members ask what can be done to get the varieties other than black to win? My response was I don’t know. After a few days of thinking-the answer came. We as Ameraucana breeders must go back to the SOP and start breeding and showing the correct body type. Then start educating the judges, and everyone involved with Ameraucanas.
Most of the blacks at Fayetteville, were extremely different from the other varieties shown. After the judging of the second show was completed, while recording the results the clerk and judge Amanda Stallman came to me and ask if the ABC needed any other selections-(meaning Champion Ameraucana), which we didn’t since the second show judged by Paul Monteith was our SC district meet. The Champion Ameraucana only needs to be selected from a district and national meet. As we were walking by the black pullets-Amanda said “They are like Orphingtons with muffs and beards!” Ouch-I missed an open door to start the Ameraucana breed back on the right road, according to the SOP.
I had two ABC members ask what can be done to get the varieties other than black to win? My response was I don’t know.
! I had two ABC members ask what can be done to get the varieties other than black to win? My response was I don’t know.
He looks great! I agree with your assessment. From the grayed out photo his wings are not visible to access the carriage or tips. Cockerels raised in hot regions will have larger combs than cockerels raised where it is cooler and doesn't stay hot for long periods of time. A few years ago we only missed a day or two seeing 100 or above for 100 consecutive days.