Messages

1

Breeding / Re: Purple sheen on black cockerel

« on: May 07, 2016, 05:35:15 PM »

It's a tough decision because he is my only black rooster at this time. I culled out all the others I had for various reasons. I do not have specifics on the coloring or line that he came from unfortunately. The females I have are a nice black with green but it is not bright like on Dewaynes.

I have two new blue roosters that I bought from a breeder that purchased Paul smith birds and had extras but I don't want to breed different varieties together. Especially since I am just starting out. I think I will hold off on the blacks for now and wait to see how these blues develop.

I don't want to breed him just because he is my only black. As much as I would love to hatch some of my own for the first time - it's more important to me to do it right. Hopefully by the mid/end of summer I can have another coop up and I can purchase a new line of birds after that.

Thank you all for taking the time to advise!

2

Breeding / Purple sheen on black cockerel

« on: May 06, 2016, 09:08:47 AM »

Hi everyone,

I have a black cockerel that I am really happy with. However, he has purple sheen in addition to the green. As well as a lighter eye color then I would like. I have a beautiful black pullet that I am thinking of pairing with him - she has no purple. I am wondering your thought on using him- is the purple something that will carry to the chicks if the female shows no signs, and if so, any idea of the %? What is you experience with this? Should I just cull him or can I work this?

3

Breeding / Re: Genetics 55.5 (More basic than Genetics 101)

« on: March 04, 2016, 01:57:08 PM »

Great post Susan! Thank you for taking the time to explain. Do you have any recomendations for books on genetics that would be suitable for beginers?

4

Breeding / Re: Breeder selling to hatchery?

« on: February 10, 2016, 02:02:39 PM »

As you know I am new to Ameraucana breeding however I am familiar with K9's and I can tell you that a breeder of show quality dogs would never sell to a puppy mill.

Its like any commercial business where quantity typically trumps quality over time and each bird will be used to produce my most profit regardless of conditon/standard/temperment etc.

I was turned onto the breed mostly due to the fact that I saw so many misrepresentations by hatcheries and many people confused about the diffrence between EE's and Ameraucana's. Because of this problem it was clear that I needed to reach out to a breeder. I may have paid more but I got the birds I wanted.

I guess my point is * I think access to commercial "pure breed" ameraucanas will hurt breeders in two ways. One is the diffrence between pet/backyard quality and pure selectivley bred birds will have less importance to general poultry hobbiest than the price. and two commercially bred birds may not live up to the hype of the breed and it may turn people away from them altogether.

I hope that is not too negative of a response. It does mean it may take more work in promoting the quality of birds bred to improve the breed.