Topics

1

Upcoming Meets / 1-4-2025, Bluebonnet Classic, Navasota, TX

« on: October 09, 2024, 08:51:51 PM »

Show Name: Bluebonnet Classic
Meet Type: Club
Show Start - End Dates: 1/4/2025
Host Club: Brazos Valley Poultry Club
Show Facility: Grimes County Fair Grounds
Show Address: 5220 FM 3455 Navasota, TX 77868
Show Secretary: Preston Cummings
Show Secretary's Email: prestonrcummings@gmail.com

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Upcoming Meets / 12-7-24, Klein Poultry Extravaganza, Klein, TX

« on: October 09, 2024, 08:50:57 PM »

Show Name: Klein Poultry Extravaganza
Meet Type: Club
Show Start - End Dates: 12/7/2024
Host Club: Klein ISD FFA Alumni Association
Show Facility: Klein ISD Multipurpose Center
Show Address: 7500 Farm to Market 2920 Rd Klein, TX 77379
Show Secretary: Becky Brummond
Show Secretary's Email: rbrummond@kleinisd.net

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News and Information / ABA Yearbook Received

« on: September 30, 2024, 01:37:52 PM »

I received the ABA yearbook today in the mail and our ad for the club turned out great. Be sure to consider joining the ABC to take part in our numerous membership benefits.

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Upcoming Meets / 10-19-2024, Central Indiana Poultry Show, Lebanon, IN

« on: September 27, 2024, 12:26:27 PM »

Show Name:  Central Indiana Poultry Show
Meet Type: Club
Show Start - End Dates: 10/19/2024
Host Club: Boone County 4H Poultry Club
Show Facility: Edmonson County Lion’s Club Fairground
Address: 1300 E 100 S Lebanon, IN 46052
Show Secretary: Tim Curtis
Show Secretary's Email: tcurts@speedwayschools.net

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Breeding / Dominant white and recessive white

« on: September 20, 2024, 03:12:56 PM »

Chickens have 2 kinds of pigment that help define their plumage color. These pigments are known as eumelanine (black pigment) and pheomelanine (yellow/red pigment).

One of the best studied eumelanin diluters is Dominant white (I). While the Dominant white (I) gene inhibits eumelanine (black pigment) well, it is a relatively ineffective inhibitor of pheomelanin (yellow/red pigment).

In the case of Dominant white (I), the following is produced:

1. (I/I) which results in a white phenotype

2.  (I/i+) which results in a black-flecked phenotype

3. (i+/i+) which results in a black phenotype.

Modifying genes, which limit or expand the amount of black on a heterozygote, affect the overall number of black feathers present on the plumage. The modifying genes also affect whether the black plumage feathers will be solid black and the white plumage feathers solid white.

The Dominant white gene (I) can remove epidermal shank pigment and dilute dermal pigment. Poultry shanks contain two layers of skin known as the epidermal and dermal layers. The epidermal layer is the “top” layer of skin and the dermal layer is the “bottom” layer of skin. Dermal melanin (id), either in the homozygous or hemizygous condition, allows for the deposition of melanin in the dermis. Dermal melanin behaves in a sex-linked manner and is found on the sex chromosome. Research has shown that slate shanks can be achieved on Dominant white birds that are homozygous for Extended black (E) and Dermal melanin (id). Extended black is the most melanizing and dominant e locus allele. It “extends” melanin pigment into the shanks of fowl.

The Recessive white gene (c) can inhibit both eumelanine and phaeomelanin, but occasionally phaeomelanin may still leak through. The Recessive white gene dilutes melanic pigment in the shanks due to the absence of Chromogen.

In the case of Recessive white (c), the following is produced:

1. (c/c) which results in a white phenotype

2.  (c/C+) which results in a black phenotype that carries one copy of the recessive white gene.

3. (C+/C+) which results in a black phenotype.

So what are some differences we can note regarding Recessive and Dominant white based on this educational post?

1. Recessive white inhibits pheomelanin more effectively than Dominant white.

2. The Recessive white (c) and Dominate white (I) genes dilute the epidural layer of skin on shanks.

3. Recessive white needs “less assistance” than Dominant white to create a solid white plumage color.

4. While Recessive white birds may carry either S or s+, silver is an important part of the genotype of Dominant white birds in order to create solid white plumage color.

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Breeding / Recessive white chick down

« on: September 20, 2024, 03:11:51 PM »

“Recessive White Chick Down Color: What Does it Mean?”

I have noticed several questions from Ameraucana breeders asking about variations in the chick down of their recessive white Ameraucana chicks.

Questions such as “Why do some of my white Ameraucana chicks have a smoky appearance?” or “Why do some of my white Ameraucana chicks have yellow chick down?” or “What chick down should I be selecting for in my white Ameraucana chicks?”

The C locus is multipleallelic. White Ameraucana carry the genotype cc. The Recessive white (c) gene can inhibit both eumelanine (brown/black pigment) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow pigment). Occasionally phaeomelanin may leak through. Interesting tidbit: Some research has shown that recessive white birds can exhibit yellowing in the hackle, saddle, and wing bows as they increase in age, suggesting that the inhibition of pheomelanin by the recessive white gene may be reduced in older birds.

Early research concluded that there was an association between the presence of Extended black (E) and smokiness in recessive white chick down (Jaap, 1942), but later research refuted this finding (Jerome and Cavers, 1952).

✅ Smokiness can occur in the presence or absence of E.

Jerome (1952) completed some studies on poultry that carried sex-linked silver and autosomal red while exploring recessive white chick down. He found that autosomal red could account for salmon tints in the down of recessive white chicks that were homozygous for silver. Additional research during this study led to the conclusion that recessive white chicks that are homozygous for gold could also create salmon tints in chick down.

✅ Salmon tints in the chick down of recessive white chicks may be due to autosomal red or the presence of homozygous sex-linked gold.

Extended black (E) helps to suppress pheomelanin (red pigment). Sex-linked silver (S) also helps to reduce the expression of pheomelanin as it inhibits the presence of gold and red pheomelanin in feathers.

✅ Being homozygous for E and S is an important genetic component of recessive white birds.

Interestingly, the expressivity of the silver and gold alleles can be highly influenced by the Columbian gene (Co) and Extended black (E). The addition of Co enhances the visual differentiation of gold and silver on chick down in all but Extended black (E) birds.

✅ The Co gene does not enhance silver or gold identification on recessive white chicks that are based on E.

Hopefully this post is helpful to someone out there!

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2024 National Meet Knoxville, TN / Cash and rosette awards for the 2024 ABC national

« on: August 27, 2024, 03:15:13 PM »

Open Show with 2 or more entries per variety​​:             ​

Award:
Champion Ameraucana ​​​​​​​75.00
Reserve Champion Ameraucana ​​​​​​50.00
Best of Breed (2)​​​​​​​​ 40.00
Reserve of Breed (2)​​​​​​​ 20.00
Best of Variety (Includes Best AOV/21) ​​​​​​25.00​
Reserve of Variety (Includes Reserve AOV/21)​​​​​ 15.00
Champion Trio (2)​​​​​​​​ 25.00
Reserve Champion Trio (2)​​​​​​​ 15.00
Champion Display ​​​​​​​​25.00
Reserve Display​​​​​​​​ 15.00
 
Ameraucana Egg Contest
 
Best Bantam Hen Eggs​​​​​​​ 50.00
Best Bantam Pullet Eggs​​​​​​​ 50.00
Best Large Fowl Hen Eggs​​​​​​​ 50.00
Best Large Fowl Pullet Eggs​​​​​​ 50.00
 
Junior Show (no minimum entry required)​​​​​:

Award:
Champion Ameraucana ​​​​​​​25.00
Best of Breed (2)​​​​​​​​ 20.00
Reserve of Breed (2)​​​​​​​ 15.00
Best of Variety (Includes Best AOV/21) ​​​​​​10.00
Reserve of Variety (Includes Reserve AOV/21)​​​​​ 5.00
 
Rosettes are awarded to the following (no minimum required):
 
Open Show:
Champion Ameraucana
Reserve Champion Ameraucana
Best of Variety
Reserve of Variety
 
Junior Show:
Champion Ameraucana
Best of Variety
Reserve of Variety

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Upcoming Meets / 11/30/2024, Green River Poultry Club’s Fall Show, Brownsville, KY

« on: August 26, 2024, 06:38:48 PM »

Show Name:  Green River Poultry Club’s Fall Show
Meet Type: Club
Show Start - End Dates:   11/30/2024
Host Club:   Green River Poultry Club
Show Facility:   Edmonson County Lion’s Club Fairground
Address: 3223 Veterans Memorial Highway Brownsville, KY 42210
Show Secretary:   Aaron Decker
Show Secretary's Email:   Greenriverpoultry@gmail.com
 

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Breeding / Standard-bred Ameraucana

« on: August 16, 2024, 10:23:41 AM »

I have seen several posts about “Pure Ameraucana” in recent weeks.

Please keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “Pure Ameraucana.”

A more appropriate term would be a “Standard-bred Ameraucana.”

Standard-bred refers to a bird that adheres to the standard for a recognized color variety of Ameraucana. It should produce not less than 50% of all specimens reasonably true to type, color, size and comb.

The recognized color varieties of Ameraucana were bred up from birds of varying backgrounds and specific traits and plumage colors were selected for. Some of the traits selected for include attributes such as the pea comb, reddish bay eye color, muffs/beard, slate shanks, blue egg color, etc.

There are presently ten approved color varieties for the Ameraucana breed with the American Poultry Association and American Bantam Association (wheaten, blue wheaten, blue, black, white, brown red, buff, silver, splash, self blue).

Each of the approved color varieties has a written standard. When available, a Standard of Perfection book can be purchased with the APA to review the standard. You can also find additional information on the Ameraucana breed at www.ameraucanabreedersclub.org.

Hopefully this post is helpful to others out there!

10

Breeding / Shank Color

« on: August 01, 2024, 03:50:20 PM »

The shank color on poultry can be black, blue, green, yellow or white. Generally speaking, the cause of shank color variations in chickens are a combination of genes that influence melanin pigmentations, polygenic modifiers, and environmental factors such as diets.

Some factors that affect shank color are inhibitor of dermal melanin (Id), extended black (E), white skin (W), yellow skin (w), and other genes such as sex-linked barring (B) and dominant white (I). The skin of a bird consists of two layers, the epidermis and dermis. Pigment can be present in one or both layers. The above genes affect the presence or absence of melanin and xanthophylls in the dermis and/or epidermis.

The E locus affects the relative distribution of melanin pigmentation in the epidermis. E extends melanic pigment to the shanks. Black shanked birds have varying amounts of pigment in the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outer layer of the epidermis. You can assess the skin color on your black shanked birds by observing the foot pads. In blue shanked birds, the stratum corneum is devoid of pigment. A bird that is heterozygous for E may result in blue shanks.

The skin color of poultry can be classified as white or yellow. White skin and yellow skin are inherited differently than genes that affect plumage color. White skin (W) is dominant to yellow skin (w). There is a correlation between yellow and white color of the shank, beak and skin color on the body. Willow shanks are caused by deposition of melanic pigment into shanks that have yellow skin.

Id is a sex-linked inhibitor of dermal melanin. Id (which is the absence of black pigment) and id+ (which is the presence of black pigment) affect the dermal layer of skin on poultry. The id+ gene, either in the homozygous or hemizygous condition, allows the deposition of melanin in the dermis. The id+ gene expresses progressively as a homozygote and shank color changes gradually from light to dark with increased age up to 8 weeks. The Id and id+ genes behave in a sex-linked manner and their locus is on the sex chromosome. The birds which are homozygous, hemizygous or heterozygous for Id eventually have either white shanks (xanthophyll absent) or yellow shanks (xanthophyll present) provided no epidermal melanin is present in the shank skin. In the presence of id+ and absence of epidermal melanin, the shanks of the birds eventually become blue (xanthophyll absent) or green (xanthophyll present). A sex-linked allele, id^a causes green spotting on shanks due to small aggregates of melanin in the dermis. The number of aggregates per scale varies.

The Dominant white gene (I) can remove epidermal shank pigment and dilute dermal pigment. It does not remove dermal pigment. A study found that slate shanks can be achieved on dominant white birds that are homozygous for E and id+.

The barring gene has a restricting effect on melanic pigment in the shanks.

The eWh allele is known to inhibit the expression of dermal melanin. It can reduce and even hide the expression of it.

Besides genetic factors, nutrition has greatly influenced shank coloration in chickens. A number of research studies have found that the main compound with coloring function in meat and eggs are carotenoids. In order to obtain deeper yellow yolk and skin color, many natural pigments, such as corn gluten meal, curcumin and dehydrated alfalfa meal are used in poultry feeds. Dietary supplementation with marigold flower extract at the rate of 200 mg/kg of feed was found to enhance carcass and shank color. Another study in 2010 measured higher skin yellowness in all body parts of chickens fed 12 to 15 mg xanthophylls per kg feed. An additional study in 2004 reported that oxycarotenoids produced by microorganisms enhanced yellowness in the skin of broilers. Canthaxanthin increased pigment in shanks and skin when added at a level of 8.8 mg per kg.

More information will be added to this post as additional genes that influence melanin pigmentations, polygenic modifiers, and environmental factors are explored!

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Breeding / Feather color on the erm project color

« on: July 29, 2024, 04:50:51 PM »

A member asked what causes variations in the amount and presentation of black feathers on a bird that has one copy of the dominant white gene when working with the Erm project color.

The dominant white gene (I) produces the following:

1. A white homozygote (I/I) which results in a white phenotype
2. A heterozygote (I/ I+) which results in a black-flecked phenotype
3. A homozygous recessive (I+/I+) which results in a black phenotype.

Modifying genes, which limit or expand the amount of black on a heterozygote, affect the overall number of black feathers present on the plumage. The modifying genes also affect whether the black plumage feathers will be solid black.

What percentage of black feathers should one realistically strive for when working with the Erm project color in the Ameraucana breed?

If you explore the historic American Erminette breed that is not yet approved, the proposed standard calls for the plumage to have solid white feathers with solid black feathers randomly dispersed in the ratio of 85% white feathers and 15% black feathers.

One may wonder, how did the American Erminette breeders select the above percentage?

It was selected based on a study completed by FB Hutt entitled “The Genetic Basis of the Erminette Breed of Fowls.” In FB Hutt’s study, in a random sample of 100 feathers pulled from the side and breast of one bird, 85% were all white and 15% showed some black.

One must wonder, if FB Hutt had pulled samples from another American Erminette in the pile, what would the percentage have reflected?

So, what would be a realistic percentage of white to black feathers for one to strive for?

Based on the modifying genes, a specific percentage cannot be achieve consistently, and one would wonder how a poultry judge would assess a bird for such.

Based on plumage colors that are presently approved in the APA standard and their verbiage, it would seem most advantageous to simply strive for 1) More than 50% black feathers,  2) Less than 50% black feathers, or 3) A relatively even percentage of white and black feathers.

Just some food, or feathers, for thought as you are working with the Erm project color. 🙂

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Breeding / The Ameraucana head

« on: July 05, 2024, 10:34:43 PM »

A member that is a visual learner asked for photos of a proper Ameraucana head. Notice the differences in the heads of the birds on the left versus those on the right.

I have included a few quotes on the Ameraucana head that may be helpful.

“I look for a beak that is deep at the base and not overly long.  Then I look for some downward curve to it, especially the lower mandible.   Of course long, hooked upper mandibles are to be avoided.   I also try to select for wider heads, but that can be a tough task in some varieties of bantams.”

“If you select for low combs with a good base at the skull, it will help. You need a broad base from skull to comb and if this area is narrow, combs will flop over at maturity. It will be wise to check hens and pullets for this as well, since they are half of your bloodlines.”

“Getting back to judging I find that every judge has to look at something on a bird first. I look at the head. I think that I do have a lasting picture of a bird’s head.”

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Breeding / Chocolate Ameraucana

« on: July 05, 2024, 10:31:30 PM »

*Color variety originally created by Jean Ribbeck

Are you interested in learning more about how the chocolate plumage color is created?

Chickens have 39 pairs of chromosomes.

They have two categories of chromosomes known as:
1) Sex chromosomes
2) Autosomes

SEX LINKED RECESSIVE CHOCOLATE:

Sex linked recessive chocolate (choc) is found on the sex chromosome. A male must have two doses of the chocolate gene to express the chocolate plumage color and a female must have one dose of the chocolate gene to express the chocolate plumage color.

The chocolate (choc) gene operates in the following way:

Chocolate x Chocolate= 100% chocolate

Chocolate male x Black female= Black males that carry one copy of the chocolate gene and chocolate females

Black male that carries one copy of the Chocolate gene x Chocolate female= 25% black males that carry one copy of the chocolate gene, 25% chocolate males, 25% chocolate females & 25% black females

Black male that carries one copy of the Chocolate gene x Black female= 25% black males that carry one copy of the chocolate gene, 25% black males, 25% black females & 25% chocolate females

Black male x Chocolate female= 50% black males that carry one copy of the chocolate gene & 50% black females

*Any black females produced in a chocolate project pen do not have any copies of the chocolate gene.

Our chocolate Ameraucana are created from the sex linked recessive chocolate gene!

DUN:

Dun (I^D) is a gene that is autosomal and also used in some breeds to create brown plumage color. An autosome is simply defined as a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome. An autosomal gene always comes in two doses (one dose from each parent). Dun is an allele of the dominant white gene (I). If you are familiar with how the Blue (Bl) gene operates, the dun gene operates in a similar way.

In its heterozygous form (one copy of the dun gene, known as I^D/i+), black feathers are diluted to create a light chocolate plumage color. In its homozygous form (two copies of the dun gene, known as I^D/I^D), black feathers are diluted to create khaki plumage color. The genotype for the non-mutated version is i+/I+.

Hopefully this educational post will help you as you work with the chocolate project color!

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2024 National Meet Knoxville, TN / Silent Auction Donations

« on: June 10, 2024, 02:20:42 PM »

The ABC is now accepting donations for our 2024 silent auction to raise funds for our 2025 national meet. To donate an item, send an email to info@ameraucanabreedersclub.org with “Silent Auction Donation” as the subject. Please include the name of the item you are donating and your contact information. Thank you for your support as we raise funds for our 2025 ABC National Meet!

*I will gradually update this list until it is finalized.

10 count LF blue, black and splash Ameraucana chicks priority express shipping paid for Spring 2025 shipping by Lindsay Helton.

10 count LF Ameraucana chick variety pack priority express shipping paid for Spring 2025 shipping by Lindsay Helton.

1 dozen LF black Ameraucana hatching eggs priority shipping paid for Spring 2025 by Lindsay Helton.

1 dozen LF Chocolate Ameraucana project hatching eggs buyer pays shipping for Spring 2025 shipping by Jean Ribbeck.

10 wheaten/blue wheaten Ameraucana chicks buyer pays shipping by Kris Dossey for Spring 2025 shipping.

1 dozen blue, black and splash Ameraucana hatching eggs buyer pays shipping for Spring 2025 by Dee Chappelle.

1 dozen blue, black and splash Ameraucana hatching eggs buyer pays shipping for Spring 2025 by Steve Neumann.

10 Large Fowl Self Blue Ameraucana chicks sent priority mail from Paul and Angela Smith. Buyers choice of hatch date between early March and May 27, 2025.

1998 Special Edition of the Bantam Standard celebrating 150 years of exhibition poultry by Smith Poultry & Game Bird Supplies

$100 Cackle Hatchery Gift Card

One poultry shirt. Winner selects size (M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, or 4XL). Shipping paid to winner by Aaron Hickson.

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2024 National Meet Knoxville, TN / Egg contest

« on: June 10, 2024, 02:16:50 PM »

We will have an ABC national egg contest at our national meet! It is FREE to enter and prizes will be awarded for each class.

There are four classes for the egg contest:

1. Bantam pullet eggs
2. Bantam hen eggs
3. Large Fowl pullet eggs
4. Large Fowl hen eggs

Bring a minimum of 6 eggs for each entry in a suitable container of your choice. Sign up at the ABC table at the show to enter the contest. Egg entries will be judged after judging is complete for the National meet. Our illustrious judges are TBA.

Exhibitors may enter the same class more than once only if each entry represents a different Ameraucana variety. Egg entries that consist of multiple varieties shall be limited to one per class, and shall be designated “Various” on the entry form.

No unsolicited remarks by any exhibitor may be made within hearing distance of the judge during the judging process.

All egg entries become the property of the Ameraucana Breeders Club at the time of entry.

Two out of each entry of six eggs will be opened by the judge or the clerk to facilitate the judging of interior qualities and coloring.

The Judging Scale will be as follows:
   
1. Shell Texture 10   
2. Shell Quality 10   
3. Shell Shape 10
4. Size 10   
5. Cleanliness 10   
6. Shell Color 30
7. Freshness 10   
8. Interior Qualities 10

Total Points Possible:    100   

Disqualifications:
1. Evidence of faking including artificial coloring
2. Eggs having been boiled or otherwise preserved
3. No evidence of blue shell pigmentation
4. Eggs that are not from Ameraucanas