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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.”
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.”