A follower asked if I could discuss Ameraucana chick phenotypes for approved color varieties. I am happy to do so!
Let's start with self blue Ameraucana.
Self blue Ameraucana are created from two copies of the lavender gene. The lavender gene is an autosomal recessive gene. The lavender gene does not have an effect on plumage in the heterozygous state.
Two copies of the lavender gene dilutes black to a medium shade of clear blue.
Our self blue Ameraucana are typically based on Extended Black (E). Extended Black results in chick down that is darker on the top and lighter underneath. This means it is okay for your day old self blue Ameraucana chicks to have white to yellow underbellies.
I select for black beaks at hatch. When I first began working with self blue Ameraucana a decade ago, I would occasionally see horn colored beaks at hatch. I continually selected against it to achieve chick uniformity in my flock. It has been many years since I have hatched chicks with horn colored beaks. Technically speaking, the standard calls for horn to black beaks.
Extended Black will create very dark shanks in our self blue Ameraucana. It is okay if color has not fully extended down the shanks and toes at hatch. Give it time. Shanks will typically darken fully after the first several weeks. Always remember that the Standard was written for sexually mature birds.
Are there other things you can pay attention to in your day old self blue Ameraucana?
Yes.
Good head width, beak placement, & muff and beard expression can all be observed and selected for at hatch.
