Once In a Blue Moon Farmstead

08/26/2024

Breeding Buff by Don Cable, 1994

My congratulations to Matt Berg on his champion Ameraucana bantam. It is gratifying to find buff moving into the champion category which has more often gone to wheaten and white. This is particularly impressive because of the relative short length of time that this variety has been in existence. Moreover, the champion bird came out of a class of twenty-two which speaks to the rise in popularity of the buff variety.

In as much as buff, like black and white, is a self color, it is often thought that it is relatively easy to produce since there is only one color to deal with and no intricate pattern to strive for such as lacing. Dealing with one color IS the problem. To achieve a uniform buff color throughout all sections is difficult and an ongoing challenge with this variety. In buff males, problems in color arise when hackles, saddles, and frequently flight and main tail feathers often develop a shade or two darker than the other sections. Females can develop the same faults, though more often less obvious. In either case, this destroys the overall uniform buff color desired.

Extremes in color are a problem as well. Some breeders place so much emphasis upon richness of color that they develop a family that moves from true buff, over a period of time, to a shade of buff approaching red. This reddish-buff is most obvious in the main tail and sickle feathers. The reverse is also true. It is also possible to lose color, particularly with when white begins to manifest itself into the buff. This problem can be detected by examining the feather shaft in the wings of birds losing the true buff color. White, not buff can be found in the shaft of these feathers and the same may be true of main tail feathers. Shafting may occur in other sections as well. Constant exposure to intense sunlight can also have a bleaching effect upon buff color including split and broken feathers across the back. Finally, s**t or black peppering in wing tips and tail may be another problem to have to deal with.

Maintaining overall uniform buff is the key to success. Some breeders advocate mating extremes in color to achieve a balance in the progeny, but most have success in mating birds of both s*xes havint the desired color and culling severely in the young produced by this method. Good buff color is not easy to produce and even more difficult to maintain, but when it’s right, it’s easily one of our most stunning varieties.

My congratulations also to those who took up the development of this variety and who have achieved so much in so little time. I think this is a tribute to the quality and skill of the breeders in this club. These people are second to none.

08/26/2024

I just returned from a business trip that landed me one hour from two ABC Board members! I am thankful for the people the hobby has brought into my life.

I was finally able to meet our ABC Western DD, Lacie Bateman, in person. She is a gem that has been a source of encouragement to me in the hobby for the past 9 years. Thanks for making life lighter with your positive demeanor Lacie. ☀️😁

I was also about to spend time with my Ameraucana mentor and best friend, ABC President Jean Ribbeck. I am super thankful for her. 😊

Thanks for making time for me during my trip ladies. 🐓

08/26/2024

Happy Sunday.

08/18/2024

A few breeders have asked about a proposed standard for the paint/erminette project color.

The plumage color “paint” in the ABA standard is created from one copy of the dominant white gene, which is what the paint/erminette Ameraucana is created from.

Frankly, the approved standard for the paint Silkie needs several revisions based on the verbiage that was accepted. Varying un-uniform or irregular spots is simply termed a splashed feather. I assume khaki coloring to likely be referring to the term brassiness which is a defect. The red coloring listed as a disqualification is correctly termed rust.

The plumage color “erminette” is a presently inactive plumage color in the ABA standard that is also created from one copy of the dominant white gene.

Frankly, the inactive erminette plumage standard was written ahead of its time in my opinion, before the terms mottling, spangling, and lacing were very clearly defined and researched genetically speaking. The impression of mottling, spangling and lacing that this plumage color describes is the result of irregular splashes of contrasting color created by the modifying genes.

The erminette plumage color should have been made active and tweaked and used for the paint Silkie, as we now have two plumage colors created from the same gene listed in the ABA standard.

Note that modifications to existing plumage color descriptions can be made, and often are. Consider for instance our wheaten Ameraucana, which refer to the wheaten plumage color with lighter shades in females preferred.

In 1940, F.B. Hutt set out to determine the genetic underpinnings of the presently unapproved historic Erminette breed. Mr. Hutt determined that the Erminette breed plumage color was the result of an unknown gene which he coined "Er" (Genetic nomenclature now lists Er as the designation for the Birchen base on the e-locus). In typical Erminettes, the plumage is predominantly white, with a proportion of feathers all black (or partly so) that differs among individual birds. Research in latter years clarified that the plumage color created in the historic Erminette breed is created from one copy of the dominant white gene (I) over the extended black e-locus gene. 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 plumage color for erminette/paint is produced in the heterozygous state as reflected in the genotype below:

EE ii (Solid Black)
EE Ii (Erminette)
EE II (Solid White)

So, what would be a realistic standard for a paint/erminette Ameraucana? The existing plumage color descriptions for paint or erminette can be revised to suit the following:

COLOR – MALE AND FEMALE

COMB, FACE, WATTLES AND EAR-LOBES: Red, except female earlobes to be very pale, matching color of the skin.

BEAK: Horn to black

EYES: Reddish bay

SHANKS AND TOES: Slate, bottoms of feet and toes white.

PLUMAGE: White with black feathers

UNDERCOLOR: White

DISQUALIFICATIONS: Any appearance of rust in the plumage. More than 50% black in the plumage.

OR

COLOR – MALE AND FEMALE

COMB, FACE, WATTLES AND EAR-LOBES: Red, except female earlobes to be very pale, matching color of the skin.

BEAK: Horn to black

EYES: Reddish bay

SHANKS AND TOES: Slate, bottoms of feet and toes white.

PLUMAGE: White with black splashes

UNDERCOLOR: White

DISQUALIFICATIONS: Any appearance of rust in the plumage. More than 50% black in the plumage

Below are some definitions of common poultry terms that breeders may find helpful while working with the project color and towards a proposed standard.

Splashed feather is one in which there are irregular splashes of contrasting color.

Spangled feathers are contrasting color at the extremity of a feather that are shaped like a well defined V.

Mottled feathers are feathers that are tipped with white.

The difference between mottling and spangling is that mottled feathers are on a variable percentage of feathers in plumage whereas spangled feathers are located on the tip of feathers.

Defect: Anything short of perfection.

Disqualification: Deformity or defect serious enough to debar a fowl.

*Note that “erminette” is a term for a plumage color as well as a presently unapproved project breed.

08/16/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hn9ANKnFxyxUk1v9/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Join the ABC between now and our 2024 national meet for your chance to win a $250 Visa gift card!

Dues start at $10! All new members are automatically entered into our new member prize drawing! You do not have to be present to win!

The purpose of the Ameraucana Breeders Club is to encourage the continued improvement of Ameraucana bantams and large fowl through breeding, exhibition, and dissemination of relevant information. Our new members receive a handbook that is packed with useful breeding information, quarterly newsletters, forum access, are eligible to earn exhibitor points and can qualify for rosettes. Members can list their hatching eggs, chicks, and adult birds for sale in our three Breeder’s Directories!

To join, click the following link!
http://www.ameraucanabreedersclub.org/membership.html

08/09/2024

08/02/2024

♥️

07/31/2024

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 s*x-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 s*x-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 and shank color changes gradually from light to dark with increased age up to 8 weeks. The Id and id+ genes behave in a s*x-linked manner and their locus is on the s*x 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 s*x-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!

07/26/2024

A breeder 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. 🙂

07/09/2024

A group of Ameraucana project chicks that recently hatched.

07/09/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zMnQSmQ1nQhq6U2k/?mibextid=WC7FNe

The ABC Board of Directors has approved another membership benefit for club members! Please join us as we serve our purpose!

An individual membership is $12!

http://www.ameraucanabreedersclub.org/membership.html

https://www.facebook.com/share/eA6e1zxCGMPEN6E7/?mibextid=K35XfP

07/07/2024

Bantam black Ameraucana male

07/05/2024

EDUCATIONAL POST:
CHOCOLATE AMERAUCANA
(*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) S*x chromosomes
2) Autosomes

S*X LINKED RECESSIVE CHOCOLATE:

S*x linked recessive chocolate (choc) is found on the s*x 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 while working with the project color do not have any copies of the choc gene.

Our chocolate Ameraucana are created from the s*x 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 s*x 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!

07/01/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9oCFkqPZjs39vb4H/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Join the ABC between 7/1 - 7/7 and receive a FREE egg color reference card!

The colors for our new egg color reference card were derived from Ameraucana eggshells and the samples are roughly 4x the size of the samples on our previous card. It is double-sided and printed on 5x7 cardstock!

Junior Membership: $10
Individual Membership: $12
Family Membership: $18

http://www.ameraucanabreedersclub.org/membership.html

The purpose of the Ameraucana Breeders Club is to encourage the continued improvement of Ameraucana bantams and large fowl through breeding, exhibition, and dissemination of relevant information. Our new members receive a handbook that is packed with useful breeding information, quarterly newsletters, forum access, are eligible to earn exhibitor points and can qualify for rosettes. Members can list their hatching eggs, chicks, and adult birds for sale in our Breeder’s Directories!

06/28/2024

THE AMERAUCANA HEAD

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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

06/26/2024

❤️

06/12/2024

A breeder asked about roach back.

It is a deformed, hu**ed back.

To assess for the disqualification, run your hand along the spine. In a bird with roach back, you will feel an arch/upward bend in the spine.

Here are some example photos of how the disqualification appears on top and under the feathers.

06/09/2024

Light Ameraucana project chicks from Steve Neumann. 🐥

06/02/2024

Happy Sunday! 🙏🏻 Great study on spiritual discernment this morning.

05/31/2024

PEA COMB ON AN AMERAUCANA

I've noticed several comments about the pea comb on an Ameraucana in recent weeks.

First, let's consider what the APA Standard says:

Male: pea, relatively small, higher in center than front or rear.

Female: pea, small.

What is the definition of a pea comb?

A pea comb by definition is a “medium length, low comb, the top of which is marked with three low lengthwise ridges, the center one slightly higher than the outer ones, the top of which are either undulated or marked with small rounded serrations.”

This means both a male and female Ameraucana comb call for three low lengthwise ridges.

We can also infer from the Standard verbiage that a male’s pea comb is “relatively small” whereas a female’s pea comb is “small,” meaning that an Ameraucana male’s comb should be slightly larger than that of a female.

The last thing we can infer from the Standard verbiage is that a male’s comb should lay closely to the head at the front and rear and be slightly higher at the center.

If you take a look at the portraits for the large fowl self blue Ameraucana that Diane Jacky recently completed for the APA Standard, she did a nice job of depicting how a pea comb should lay on the head of an Ameraucana.

We should keep in mind that the Standard was written for s*xually mature birds, not day old chicks or juvenile birds.

Some descriptive terms that you may find helpful are:

✔️ Small
✔️ Defined

When assessing your Ameraucana, keep in mind that combs are a relatively easy fix and a small point deduction under defects (up to 1 point).

The two disqualifications for a pea comb are a lopped comb and telescoped comb.

When the APA releases the next Standard be sure to buy a copy if you are interested in breeding Ameraucana to Standard.

https://www.facebook.com/share/zDcaMA6hxWQJsdaG/?mibextid=WC7FNe

05/22/2024

550 miles round trip today and I’m back in large fowl black Ameraucana. Be sure to check with Cackling Hens Farm for hatching eggs and chicks! Thanks Stacy!

05/20/2024

I wrapped up our APA yearbook ads for the ABC today! A genuine thanks to the individuals who helped make our large fowl splash Ameraucana approval process a success for the club and the breed. A big thanks to Jean Ribbeck for recommending that we pursue the approval process to meet a majority need for our ABC membership and for flying in to be present for the ABC and me at each prequalifying and qualifying meet. Thanks also to Paul Smith for helping lead the approval process. In addition, a big thank you to the breeders that signed affidavits to start the approval process. Lastly, a TREMENDOUS thank you to the exhibitors! Please make plans to show large fowl splash Ameraucana at poultry shows this year!

05/17/2024

Happy Friday! I received some project color Ameraucana eggs in the mail today from a chicken friend. 🪺 The Japanese candy for the kids was an added bonus. 😀 Be sure to check out Neumann Farms when you are in need of Ameraucana hatching eggs.

05/16/2024

A new breeder asked what “marking chicks” means.

Some breeders elect to permanently mark their chicks at hatch so they have knowledge of what breeding pen the chick was produced from.

The process is known as “toe punching” and causes minimal discomfort to the chick.

Using the chart below, you can mark the webs on a chick in 16 different combinations ranging from zero marks to all four webs being toe punched.

Toe punches are an alternative form of identification to leg and wing bands for those who don’t need their birds numbered and want the process to be fast and easy.

To toe punch a chick, you can use the following item:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01IFF8Z1M?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Hope this helps someone out there!