Our American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection reflects that a crooked toe is a defect that results in a .5 to 2 point deduction per toe. Are you curious about the cause of crooked toes in poultry? Numerous scientific studies have been completed on the defect. I reviewed several of the studies and have summarized […]
Crooked Toes in Poultry Read More »
I have come across several posts from Ameraucana breeders asking if their chicks can be feather sexed. Feather sexing using sex-linked genes related to feather development is a widely used chick sexing method in the poultry industry. In order for feather sexing to be accurate, it must be specifically bred for and involves controlled matings
Feather Sexing in Poultry Read More »
Several scientific studies completed in the early 1900s, including those by Bateson (1902), Hurst (1905), and Hadley (1913), found that the white Leghorn carries an autosomal gene capable of inhibiting the development of black pigment in plumage. Hadley (1913) designated this gene as “I” (inhibitor of black pigment), otherwise known as the Dominant White gene.
Dominant White in Poultry Read More »
Are you working with a breed that calls for muffs and a beard? Would you like to learn more about the genetics of muffs and beard (Mb)? Muffs and beard (Mb) is known as an autosomal incomplete dominant trait. It is an observable physical characteristic involving elongated feathers that form on the side of the
Muffs and Beard: The Genetics Read More »
Many times a year, I see posts and questions about the shank color of wheaten, blue wheaten, and splash wheaten Ameraucanas. Posts like: “Why do my day old wheaten and blue wheaten chicks not have slate shanks?” “Why am I seeing variations in the amount of pigmentation on my wheaten and blue wheaten Ameraucana shanks?”
Shank Color of Wheaten Ameraucana Varieties Read More »
Many individuals are curious about the difference between birds with self-blue plumage color and blue plumage color. Crossing blue birds with self-blue birds is typically discouraged as the offspring produced do not adhere to the standard for those breeds that have the two color varieties approved. Let’s explore the differences in the blue gene (Bl)
The Blue Gene and Breeding Poultry Read More »
The ABC (Ameraucana Breeders Club) is currently completing a color variety approval process with the American Poultry Association on the large fowl splash ameraucana. The first pre-qualifying meet was held in Norman, Oklahoma on November 6, 2020, which was a success. The second pre-qualifying meet for the large fowl splash variety will be held at
Splash Ameraucana Large Fowl Approval Process Read More »
I have come across several inquiries asking questions about cross beak and its origin. Numerous scientific studies have been completed on the subject. I reviewed several of the scientific studies on this defect and summarized the results below. Research on Cross Beak Landauer reported that the frequency of eye abnormalities with cross beak present is
This article reviews the biochemical and physiological characteristics of the blue eggshell, characteristic of Araucana and Ameraucana chickens. Numerous studies and scientific advances have occurred which have gradually increased our knowledge of the blue-green pigments that create a blue eggshell. It is important to note that the pigment has been renamed several times over the
Blue Eggshell: What Pigments Create This? Read More »
