Brown Red questions (Ameraucana)

[herechickchick]

I have some questions about Brown Red. First, I have been reading Brian Reeders book and it describes Brown Red as ER/ERs+/s+Ap/Ap (Ap is his nomenclature for Autosomal Pheomelanin). Now he points out there are some varieties that also have Di/Di (Dilute) like to OEGB but others like the BR cochin does not have Di/Di. So how do I know if my flock has Di or not? What is the difference and is one better then the other? Also the Brown Red Ameraucana needs work in getting the birds larger in size as they are quite small. Jean (pips&peeps) has suggested that we will have to bring in another breed to cross to get the size up, right? If so what breed would be the best to use. I also read from a prominent Ameraucana breeder that a good rule of thumb in breeding Brown Red is to breed and overly laced bird to an under laced bird to get the desired breast lacing in the offspring and that this is what game breeders have been doing for years to get the right lacing. Any additional thoughts?

My birds (I know the pictures are not great)

 

[pips&peeps]

I would prefer to outcross to another variety of ameraucana, but to which I do not know because I am very unfamiliar with the genetic makeup of this particular bird.

 

[herechickchick]

pips&peeps :

I would prefer to outcross to another variety of ameraucana, but to which I do not know because I am very unfamiliar with the genetic makeup of this particular bird.

Oh I thought you were suggesting a separate breed, sorry my mistake. Any thought anyone?​

 

[heritagehabitatfarms]

i am planing on getting some in the spring... any advise on a breeder to buy from??? i love the pics...

 

[Krys109uk]

Dilute (Di) is supposed to dilute pheomelanin to a light yellow. Your brown reds look as if they do not have Di but look dark enough to, possibly, have Mahogany (Mh). So I'd guess your birds to be ER, Mh.
To some extent autosomal red(s) is/are still being discussed. Imo gold birds would probably be expected to have autosomal red by default but silvers usually would not.

 

[hcammack]

Beautiful birds sorry im not a genetics buff. I love that they have the black copper color patern and are Ameraucana its just to cool!

 

[tadkerson]

I do not think that your birds or any birds that have blue shanks carry Di. Dominant dilute (Di) will inhibit the addition of black pigment (eumelanin) to the dermis: therefore the white shanks (with Di) and blue shanks (without Di). Secondly there is no gene called Ap for autosomal pheomelanin. Ap is the gene for apterylosis (sp?).

Tim

 

[Bantimna]

I really don't know but someone will be able to answer (there some experts on the BYC). But hope you get the right answer.

By the way pips&peeps has some good advice for you.

 

[pips&peeps]

I would prefer to outcross to another variety of ameraucana, but to which I do not know because I am very unfamiliar with the genetic makeup of this particular bird.

Does anyone have a suggestion?​

 

[tadkerson]

Jean and Here Chick Chick,

Do you have any breeds of ameraucana that are larger than the brown reds? If you do out cross, I would suggest using a black variety of bird. If you use a wheaten or brown it will create more problems down the road. If you can find some larger black ameraucana, that would be the way to go.

Tim