Ermine varieites of Ameraucana and Olive Eggers will not be available until Summer 2025 while we expand and sort through our flock.
 
The Ermine is a new project variety of the Ameraucana. The beautiful black and white pattern reminds me of the spots on a dalmation. Unlike the similar Splash variety which has splotches of grey throughout the feathering, the Ermine has feathers that are completely white or completely black. It makes for a stunning pattern. Birds are a good size and have the traditional muffs and beards that Ameraucana are known for. This is a project variety and we are still working on perfecting the type and egg color. Eggs from this breed may be blue or have a greenish tint. The Ermine color does not breed true. Our breeding pens are set up with Ermine roosters over Ermine and black hens. The chicks that hatch from these eggs can hatch black, Ermine, or dominant white. Dominant white birds carry two copies of the West Indies dominant white gene. Ermine birds carry one copy. Black birds carry no copy and are essentially the same as every other black Ameraucana. Black Ameraucana from Ermine lines will NOT pass on Ermine genetics. West Indies dominant white is not the same as dominant white in White Leghorns. It is also not the same as regular white Ameraucanas which are usually recessive white. 
 
Ameraucanas and other breeds bred from the Ameraucana (like some varities of Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers, and Whiting True Blues) have a genetic predisposition for crossbeak. The genetics for crossbeak are linked to the genes that are responsible for muffs in Ameraucana and tufts in the original Araucana. Most chicks with crossbeak will die during incubation. Some may hatch with crossbeak. Others may develop it as the chick grows older. Crossbeak chickens will need extra care in feeding but they can live full, normal lives. In purchasing chicks or eggs from this breed, you acknowledge that you understand the possibility that crossbeak may occur and you will not be eligible for refunds or exchanges. We do not recommend using crossbeak birds in breeding and we will not take the chickens back due to biosecurity.
 
Purpose: Eggs
Type: Project
Egg Color: Blue, Green
Egg Production/Year: 250
Egg Size: Medium to Large
Adult size: Rooster: 7lbs, Hen: 6lbs
 
ALL ORDERS FOR HATCHING EGGS AND/OR CHICKS ARE PREORDERS ONLY. Placing an order reserves your place in line. Orders must be paid in full at the time of purchase. Hatching and collecting eggs depends on the weather, fertility, and when hens lay. We cannot guarantee a specific date, only a spot in line. Be prepared to receive your order at any time during the season. You will be contacted when your order is next up in line. If you cannot take your hatching eggs or chicks for any reason, you will be moved to the next hatch date. We will allow up to 3 reschedules, after which, the amount paid and the items in the order are considered forfeit. No refunds. We have a limited number of hatching eggs and chicks each year. When you reserve eggs or chicks, you are keeping others from being able to place their order.
 
There are no returns or refunds. We only issue refunds if we cannot fulfill your order by the end of the 2025 season. Hatching eggs are sold in either 1/2 dozen or 1 dozen. We only ship within the state of California. If you have a shipping address that is outside of California, your order will be cancelled. If you'd like to have your hatching eggs or chicks shipped, please add the appropriate shipping at checkout. Minimum of 6 chicks and maximum of 12 chicks for shipping. Maximum of 2 dozen hatching eggs per order. If you need to order more than this, please place multiple orders. Otherwise, choose "Pickup". When your order is up next in line, you will be contacted with a pickup date.