Commerical Hen???

wislandchickens

In the Brooder
6 Years
Jul 15, 2013
38
0
29
Washington State
I'm still pretty new to showing our chickens, and so I have a question.
Just got back from fair, and we did fairly well. But one of our chickens(Barred Rock) placed 2nd,and
on the note card it said....Commerical Bird.
What does that mean?
barnie.gif
 
I'm still pretty new to showing our chickens, and so I have a question.
Just got back from fair, and we did fairly well. But one of our chickens(Barred Rock) placed 2nd,and
on the note card it said....Commerical Bird.
What does that mean?
barnie.gif
There are two types of poultry: Commercial or production poultry, and fancy or exhibition poultry. Commercial poultry are bred by hatcheries and other large organizations to lay eggs. There is little, if any, emphasis towards breeding for show-quality appearance and type (shape). Consequently, a lot of hatchery birds are smaller than they are supposed to be, lack the correct type (type is the body shape that distinguishes different breeds of fowl), and often have less-than-perfect color patterns.

On the other hand, fancy or exhibition poultry are bred to be competitive at poultry shows. They are raised and bred by breeders who are constantly working to improve the type and coloring of their birds. Most exhibition quality birds have rather different type and coloring than hatchery quality, commercial type fowl.

One bird that is a classic example of commercial versus exhibition quality is the Rhode Island Red. Commercial Rhode Island Reds lay a lot of eggs, are a kind of light reddish brown color, and weigh 5-6 lbs (if that). The undercolor (color of that portion of the feather which isn't exposed when the feathers are lying in a normal position) may be a whitish red, and the legs, beak, and head lack size and thickness. Exhibition quality Rhode Island Reds are a deep mahogany red color, with thick, well-developed legs, beaks, and heads. They weigh 6 1/2-81/2 lbs, with dark red undercolor. While good layers, they lack the great egg production of commercial birds.

Barred Rocks, like yours, are another example. Exhibition quality Barred Rocks have striking barring and are heavy birds, with well-spread tails. Commercial Barred Rocks often have less prominent barring, lack size, and have triangular tails.

Commercial-type fowl make great backyard pets, and will provide plenty of eggs for a family. But if you want to compete well at shows, buying exhibition quality birds from breeders is a must. Despite your bird getting 2nd, I hope you had fun at the show!
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Thank you so much for your answer, that really helps!! We had loads of fun!!!!!!
I have a another question for you, if you a have a second...

How long does one have to breed their birds from hatcheries to get a show style bird.
We bought a Welsummer hen, who has one 1st place for two years in a row, and Best of Breed for one. We bred her with a beautiful Welsummer Rooster( that was purchased from a hatch) and have two beautiful pullets. So Are those still commercial Birds?
 
Thank you so much for your answer, that really helps!! We had loads of fun!!!!!!
I have a another question for you, if you a have a second...

How long does one have to breed their birds from hatcheries to get a show style bird.
We bought a Welsummer hen, who has one 1st place for two years in a row, and Best of Breed for one. We bred her with a beautiful Welsummer Rooster( that was purchased from a hatch) and have two beautiful pullets. So Are those still commercial Birds?
Depends on what they look like. Could you post photos of your birds? I would then be able to tell you if it was worth breeding from them. If you breed two commercial birds together, the offspring will likely not be improved, as bad + bad rarely equals good.
 
Thank you so much for your answer, that really helps!! We had loads of fun!!!!!!
I have a another question for you, if you a have a second...

How long does one have to breed their birds from hatcheries to get a show style bird.
We bought a Welsummer hen, who has one 1st place for two years in a row, and Best of Breed for one. We bred her with a beautiful Welsummer Rooster( that was purchased from a hatch) and have two beautiful pullets. So Are those still commercial Birds?

I would have to say that if any of its ancestors are from a hatchery, you are not likely to compete with any purebred! Connect with a breeder, get a hen and a good rooster to start with. If you plan on showing steer clear of commercial birds!
 

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