Absolutely Refusing the Standard of Perfection - OEGB

Hello all! I have a question about absolutely refusing to follow the Standard of Perfection for my Old English Game Bantams. From what I understood (from what I was informed recently) that it is now a disqualification to show an Old English Game Bantam which has not been dubbed. Would you still continue to show these birds because they are, technically, being bred to standard? How would you market the babies?

Refusing the standard is a no-no for me at least. You would have to only show young ones until they are required to dub. Honestly I see more benefits in dubbing health-wise because the comb can transmit disease. On the other hand there are much more severe refusal's to the standard than dubbing saying that none of it's genetic. Plus dubbing is becoming illegal since it's associated with cockfights. This is where old english are shown less and when they are shown they are young. But if you don't believe in dubbing do show them as youngsters and use the best of the best for breeders.

PalmRoyal said:

Hello all! I have a question about absolutely refusing to follow the Standard of Perfection for my Old English Game Bantams. From what I understood (from what I was informed recently) that it is now a disqualification to show an Old English Game Bantam which has not been dubbed. Would you still continue to show these birds because they are, technically, being bred to standard? How would you market the babies?

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It has always been a disqualification. Cockerels must be dubbed by 6 months or November. All cock birds must be dubbed. This has always been the case; there's no news here. Perhaps, you've just learned something you didn't know before.

Games have always been dubbed. If you'd rather not dub, there are dozens of undubbed breeds from which to choose.

Best of luck!

Twistedfeather said:

Refusing the standard is a no-no for me at least. You would have to only show young ones until they are required to dub. Honestly I see more benefits in dubbing health-wise because the comb can transmit disease. On the other hand there are much more severe refusal's to the standard than dubbing saying that none of it's genetic. Plus dubbing is becoming illegal since it's associated with cockfights. This is where old english are shown less and when they are shown they are young. But if you don't believe in dubbing do show them as youngsters and use the best of the best for breeders.

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How do they transmit disease? If this is true, then why aren't more chickens dubbed? Sorry if this is a stupid questions. I can see dubbing being used in much colder climates where there frostbite is common.
However, your idea is a very excellent idea on how to show them! Thanks!

Yellow House Farm said:

It has always been a disqualification. Cockerels must be dubbed by 6 months or November. All cock birds must be dubbed. This has always been the case; there's no news here. Perhaps, you've just learned something you didn't know before.

Games have always been dubbed. If you'd rather not dub, there are dozens of undubbed breeds from which to choose.

Best of luck!

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Thanks! I was told that they are changing it so that the cockrells must be dubbed as well. I do not see the point in dubbing a chicken when there is no need to. I would be more willing to dub them if there was a legitimate reason that it is best to. However, from my understanding, OEGB are only dubbed to keep in the tradition of cockfighting, correct?

Be careful talking about cock fighting. It is against BYC site rules.

It may be difficult for a newcomer to respect an age old tradition. Like YH mentioned, there are several other options that can be raised and shown without dubbing the birds.

It is not illegal to dub birds here, and I hope that it never is. We do not need anyone telling us how to raise our birds. Those dubbed little gamecocks are some of the healthiest, well kept, and conditioned birds out there.

I could see why someone would prefer not to dub. I do assure you that within the hour, the bird would not care either way. They do not feel sorry for themselves, or look vainly into a mirror.

You can certainly enjoy raising them without dubbing them. They are delightful little birds. They are not y breed of choice, but a son of mine enjoys a nice pair. They have been a pleasure to have around. Dubbed or not.

I don't like having to dub birds for shows, but they definitely look "cleaner" and it improves the overall appearance of the bird.

I don't raise games, so take my input as you will. But, seems to me you have a choice...you can either raise and breed this type of bird, and just not show them, or if you want to show your birds, pick another type. I believe there are lots of folks raising heritage/farm-type birds to the Standard, pretty serious breeders, who don't really show much for various reasons. You can still breed the birds you love, and breed to the Standard, and market them as such. Anyone interested in your birds who would understand what the showing titles meant would also understand you choosing not to show them.

donrae said:

I don't raise games, so take my input as you will. But, seems to me you have a choice...you can either raise and breed this type of bird, and just not show them, or if you want to show your birds, pick another type. I believe there are lots of folks raising heritage/farm-type birds to the Standard, pretty serious breeders, who don't really show much for various reasons. You can still breed the birds you love, and breed to the Standard, and market them as such. Anyone interested in your birds who would understand what the showing titles meant would also understand you choosing not to show them.

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Very true, Donrae. I don't show for 3 reasons: money, time, and I don't want to bring a disease back to my poultry yard.
Mostly, it is the disease worry. I didn't show my collies for the same reason. But I did put them ( and am putting the birds)
in the hands of people who do show. I am more than happy to watch someone else win with my birds or dogs. I am glad
they had a show animal which was worthy, Glad I planned and chose wisely to produce it. Glad the owner was successful
with developing their show skills and tickled pink by the joy of their win. It's enough for me.
Best,
Karen

You could show Dutch bantams. They look the same, but don't get dubbed for show