advice for buying breeding stock at shows

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
There have been some very good points made here, from multiple perspectives. With out honesty, good ethics in most undertakings, it is destined for a short run. You bring up breeding to the standard. Now I don't know a great silky from a poor one, hell I'm not completely convinced their even really chickens, so I can't speak to that. But I have seen you listings of brahma eggs for sale, and I've seen a brahma or two. What a few folks have eluded to, but tactfully avoided coming right out and saying it is, you would do well to start over with quality stock from a top breeder.

I keep my Brahmas just for eggs. Those are my main egg layers. I don't breed those to show, never said that in any of my listings. NEVER stated they were for show or anything else. Never forced anyone into buying eggs. They are my egg supply birds period. I know my Brahmas aren't perfect or near show bird quality. They are not the breed I am focusing all my efforts on, just egg layers. Though I did take 3rd place pullet at the ENYSPA show last year in Cobleskill NY. Now, my silkies are my main focus. I carefully select my breeders, hatch out a bunch of chicks to raise so that I have enough to pick out some breeders for the following years, etc.

 

[cracked_egg]

I think that's a good question Katy! I am taking what they're saying as "you don't have to show to be a good breeder, but if someone wants to breed show quality stock and show, they should get their birds from a breeder who shows" and that a "top quality breeder will show".

It is funny to me the emphasis on breeding to standard, because it is the interpretation of the standard that seems to matter. If you read 3-4 breed standards for horses they sound so similar it would be hard to tell which breed they are the standard for, yet the horses themselves are way different. And, advances/improvements are being made, generally where we see those improvements is at shows. I raise horses, I don't show often, but when I do I do well, and try to sell the horses shortly thereafter. If I make 3-4 shows a year I'm doing good and happy. But I HAVE to take them to shows or they won't sell, plus, I kinda see it like that saying about progress, if you don't grow, only stay consistent, then you are actually regressing because the whole world is passing you up and achieving new heights (even if you were a leader before)...

There are plenty of people who do not show, but if we don't show (or attend shows to watch) how do we know how our stock measures up?

 

[cbbantams]

When I first started I joined our breed club,along with the ABA and APA.I tried to make as many shows as I could and talk to as many exhibitors as possible.When I was finally ready to buy my first breeders I went to the show records and started calling guys.My original breeders were from 3 of the top 5 breeders/exhibitors, in the country.I also made several new friends with these guys and I can call and ask them anything at any time.This is the kind of help you really need,Buying quality stock is only the beginning.The knowledge of these guys is worth more than any bird you could buy.So if you will do some research you may find alot more than just good birds to help you along the way.

 

[sonew123]

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I whole heartedly agree-as this is how I am. I have no interest in showing but I want the best just for me-and if I sell eggs on the side to help pay for those costs-Im good with that. Katy, your reputatuon follows you for the beauty of your birds trust me-showing or not-they are gorgeous!

 

[Katy]

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If the judges are judging to what the APA standard says then we should be able to know whether ours measure up or not whether we can attend shows or not. I realize that what the standard says is open to each individual judges perception, but when it gets down to it if they're judging by the standard it shouldn't differ very much.

I did seek out people who had shown and done well or at least had birds that came from a line that has been shown when I went looking for SLW breeders.

I'd love to be able to go to some shows, but other than our state fair there is only one show near me.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I whole heartedly agree-as this is how I am. I have no interest in showing but I want the best just for me-and if I sell eggs on the side to help pay for those costs-Im good with that. Katy, your reputatuon follows you for the beauty of your birds trust me-showing or not-they are gorgeous!

Thanks.

I just think its rather nuts to think a person can't possibly breed good birds if they don't do the show circuit.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

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Of course you do, you are in the egg selling business

Then the same goes for other quality breeders who also sell their eggs. There are many many, quality breeders out there who also sell excess eggs that they don't have room to incubate, or enough space to care for more chicks etc. Any money I do make from selling their eggs, goes directly back into the birds (food, bedding, etc). I find your statement very RUDE and ignorant! Plus, its much easier for me too sell hatching eggs, rather than to sell and ship live birds.

If you dont want to sell your eggs, I could care less, but dont go making generalized statements that every breeder who sells eggs is not a quality breeder. That is just wrong.

Thank you, Sundown. I agree.

 

[geebs]

I guess one should take the comment with a grain of salt... To those who it does apply to... They get it.. To those who don't... Your just not in the same place... Let it go already.

 

[Jmurcks]

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Eukanuba is a feed, and there are quite a few shows that they sponsor. Yes, each breed's national is a pretty big deal (in just about any species) and as far as dogs go Westminster is probably the most honored large show.

Many dog owners, breeders and handlers decide what show to go on based on the judge for their particular breed. At any given weekend there are generally 2-3 shows withing driving range, not to mention what is available if you want to fly. ... if you are really after points for a "special" (already has ampionship title) generally you will chase the big shows and do a lot of advertising therefore the judge doesn't matter as much (as hopefully the dog will see three different judges), but if you have a young dog/grump that needs championship points (rather than breed standing points) then the judge does matter.... Some like typie grump and clean movers, others like a real dog-y grump or a good side mover, just depends on judge, some are really fixated on the head piece, others will forgive a less than clean head, and it will still be within "standard"....

These are the kind details I'd like to learn about chickens, but maybe only years of experience will teach me these details?

I know Eukanuba is a feed... I meant more specific the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

What I meant was that to get an invitation to such a show is a big deal and is there an equivalent in the chicken world.

I know all too well about dog showing, too, and I am like you... I would love to know the ins and outs of the chicken shows, too!

 

[Ryu]

Quote:
Eukanuba is a feed, and there are quite a few shows that they sponsor. Yes, each breed's national is a pretty big deal (in just about any species) and as far as dogs go Westminster is probably the most honored large show.

Many dog owners, breeders and handlers decide what show to go on based on the judge for their particular breed. At any given weekend there are generally 2-3 shows withing driving range, not to mention what is available if you want to fly. ... if you are really after points for a "special" (already has championship title) generally you will chase the big shows and do a lot of advertising therefore the judge doesn't matter as much (as hopefully the dog will see three different judges), but if you have a young dog/grump that needs championship points (rather than breed standing points) then the judge does matter.... Some like typie grump and clean movers, others like a real dog-y grump or a good side mover, just depends on judge, some are really fixated on the head piece, others will forgive a less than clean head, and it will still be within "standard"....

These are the kind details I'd like to learn about chickens, but maybe only years of experience will teach me these details?

Ohio National is a good show to start, one of the best shows I've been to. A show with 2000-2500 birds is a pretty good group, but if you are the only one showing your breed there--then it's hard to say what you get out of it. I try to get to shows where there are 4 or 5 other exhibitors of my breed and variety. This is where joining a breed club is an advantage--you can see who showed where and when.