Any Shamo critique out there?

[WooingWyandotte]

Hello, I have a 16 wk old Shamo pullet. I bought her at a flea market and didn't realize what I bought. At first I thought I got a turkey, then I realized there is no way it was a turkey so I looked up different chicken breeds and came up with Shamo/Aseel, which she looks like.
If she is *please excuse the term* 'Show Quality' I would like to buy a nice cock to be her mate, but the problem is I don't know what she's supposed to look like. I know 16 wks is early, but please tell me what you can about her and this breed.

Thank you in advance.


Here she is standing up, sometimes she has really cool body carriage but didn't really get that in these pics.

 

[Illia]

Shamos and Asils are two different breeds

She looks nice so far, and she's young so she's still got some maturing to do. She herself can't be shown as a recognized color but her offspring with a Wheaten male can.



Because Oriental Gamefowl aren't bred for egg production or to the standard exactly, they really do vary a little, and her Wheaten color doesn't match the SOP even if it were Wheaten not Blue Wheaten. Personally I wouldn't worry though - Oriental Gamefowl like her are more for the preservation and love of the breed, less for showing.

Make sure her eyes are not red or brown in color.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Quote:
Thanks, her eyes are a little red/orange though. Not pearl or anything, is that a big deal? Or should I buy another pair that has the right eye color? And what is the difference between Shamos and Asils? It's kinda bugged me for awhile and now I'm finally asking

 

[gallorojo]

Eyes ought to be pearl. Maybe they will become pearl later, but, I doubt it.

The standard calls for pearl eyes.

OK, first, "Asil" is a very broad term, more like a type, class, or landrace. Yes, the APA has standardized ONE version of ASil, but, many many more exist. All it means is pure blood, or pure bred. It's simpler to tell you what Asil usually will have in common. Pearl eyes, hard feathering, eye centered in the face, beetle-browed, heavy head and beak, thick stout shanks, muscular breast, back sloping, tail usually below horizontal in mature males. Often have square shanks, and large or rough scales on the shanks.

A Shamo will be much more upright, almost penguin like in older males, longer legs, thinner overall, very prominent shoulders, tails well below horizontal. Generally more streamlined looking. Although I may add other types of Shamo exist that are heavier. Should have for sure pea comb, yellow legs, pearl eye, hard feathering.

Your pullet looks like a Shamo to me. As tou were told earlier, it's way to early to make any real critique of your bird. This is NOT a typical chicken, they are VERY slow growing. Please just enjoy her , she is lovely regardless of if she is SQ, or pure, or whatever. Good looking pullet-get back with us all in 6-8 months.

 

[Illia]

Also, Shamos originate more from the Thailand to Japan area, Asils are much broader but often based in the India region.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Quote:
Yeah, I kinda doubt that eye coloring will change. But, who knows? Meanwhile me and the rooster...

.....yes, he's quite a flirt, but we both love her very much. She's very sweet and will follow me around, so even if she's not SQ I'll still enjoy her a lot.
Thank you very much Illia and Gallorojo for your help, BYC is an awesome place. A lot of times better than Google, because I'm talking to people with experience and a love for these birds, more than Ehow or Wikipedia.
Will she still be ok to breed with the wrong eye color, or do you want to just breed Shamos with the pearl eyes?

 

[gallorojo]

All depends on your breeding goals and why you have them. For showing, it's a bad thing. But, you can keep and breed birds for many reasons other than showing. Also, if all you can find is her and a male with pearl eyes, you may be able to get pearl eyes in some of the babies. You buy the feed-if you are happy, that's what matters.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Quote:
Ok, I'm willing to pay up to $150 for a nice male, could I get one for that price? I know that pairs can be pretty expensive...

 

[Illia]

Yes, you can get a nice male for that price or even cheaper.

 

[WooingWyandotte]

Quote:
Do you know of any decent breeders that will be at the National Poultry Association in January?