I was wondering if Barred Leghorns can be shown as purebreeds or are they like "Project Birds"?
They may be shown (and should be) but cannot get BOB and APA recognition if they're large fowl. I have shown them several times in the past. As for the bantams, SC barred leghorns are recognized both by ABA and APA (I was instrumental in having them recognized at a show in WA state in the early 1990s). In order to make sure we would have enough birds I put up every bird (except 2) I had but brought home a bad disease and lost every one of them. It was quite devastating because I had put in many years of breeding to get to that point, and I subsequently lost touch with some of the other exhibitors (Mr. Hickman in Oregon passed away shortly thereafter). I have since redone the breeding program and finally this year have a pullet that shows a lot of promise, actually better than anything I had before. I believe I'll be able to breed some more of the same quality in the coming year.
Raccoons, dogs, and owls have made a major inroad in my large fowl barred, and I have only a single (old) hen left. A mating with a SC black leghorn did not produce the desired result, but I'll try again in the hope that she will still lay a few eggs this year.