Best Pigeon Breed to Show if 4H

[muscovy94]

Hey what is the best pigeon breed to show in 4H? My kids have decided to be in 4H. Like what breed wins the most awards?

 

[truecolorsloft]

4-H is not about getting the "most awards" rather it's about building character. $-H shows will usually allow for mixed breeds(atleast her in Mass and NH. The kids are judged on how well they handle their birds. And their showman ship. Their projects are judges like any other bird in any bird show, but as far as "what pigeon breed is best." it's really up to you as the parent and the child, to choose what type of breed you want to care for most.

 

[fowler_chick]

Very well said True......

 

[truecolorsloft]

Quote:
thanks,
4-H alumni here, and middlesex county judge for many 4-H events. I'd still be in the program is they allowed adults

4-H has done so much for me.

 

[fowler_chick]

True...They don't have any open classes for the adults?, we do here in kansas....i more or less home school my daughter for 4-h due to lac of group leaders here....so i tend to enter my stuff in open class

 

[deerman]

There are a few breeds, that would not be good for first timers . Reason some take alot of care to keep in show condition. So I would say what breeds not to use for 4H.

Long feather legs for one. Unless they get lot of info from someone who show them.

 

[truecolorsloft]

Quote:
They do have classed, like old cock bird, medium faced crested helmet, etc. And the birds are judged based on the "standard of perfection." However, how the kid behaves and acts while in showmanship classes can easly effect how they do in the fair. I second Deerman's post. Go with a fairly "basic/non-fany" pigeon. I know of a kid here, who's swept the competition every year at the fair with his tumblers, and ringneck doves. But when he started out, he began with rollers and homers.

 

[gingernutranger]

Rollers are good for handling.

 

[chinbunny]

4h isn't about winning awards. its about learning. Plus you have to keep the birds in good condition in order to have a chance at winning anything. Most 4h shows where I am at also require the birds to be purebred. I would say hit up some local poultry and pigeon shows, and swap meets, and look and see what is available there. Just make sure whatever you buy is showable and purebred. You also want to be 100% sure you are sold a hen and a cock as well.

 

[truecolorsloft]

Quote:
As far as "purebred" i would contact the local extention office. Out poultry department allows for mixed breeds, and we also have specian classes, though not normally listed for mixed breeds, known as the "pet class." The 4-H office is paid to answer all your questions(my mother's worked for them for the past 10 years.) LOL