Here is my philosophy. I used a strategy to develop this based on judging according to SOP. I am a list person, and needed something to go by. I couldn't find one that made sense to me, so I developed my own. I read the first forty pages of the SOP (and continue to do so, over and over) and then looked at the point system to determine what is, or is supposed to be, given the most weight (in non-white birds) and I put them in order based on that. On MY list, I included what the SOP says is the ideal for the Campine in each area. I won't type all of that, you can find it in the SOP.
1. Health, vigor, and production are paramount.
2. Strive for ideal in a) shape, b) size, and c) color (in that order.)
Look at what SOP calls for in these areas (in this order)
SHAPE - in three groups that have similar point values
Back
Breast
Body and Fluff
Legs and Toes
Comb
Tail
Wings
Skull and Face
SIZE - 6lbs for cocks and 4lbs for hens. ( I whole heartedly agree with Preston on this, most Campines are too small and I strive for the ideal weight as my minimum. being a few ounces over the ideal is no different than being a few ounces under. However, the larger bird is preferred in the show. Everyone, including the judges, likes larger birds, but keep in mind that Camipines are supposed to be medium sized, close feathered, large fowl.)
COLOR - I understand why most people advise to "build the barn before you paint it," but when you are looking at each part of the bird, you need to be considering color as well. I wouldn't keep a bird with a correct back if it were not barred. I would keep the better colored breast over the same shaped breast with poorer coloring. The second section requires attention to color in Fluff, Legs, and Comb, as well as the last one, Face. Shape is the first consideration, but color is important, too.
This strategy has not been proven, but it is what I intend to use. Feel free to use it or ask questions. I hope this helps.
1. Health, vigor, and production are paramount.
2. Strive for ideal in a) shape, b) size, and c) color (in that order.)
Look at what SOP calls for in these areas (in this order)
SHAPE - in three groups that have similar point values
Back
Breast
Body and Fluff
Legs and Toes
Comb
Tail
Wings
Skull and Face
SIZE - 6lbs for cocks and 4lbs for hens. ( I whole heartedly agree with Preston on this, most Campines are too small and I strive for the ideal weight as my minimum. being a few ounces over the ideal is no different than being a few ounces under. However, the larger bird is preferred in the show. Everyone, including the judges, likes larger birds, but keep in mind that Camipines are supposed to be medium sized, close feathered, large fowl.)
COLOR - I understand why most people advise to "build the barn before you paint it," but when you are looking at each part of the bird, you need to be considering color as well. I wouldn't keep a bird with a correct back if it were not barred. I would keep the better colored breast over the same shaped breast with poorer coloring. The second section requires attention to color in Fluff, Legs, and Comb, as well as the last one, Face. Shape is the first consideration, but color is important, too.
This strategy has not been proven, but it is what I intend to use. Feel free to use it or ask questions. I hope this helps.
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