can anyone tell me what my handsome Roo is?

[aoxa]

It's standard only if you show.  Dubbing in no way changes the qualities otherwise in the chicken...as in other species.  In dog showing, many are taking a stand and showing dogs naturally..docking/cropping does not change the dogs conformation just the way it is viewed.  Sorry, I guess this is a pet peeve and I shouldn't take it out on you.  I just don't like animals hurt for the sake of looks.

That's why when I picked a breed to show, I went with one that is shown natural.

I don't believe that dubbing is just for show purposes. OEG have very large combs and can suffer from frost bite very easily in a cold climate. That is another reason one may dub. I would not do it personally.. But there are other reasons why one would do it.

 

[leadwolf1]

That is true and in some areas of the country it could be for the best...but, I am not sure if that is the reason behind it being in the breed standard. They are normally written up for show purposed only. Not for the backyard owner that just loves having them around I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't want new members thinking that they are doing something wrong by not having their chickens dubbed...and by using the words, they are supposed to be, leads one to think that not to dub is wrong.

I don't believe that dubbing is just for show purposes. OEG have very large combs and can suffer from frost bite very easily in a cold climate. That is another reason one may dub. I would not do it personally.. But there are other reasons why one would do it.

 

[aoxa]

That is true and in some areas of the country it could be for the best...but, I am not sure if that is the reason behind it being in the breed standard.  They are normally written up for show purposed only.  Not for the backyard owner that just loves having them around   I'm not trying to be difficult, I just don't want new members thinking that they are doing something wrong by not having their chickens dubbed...and by using the words, they are supposed to be, leads one to think that not to dub is wrong.

I agree, no they are not 'supposed' to be dubbed. I actually prefer the more natural look.

To all your own. You are not wrong if you dub, and you are not wrong if you don't. There isn't a norm here. I believe more people just own them then show them, therefore a good % of them are not dubbed.

Dubbing did start because of cock fighting, which I know we can all agree is wrong. I don't know why they have to be dubbed to show.. Doesn't seem to be sending the right message does it?

 

[leadwolf1]

My thoughts exactly.

I agree, no they are not 'supposed' to be dubbed. I actually prefer the more natural look.
To all your own. You are not wrong if you dub, and you are not wrong if you don't. There isn't a norm here. I believe more people just own them then show them, therefore a good % of them are not dubbed.
Dubbing did start because of cock fighting, which I know we can all agree is wrong. I don't know why they have to be dubbed to show.. Doesn't seem to be sending the right message does it?

 

[chicks4fun]

Mine can be easily carried around and cuddled by my 8 yr old. They are tiny little guys...not much larger than my serama roo. He may be a mix but, at that size, he isn't pure.

This is my self blue OEGB on my deck post...not the greatest picture, sorry, but I think you can get the feeling of size. He is a year old.

he's a beautiful bird!
love his color

 

[hdowden]

supposed to be by breed standard yes, is it a must no. i only dub the ones i plan on showing or have shown and currently i have at least one that needs to be dubbed and i haven't decided on my mille yet, he would be fine for a 4-h show if my kids want to show him he will be dubbed for showing.

 

[chicks4fun]

Thanks for all the information on dubbing. I certainly learned something new today. I guess it's a difficult subject and we all have our opinions.
When Romeo was found by my friend his comb was starting to turn black from the cold. I think he had been on his own for a while and left to the elements It wasn't severe so I put some ointment on him & watched it. Luckily he didn't have any lasting effects and it looks good now.
I keep my birds in a coop at night and when it gets cold I put a heat lamp inside with them. I can see the issues for their health after seeing the effects the cold had on him. I also understand people like to show birds and there are those standards to deal with. I guess when you get used to a certain look that seems right. I'm sure a doberman just wouldn't look like a dobi with a tail and floppy ears.
My bird will stay the way he is, but to each his own. I read it doesn't hurt them, yet would be too difficult for me to do this personally. Plus he doesn't like being handled and it would surely make him nuts to be held down and cut on. They would have to sedate us both--

Thank you all for trying to figure out what he is.

 

[hdowden]

he sure does sound like a game breed great for free ranging flocks due to alertness and flightiness. my games are the hardest to catch out of all of my chickens and my ducks.

 

[chicks4fun]

he sure does sound like a game breed great for free ranging flocks due to alertness and flightiness. my games are the hardest to catch out of all of my chickens and my ducks.

He is so vigilant. Always looking out for his girls. If I feed treats he picks up pieces and drops them in front of one of his hens. My birds are free range. I can't catch him either, we could only catch him to bring him here at night.
He may be a mutt but he's a keeper. He has saved my girls more than once. One evening he flew up onto my deck & made so much noise I came out to see chickens running in all directions & young fox heading into the yard! I ran after the fox and he took off and I didn't loose one chicken. Another time a hawk was in the trees and he made such a fuss that all the girls ducked under bushes, the deck or back into the coop, and again after I came out and brought our dog the hawk finally left. No pedigree can replace that kind of warning system for hen safety.

 

[jreynolds]

Chicks4fun - I'd say you've got a keeper in that roo! Who cares what his breed is when he's that great around your girls! I've got 2 young cocks in with my pullets right now...waiting to see what their temperament's will be. I hope I get one as good as yours!