chickens age & showing at the fair **Lots of Pics added!**

[tgrlily]

I'm attempting to decide which chickens to enter at the NYS Fair. The entries need to be in tomorrow & I've been attempting to evaluate them --- I'm going to have to post pics to ask for help, because my head is now spinning from staring at them & the 250 pics I took today!

My chickens hatch dates range from February 13th to May 28th. The Fair starts on August 27th.

What is the absolute youngest you can (or should) enter?

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

If you are showing at an APA show, and have APA recognized breeds, then 6 months is the absolute minimum I show.

In all honesty, I hate showing birds even that young, but I like to get them prepared for when they're older so they don't spaz out with the judge.

9 months is usually when I like to show them, but some breeds take longer.

 

[tgrlily]

That's a bummer.... my kids are stoked to show at the Fair. I was under the impression that 4 months old was ok.

 

[poultryhaven]

Umm well if its for your kids go ahead and do it. You probably won't win but they will have fun

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Some breeds mature more slowly/rapidly than others--what breeds are you considering showing? Can you post a few of the photos?

 

[pips&peeps]

Most County Fairs require the bird to be four months old.

I have shown pullets and cockerels that are around 5 months old and have won BV or BB, so I don't think they need to be too old. Just mature.

 

[tgrlily]

Sammy's silkies are between 3 & 5 months old right now.

Oldest boy - "Chickenmonster" hatched in Feb

Rafiki a few weeks ago Hatched in Feb

Oscar hatched early March

The whites hatched in early April... there are 2 that I think are worth showing.

The blue & spash girls hatched in March

Thanks!!!

 

[tgrlily]

Here are some of the others under consideration. The Brahmas are probably too young, but they're enormous. Noah can get away with showing the Dorkings as a Junior & I think because of their rarity.... I hope so anyhow. They are all growing so fast right now. I have very pretty buff Brahmas, but I'm not happy with their size.

The Hamburgs hatched early Feb... they're petite but I think very pretty

The Light Brahmas & Dorkings hatched in April... the Brahmas are camera shy!

Petra is a Single comb Red Dorking Pullet

Rex is also a Single comb Red Dorking, he's with a Birchen Dorking

Brahma pullet with Dorking for size contrast... they hatched the same day!

Wish I could show these Blue Orps... but they were hatched the end of may... they are going to be HUGE!

 

[9moon]

hi everyone,

im still tryin to learn breeds here.. can anyone help me out??

last friday, a friend gave me this 2 week all lil chick and it has a black beak, black legs, and black body with yellow belly.. this also is a very hyper lil chick as it often would try to jump out of its box..

each time it sees my lil 6 year old girl, it would chase her around..

any ideas anyone??

 

[loverOFchickens]

I think they look old enough.

Also 9moon you will probably have more luck if you start a new post under the breed and age section.
Pics would help.