Quote:
Everything said above is correct. I have followed youth poultry for a while and can say many of the colors/varieties are too difficult for many beginners. Stick to the approved list of varieties. I always recommend a solid color bird for first show birds for the following reasons:
1. Because of the way birds are judged solid color birds take fewer deduction and generally have the best type. This means they have a better chance of winning. It is not important that a child wins but they must always know their birds are good and have a chance. It is also easier to decide which birds to keep because there are less hard decisions to make.
2. They are easier to breed and get SQ birds. I raise Black and only need to hatch 20 or so to get some real show prospects. I also raise Columbians and hatched 80+ this year and will get none as good of type as my Blacks. I also have Partridge but have not raised enough to use them as a comparison, but from what I see I will also have to hatch quite a few of them.
3.I define solid color birds as Black, Blue. White, Buff and recommend them in that order. I would also throw Mottled in there but only if they come from a top breeder to start with. There are other SQ birds out there in other varieties but most are not for a beginner.
If you need help finding a breeder of the variety you decide upon please PM me and I will help point you in the right direction. I am talking about breeders who win and don't advertize.
Craig
