County Fair- Total Beginner thinking of entering a Buff Orp

[RekbaSkins]

Hi everyone,
Like I said above, I am a TOTAL beginner when it comes to chicken genetics and showing. I did have a thought of entering my buff orpington hen into the local fair- mainly because I think she is pretty (again, with my complete novice eye) and would love to have an experience like that during my lifetime.

I am wondering what are some simple guidelines to follow before entering her into a fair judging contest? I would hate to invest all that time just to be laughed off the stage!

Thanks for any help. I attached a few pics of the girl I had in mind (she is the sweetest thing, LOVES attention and will actively seek me out to pat her, lol)

 

[MoodyChicken]

That's a production type Orpington, she wouldn't show well. However, her coloring is really nice! You could enter her for fun, but don't expect to do well. If you want to show chickens and do well (which you should, it's super fun!) you'll have to invest in some good quality birds. Contact a breeder that raises the breed you're looking for and purchase a pair or trio.

She is a very cute chicken though.

 

[BoiseBubba]

personaly I think she would do great! She has the right amount of points ( 5 ) , right color, right leg color and good size, the only problem is the earlobes, they should be red not white

 

[MoodyChicken]

Quote:
She'll be docked really heavily for her tail though. Orps should have a round tail somewhat like a cochin's.

 

[RekbaSkins]

Thanks for the input

If I do enter, it would only be for fun. I would never expect to do well, just something for the scrapbooks!

Too bad there isn't a "sweetest chicken" entry- lol, no doubt she would win.

Thanks again, Rebecca

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I agree, looks like a production bird. She does have nice coloring, but she should look something similar to this:

 

[Master S.M.C]

You could purchase from a breeder, those birds will do a lot better in shows

 

[cgmccary]

I like your Orp. She has nice color. I have a production Orp too. She gets along with ALL the other hens and has a great disposition.

 

[flagday76]

She has really nice color! Very pretty, vibrant gold. Take her to the fair! It is for fun after all She may not clean up at a bigger show, but for fun at the county fair, go for it! Maybe if you have kids or know any 4-H kids, you could have them do showmanship with her. Just an idea

 

[MoodyChicken]

The good news is she'd probably do well because few people enter large birds. But keep in mind that she probably wouldn't do well in a larger show.