fancy 4-H show chickens (new to chickens)

[pinkfeather]

Hi Micmoore!

I'm in 4-H (and love it!). For a showmanship bird, the smaller the better, so OEGs (Old English Game bantams) are good, D'uccles are pretty good, and Moderns game bantams are good. Those are all pretty common birds, the 1s that I just mentioned though, but they're small and work well for showmanship. As for fancy birds for breed, what ever tickles your fancy. I personaly like Seramas and Rosecomb Rhode Island Red bantams, but there are tons and tons of birds to chose from. Feathersite and the Henderson chicken chart are both good places to start.

Good luck

P.S just beware of Sebrights and Hamburgs

 

[scarter]

I let my kids pick what ever they want for the year. We have to have new birds every year in our county to show so they have loved picking different birds. I am concentrating more on showmanship than showing the birds for my kids so the breed isn't so important to me as their speaking to the judge and the audience. And of course knowing about caring for poultry. Sounds like you all will have a great year.

 

[Crunchie]

Oh, and if you let us know what state you are in, maybe someone in your area can point you in the right direction of some breeders.

 

[cottagegarden]

Micmoore-Your children have years ahead of them in 4H so its best not to rush into anything.
Once they get their chickens AND THEY HAVE NAMES..and they will...you will have these chickens for life. Its actually pretty funny how fast you can add to your coop, and how fast you get "overrun with chickens" so you want to make good choices. If you have under 3 months or so til your show you might want to take this time to learn about the breeds, health issues, and chicken care. Then your children can see them in person at the fair and ask questions. Also, you need to ask what the requirements are for showing you most likely need a blood test for AI and possibly vaccines done within a period of time of the show.
You can get birds from other people in your club, other shows, do a search for your state on any of the BST areas on here, craigslist, or start watching Eggbid.com to see what breeds your children like sell for. You will never regret getting the best quality you can b/c you wont have to move up as much. Really I cant stress enough that if these belong to the children BQ, SQ, or mixed breed
you are keeping them all ..forever..
My kids show Silkies(which can be an expensive habit for the better ones, but she is so passionate about her birds...) and Cochins. Our foundation Cochins were given to the kids by a very kind BYC member. Almost everyday I think fondly of her. I think once you start knowing breeders in your area people can be so very sweet to youngsters, esp if they are serious about involvement.
Good luck!!! Its a great family activity .

 

[Micmoore]

I am in Central Ohio. Any breeder suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Lacy

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Some breeders will give extra good prices to kids, but other have been scammed by that and won't. DIfferent breeders work with different breeds, so you need to narrow that down first.