Generally speaking ...

[Quack House]

What makes a good chicken? I am familiar with dog judging, and apart form breed specifics, there are a lot of common basic structural standards that all breeds should demonstrate. For instance an good front assembly is pretty much the same in all breeds. (even horses ... )

So what, if any, are the common standard *must haves* for chickens? How do I know I'm looking at a good chicken, without zooming in for a closer look, so to speak? I realize each breed will have specific characteristics, but apart from that, a good hen should stand out. What are those stand out qualities?

Thanks,
QH

 

[Basil G]

Well if you want to talk about judging (I think that's where the first paragraph was going) The bird should not be deformed. I have shown in local fairs and that's what they look for. They should look clean (because that shows that someone has taken the time and effort to care for the bird.
If you are buying listen to the birds (for their breathing/breathing problems) Watch the chickens to see if they are active. if you want them for eggs then you can use a technique I've learned in showmanship. If the sell allows you to pick up the birds you can check for mites and find out how flexible the pubic bones are (this tells you if the hen/pullet is in lay and how old the bird is)
Again for egg layers look at the colour of their comb, if they have a really red comb then they are most likely in lay, if you got black comb chickens this doesn't work obviously.