My question is how do you decide if your bird is SQ I know you need the standards which I do have. From my understanding a bird can have defects. My question is a little hard to understand. For example the comb should have 5 points but only has 4 would you take a point away from the comb section or what. thanks for trying to understand
I think I understand your question. There are some things you can look at that ANY beginner can see (i.e. you do not have to be an expert).
First, is
color. Whatever the SOP description for the color of your breed, read that. Read what the color of the surface, tail, under-color, legs, eyes, earlobes -- all the color description. Make sure, for example, if your bird is all black, that you go and read the definitions of black in the SOP.
Second, Read all the
definitions for the descriptors that relate to your breed. There are definitions for everything such as, "horn," "condition," "lustrous," "mahogany," "mealy," "metallic cast," "mottled,"and "rich" etc. For example, if you have a laced breed, you need to know what "mossy" means.
Third,
weigh your bird. There are cockerel. pullet, cock and hen weights. See how close you are to those things. There are deviations allowed in weight -- read the SOP and what it permits.
Fourth, another easy thing for a beginner to see is
tail angle. See if your bird has the proper tail angle (or is at least close).
Fifth, know the defects in the SOP that will disqualify you: such as, "Squirrel tail," Split wing," "wry tail," "Slipped wing or twisted feather." All of these things are real easy. If you get past this set of standards, then you are probably safe to show.
Things such as whether you have a medium shank length, a long enough back, proper body depth and width, properly shaped head for your breed, etc. -- these things can take more time and experience. Likely, if those easy "beginner" things are lining up (i.e. color,definitions,weight, tail angle and no disqualifications), then likely, your other traits are good enough to show.
Lastly, your bird needs to be in the best feather condition as possible. This relates to their general good health from good diet and proper care (as well as genetics).
When I showed the first time, it was at 2009 Ohio National in Columbus. I had never seen a Buckeye in a show so I did not know if mine were up to par. I knew that I had the above easy/ beginner qualities covered. Other than my own, I had only seen a couple of other Buckeyes, in person, ever ( & a picture here or there). The prior shows I had been to observe had no Buckeyes. The three Buckeye cockerels I showed that first time did well taking the #1,#2 & #3 cockerels and the #1 was Best of Breed that year -- so you will never know unless you show. Of course, there were only about a couple dozen Buckeyes in that show. Hope this helps you.
