I would love to Show My Chickens - Where do I start?

[mbenker]

Hi all. I am new to the forum and to chickens. I just started my first flock and would really like to learn about showing. I am not certain that there are many options for showing around here except the fair once per year. We live in San Diego, CA. Does anyone know of any shows around here besides the fair? I am not certain if my chickens are of show quality or not, but I certainly would love to try. What is required of the chicken when showing? Do they just stay in a cage, or how does it work? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[mbenker]

This is my rooster whom I hope to show if he is of quality. He is a Blue Laced Red Wyandotte.

 

[tandersphoenix]

Hi, the advice I would give you is to go to your fair or the show you spoke of, look at the birds that are there and talk to some of the breeders. Most of them are happy to talk chicken!! That will help you see what all is involved and also see how your bird measures up. Most of the time for showing it is best to purchase your show stock from a reputable breeder, maybe some from the show? and start with those.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I don't know enough about show chickens to give an opinion on your bird. However, i suggest that you go to some shows and look.

Upcoming shows are listed in The Poultry Press (newspaper). On-line, Exhibitionpoultry.net usually has a fairly complete list of shows. At one point, Metzer was listing upcoming shows, but I haven't checked to see if he has kept it up.

If you go to the Where Am I Where Are You section of BYC and find the thread for your state, people will start discussion upcoming shows so you know when and where those will be.

If you are really interested, buy a copy of American Standard of Perfection from the APA.

 

[Brody's Broodello]

Also would like to add that the Blue Laced Red Wyandotte is not a recognized variety for the breed. They can be shown as an Any Other Variety class, but cannot compete for Best Of Breed. If you are interested in Wyandottes, you would be best to check out the Wyandotte Breeders Of America Club. They do have a website & you will be able to find Breeders in your area & district to help you in your pursuit of showing your birds. Good Luck

 

[maran man]

silkie showgirls or frizzle showgirls r the way to go with show chickens

 

[Bo Garrett]

I would recommend getting a subscription to the Poultry Press, which is a national show poultry publication that is mailed monthly. This can be done by going to their web site at www.poultrypress.com it is well worth the cost and there are many shows on the west coast that are advertized in the PP.
I typically don't recommend fairs unless they are large fair shows that are sanctioned by the American Poultry Association or the American Bantam Association, because the non-sanctioned smaller fairs generally lack in birds that meet the description for the breed characteristics in the APA and ABA Standards.
Also, by getting a subscription to the Poultry Press you'll see who is winning at the big shows across the country and possibly get connected to some reputable poultry breeders for show stock and breeding birds.
If you would like more information feel free to PM me.

Blessings,


Bo

 

[Me & Jack]

I would also recommend finding a copy or breed excerpt of the APA Standard of Perfection so that you know specifically what traits are important and why, as well as what traits are DQ's or defects. Find as much info about your breed as you can online, connecting with other breeders who show, and ask for advice, ask for comparison photos, ask for good-quality stock. Going to a show is a great way to learn but only if you find the breeders who will willingly give you lots pointers and advice. Some won't. But the single, best way to learn about showing and about your birds, IMHO, is to actually take them and show them. You may end up with some being DQ'd, or not placing, or even placing very well depending on your birds -- but from that and any judges comments you get you will learn. If you can chat with the judge after the show and ask what was it about your bird that affected his decisions you will learn a lot from him/her that will be invaluable. Good luck!

 

[NYREDS]

You've gotten some good advice. Go to shows & look around, talk to breeders at the show-most of us will talk about our birds all day & perhaps most important of all buy a copy of the Standard. You can't show without one.
Since no one has commented on your Wyandotte I will. Blue Laced Red is a fairly new variety in this breed & unfortunately people who breed them, for the most part, have concentrated on colour without any attention to type resulting in very few birds that actually look like Wyandottes. "Type makes the breed, colour makes the variety". The type on your bird is terrible to the point he might be disqualified for lack of breed characteristics. He's young & some may tell you to wait 'till he matures as he may improve. I've bred Wyandottes on & off for 25 years & trust me he won't. There are also those who will tell you to show him anyway as the experience will be fun. I don't see that. A show is a competition & who competes to lose? Chances are you'll lose anyway; most people do as there can only be one winner in the class but it's fun to at least be competitive & you won't be with that bird. In my experience people who show birds like that are quickly discouraged & stop showing. That's too bad because the fancy can always use more people.
As with most endeavors it's best to do some learning & preparing before jumping in. It increases your liklihood of success.
I'm not sure about the West Coast show season; I'm on the other coast but Walt Leonard, who posts here as fowlman1 is the District 8 Director for the APA. He's in Santa Rosa, CA. I suspect if you PM him he can tell you about upcoming shows & point you in the direction of some breeders near you.