Is this RIR worth showing

[TheChookChick]

I bought this RIR cockerel at an auction (mistook him for a pullet) and he is becoming quite beautiful. I was wondering if he would be worth while showing (to save myself the time effort and embarrassment) he is still young so his tail plumage and spurs haven't come in. Thank you in advance.

 

[Double Laced]

I would.

Although in the picture he seems a bit unbalanced ( big in the front) but this might change as he grows up.

See if you can find a breed standard online or get a picture of a previous winner and see how he compares.

 

[rebrascora]

He is very handsome, but don't RIRs have to have a single comb? I'm no expert in any way, but that was the one thing that struck me from the photo. But then again, maybe I'm mistaking the photo or there are different standards in the USA for RIRs. I know many people experiment with changing the comb on breeds, so maybe there are now different categories for such variations..... as I said, I'm no expert.

 

[Double Laced]

Hi, I think they are shown as heritage Rhode island reds.

 

[Toddrick]

I was thinking the same thing, his comb doesn't look like a RIR at all as far as I know. Mine has a single comb, I thought they had to have a single comb to be a true RIR (as it relates to showing). I'm no expert though, just a chicken owner, so I'm sure someone else can verify that. He is lovely.

 

[rebrascora]

Yes, I did some research after I posted and came up with that info re the rose comb variety. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and good luck with showing him. As I said, he is very handsome and in superb condition and in my humble opinion, a lot better than some of the birds I have seen awarded prizes at local shows. It would certainly be a sin to make roast dinner of such a stunner.

Regards

Barbara

 

[TheChookChick]

I'm over in Australia and I think they allow rose comb (don't worry, I'm no expert too!) anyway thank you for replying

 

[TheChookChick]

I probably would only show him at my local agricultural shows (I have never shown chickens before!) I will keep in mind what you have said, though he is still growing, (still a teenager) so perhaps his conformation will be a bit better when he is mature. Thank you for replying and for giving me a direction if I am to show him

 

[TheChookChick]

I also meant to add that he is of the bantam variety

 

[Fred's Hens]

Whenever people discuss whether a bird is true to breed, so much so that exhibition is considered, stating where one resides helps give better answers. I am completely unfamiliar with the Standard for the Red in Australia.

In the US, we have both single comb and rose comb. The Standard is identical, except for the comb. There is no such thing as "heritage". A bird is either standard bred or it is not. Heritage is essentially a marketing term and an attempt to express concern for livestock not commercial in nature.

Now, as far as the bird itself? Here in North America it would considered a cull. The type, the shape is all wrong. The body isn't the rectangular, brick shape that the breed requires. The back should be long, and flat. The bird has no RIR type to speak of, sorry.

Bantam and Large Fowl must follow the same Standard. The only difference is the weight requirement.