Just Wanting to Know What You Think

[azhenhouse]

My son is starting 4-H and rather than showing chickens he wants to show ducks. What do you think is the right duck breed for him?

 

[Wifezilla]

Will the ducks be just for show or do you want to get some use out of them such as eggs or meat?

 

[treldib]

Welsh Harlequin's will surely wow the judges (scroll down a bit for pics)

Ducks are wayy fun...good luck!

 

[Bleenie]

If you're just getting them for show and eggs/meat aren't that important to you maybe ask him what breeds he likes best and then get owners input as far as their general temperment for showing & such?

 

[janastasio]

He will most likely have to perform showmanship, which involoved manipulating the bird to show the anatomy of the birds that the jugde asks to see. Its very difficult for younger kids to manipulate larger birds. Whichever breed you choose, look at bantoms. We used to call ducks for showmanship, but they were too fiesty. My daughter didn't work with them enough prior to the show. They showed good potential!

 

[azhenhouse]

We would like duck eggs, but have never had them before. So, yes to eggs but they don't have to be high producing egg layers. He is so exited because he his the only one in our group showing ducks. All the others are showing chickens and rabbits. TRELDIB, the Welsh Harlequin's are the ones he wants to show, I just don't know a darn thing about ducks and want to make sure we get the right ones

 

[tomingreeneco]

Pekins are good layers and if handled often when young can be VERY friendly.

 

[KansasKid]

he could just pen show, but if he decides to do showmanship heres the judges sheet


SECTION 1: 4-H’ERS APPEARANCE
Well Groomed - 5 points
Proper Attire - 5 points
10
SECTION 2: QUALITY AND CONDITION OF BIRD
Pleasing Appearance - 2 points
Good, smooth plumage - 2 points
Breed and Variety Characteristics - 2 points
Free from diseases and parasites - 2 points
Gentle and not flighty - 2 points
10
SECTION 3: EXAMINATION AND HANDLING OF BIRD
Carrying and handling of bird - 6 points Feet and Legs - 3 points
Wings - 3 points Head - 3 points
Width of Body - 3 points Undercolor - 3 points
Depth of Abdomen - 3 points Breast - 3 points
Pubic Bones - 3 points
30
SECTION 4: KNOWLEDGE OF POULTRY TERMS (1 point each correct answer)
1. Beak 11. Tail
2. Comb 12. Tail Feathers
3. Wattles 13. Wing
4. Eyes 14. Flight Feathers
5. Earlobe 15. Covert Feathers
6. Ear 16. Thigh
7. Hackle Feathers (male) 17. Leg
Neck Feathers (female) 18. Hock Joint
8. Breast 19. Shank on male, note spur
9. Keel Bone 20. Toes
10. Back - saddle (male) (Chart can be found in Level 1 of 4-H Poultry
Cushion (female) Leader Guide)
20
SECTION 5: PLACING BIRD IN CAGE
1. Hold bird in basic hand position - 4 points
2. Open the cage door, turn the bird, put into cage head first - 3 points
3. Place it gently on the cage floor, and close the cage door - 3 points
10
SECTION 6: SHOWING BIRD IN CAGE
Have a judging stick - 3 points I don't show mine with one, but might differ on judge, usually county judges are more lenient though
Stand at a relaxed attention facing the judge - 2 points
Allow the judge to have full view of bird at all times - 3 points
Listen and follow the judge’s directions carefully - 2 points
The object of this section is to get your bird to “show” or stand alertly and in proper station for its breed.
10
SECTION 7: REMOVAL OF BIRD FROM CAGE
1. Open the cage door. Reach across the bird’s back, grasp the far wing, turn the bird so it faces
the cage door.
2. Slide second hand beneath bird’s body, placing one or more fingers between bird’s legs and
grasping them so that the bird, when lifted, can be balanced on the palm of that hand.
3. Place first hand on bird’s back and remove bird from cage, head first.
4. Come to attention and watch judge for further direction
10

 

[azhenhouse]

Thank so much for all the responses. Very informational. We went to our first 4-H meeting last night and my son is very excited. It looks like he will be showing the Welsh Harlequins.

 

[karabbitry]

Quote:
That is not always accurate. Many judges use different ways of scoring and evaluating. Some clubs require this and others require something different. This outline can give you a good idea but may not be exact.

I also know that many of the counties in AZ do require showmanship to complete the year in 4-H.