New to chickens... want to show

[cowhoss]

Hello I am from the central Oregon area and I just ordered 15 chicks from Cackle hatchery. I ordered 5 light Brahmas, 5 salmon Faverolles and 5 Speckled Sussex. They are due to ship 3/31/10. I Chose these breeds because many people said they were calm and quiet and I can't get over how cute the fuzzy legs are! I ride and show horses so I have a bit of a competitive streak. I am thinking that I would want to start exhibiting chickens at some point. I thought I would order from a hatchery for the first time to see how everything goes but I was wondering how to acquire good show quality birds and what the price ranges are? Since I am new to chickens I don't really have a good eye for them as far as knowing what to look for in a growing bird. Would it be wise to order eggs and hatch them out or get a nice breeding trio for next year? Any help would be appreciated. I am very interested in the Sussex and Faverolles breed. Anyways thanks in advance for any help!

 

[asher]

Welcome! Checking around the boards here for a decent breeder is something that I would recommend. Definitely check out the breed recommendations and make yourself familiar with what is acceptable and recommended for birds so that you know what you are looking for, in show terms.

I will say that finding a mentor of sorts nearby with the breed that you want is worth it's weight in gold. Someone that will show you by example what you do and do not want in a bird, possibly help you get started, etc. That is huge. I am so thankful to our mentors over the years.

Otherwise, you can check out the specific breed clubs and find out the breed standards that way. Most breeds will have a specific Yahoo e-mail group which can be very helpful as well.

Good luck!

 

[mychookschick]

I too am new to showing... I hope to show at the local fair in the fall... but I have to gather a lot of info before then. I talked with the director and he said unless the chicks come from a breeder that they have to get some sort of shot??? If any one has any idea what kind of a shot that it is and how much it would cost??? that would be great if someone knows either thing... thanks. I'm sure that that would be helpful to cowhoss too.

 

[asher]

Hmmm...no idea about shots. I know they have to be NPIP tested, though. (They take blood from the bird to check to make sure they do not have a few different things...er...pollorium and typhoid, I believe.)

 

[cowhoss]

Yeah our fair says that you have to get your chicken from a NPIP certified breeder or you have to get it tested at the show. Thanks for the help. I am having fun learning and searching the site!

 

[muddyhorse]

Cackle is NPIP certified, but they will most likely re test the birds at the fair. they retested all of mine. You can become NPIP certified if you want we are now. You contact the state animal health board. the vets come to your house and take a tiny blood sample from each bird. Our 50 birds took an hour. the only bird that objected was a broody frizzle.

 

[lildinkem]

Quote:
I started out with hatchery stock. And when I wanted exhibition stock I started looking at breed clubs, and to see who is winning the shows I ordered the Poultry Press Magazine. Then I could ask, call, or go to see in person these breeders and get young somewhat grown out birds. You want to get your birds as close to the end of the breeders selling season. I bought two cockerels from a guy who hatches out hundreds, and I got 2 of his last 8 cockerels he still had for sale. They usually hold on to their better birds till the end. Alot of Exhibition breeders do not sell eggs or chicks.

 

[cowhoss]

Thanks for all the input! Im checking my state for breeders and I subscribed to the poultry press so I will see how it goes... I cant wait

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

In the meantime, attend as many shows as you can--you will meet people who can be very helpful in learning about showing, selecting birds, different breeds. Plus it is a lot of fun. You may also find quality birds to purchase.