OEGB Dubbing Question

[jeepchick]

So I am newish to OEG's and found out this morning that they need to be dubbed to be shown.....Is it absolutely required or just prefered? I do agree that they do look very handsome after it has been done but I just can't do it! Are there people out there that can be hired to do it or would I just have to know someone? I should probally put on my big girl panties and learn how but I don't think I can bear hurting him. I'm not even sure if I will be getting into showing right off...I just want to know what my options are.

 

[GotGame]

Cockerels dont HAVE to be dubbed, but honestly you stand little chance winning with an undubbed cockerel, since most of the others WILL be dubbed. You have to dub a cockbird to show him. If you dont plan on showing, then no big deal.

 

[blackred]

Cockerels shown before November 1st don't have to be dubbed.
I tell people who don't want to dub that just get a female line and show the pullets only.

Bob

 

[Lollipop]

Can`t remember where I got this, but it may help.......Pop


Dubbing Advice - How To Dubb A Rooster. For Show Fowl, Gamefowl and OEG's
Chickens - Dubbing Tips For Show Fowl - OEG's

I've dubbed hundreds of OEs and gamefowl and the only part of dubbing I look forward to is the way they look when they're all healed, it changes their appearance dramatically. All you will need is some SHARP scissors or dubbing scissors, something to wrap the rooster in ( a slightly damp towel works good ), blood stop powder ( just in case ), a roll of paper towels, alcohol and a clean bucket of cool water. Clean the scissors and wipe them down with the alcohol, snugly wrap the rooster in the damp towel and if your lucky enough to have a good helper have them hold the bird and keep the head still by holding the comb.

I start with the wattles, pull the wattle down stretching slightly and as close the beak as you can starting from the front working your way back towards the earlobe, remove the wattle getting ALL folds and wrinkles. When the wattle is removed go to the earlobe and pinch up all you can with your off hand, WATCH HIS EAR and remove as much as you can. Repeat the procedure on the other side. I try to leave a thin strip of skin between where the wattles were, if you don't it'll look like you cut his throat, But it's OK, it'll heal. Now the comb, take your time and decide how much to leave, too little or too much and the bird will not look as good as he could have. These little roosters have a natural line that runs horizontally in their comb, use that as a guide ( I usually cut slightly above the line ).

The first thing I remove is the back part of the comb ( the blade ), cutting as close to the comb's base as you can, cut it off ( straight up and down ). Then starting at the front ( some start from the back ) as close to the beak as you can begin making the cut ( some like a straight cut, some like a slightly curved cut ). KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN'T PUT IT BACK IF YOU CUT TOO MUCH OFF. When you've completed cutting you should have a point at the back, round it off, slightly. Look him over real good to see if you need to go back and trim anything you may have missed. A good clean dubbing job makes a lot of difference at the shows.TIPS,DON'T DUB IN HOT WEATHER, their blood is thin and the game birds bleed a lot heavier.

I dub my roosters at night but early enough that I can watch them for a few hours. They are easier to catch and they settle down quicker in the dark.Sometimes you'll have one that bleeds a little heavy, when that happens I pull a downy feather from under his vent and put it over the comb and sprinkle the blood stop powder over it.TAKE YOUR TIME, it's a chore you'll want to be over and done with, BUT, poor dubbing hurts your chances at the shows.

 

[jeepchick]

Thanks for the input everyone! Lolli that was a good description of how to do it but I think it just makes me even more sure that I can't stomach it lol I was an EMT for years and can deal with hurt people with no problem but I still have a hard time dealing with hurt animals. I still have to have DH do my culling.

I hope I grow out of it someday!

 

[GotGame]

Quote:
Keep in mind, that Old English Games are cut VERY close, as in scalped, but Old English Game Bantams are not scalped. Your best bet is find a showman that has old english and have him show you. Or if that isnt an option, go to shows, and take pictures of what the dubjobs look like.

 

[GotGame]

Quote:
Try what Black Red said, get henline birds, and you will be showing pullets/hens only, so your males dont need dubbed.