Old APA Standards

[Laingcroft]

Just found a 1989 APA Standards book and was wondering how much has changed in the basic/general DQs? Aside from adding new color varieties, how much has changed in basic breed type descriptions for Wyandottes, Leghorns, Langshans, Silkies, Ameraucana, Houdans, or Hamburgs since then?

 

[snowbird]

Just found a 1989 APA Standards book and was wondering how much has changed in the basic/general DQs? Aside from adding new color varieties, how much has changed in basic breed type descriptions for Wyandottes, Leghorns, Langshans, Silkies, Ameraucana, Houdans, or Hamburgs since then?

I think you will find very few changes in the first 40 pages.

 

[Pathfinders]

However, it's not a bad thing to purchase an up to date SOP from the APA. If you don't have one, they're well worth having.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

At some point in the past, horns were preferred, on maybe even required on silkie combs. They are now considered a defect. Not sure how long ago the change was made, but it is likely that the 1989 version you have lists them as preferred/required.

 

[Laingcroft]

However, it's not a bad thing to purchase an up to date SOP from the APA. If you don't have one, they're well worth having.

Yes, I was planning to get one at some point, but I found this one at a book sale for $3.00 and couldn't beat that. I'm using the SOP for breeding purposes, not showing. I just don't have enough time to work full time, run farm, attend Farmers Markets and travel to chicken shows too though I would like to attend at least one (aside from State Fair) to see what it's all about.

I just like finding/collecting historic references, including farm related magazines and small tools/gizmos from the first half of 20th century or earlier.

 

[Laingcroft]

At some point in the past, horns were preferred, on maybe even required on silkie combs. They are now considered a defect. Not sure how long ago the change was made, but it is likely that the 1989 version you have lists them as preferred/required.

I would love to find that standard! Alas, the one in the 1989 is pretty much the same as current, "comb moderately small, somewhat lumpy, almost round but inclined to be greater in width than length, covered with small corrugations and crossed by a narrow transverse indentation..."

 

[Pathfinders]

Collecting old Standards is great fun, when I can afford it I like to buy the really old ones on eBay. The old photos are especially great to have. But they cost $$ and are hard to justify at times. I have a couple though (downstairs, not sure which years) and am glad I got them over the years.

 

[RhodeRunner]

There actually have been changes to some breeds. I'm not familiar with much of the history, but do know they dropped the weight of the Chantecler by a pound, and changed the desired tail angle. I'm sure this has occurred with other breeds as well.