Should I purchase this bantam Wyandotte pair?

[Scooter&Suzie]

I've been looking for a bantam pair to show for a while... I was doing a bantam search on craigslist, even though I was sure I would never find show quality birds on there. But lo and behold, I found a Wyandotte pair! They look nice, to me, but I really don't know what makes them show quality. I hopefully can go and see the birds, but I won't know what to look for.

I'm really asking for advice on whether or not it would be wise to purchase these birds - After all, they are on craigslist. Would it maybe be better to find a bantam pair from a breeder? Are Wyandotte bantams friendly, or are they like their large counterpart? If I get a rooster I would like it to be a bit quieter than my Rhode Island Red was, due to hopefully not making the neighbors violent because of loud crowing

I know that no rooster is "quiet", don't worry!

Here is the ad after I took out locations and contact information:

chickens-white bantam wyandotte bantam pair - $40 (--- )

Date: 2012-09-20, 5:06PM EDT
---[Errors when replying to ads?]

For sale is a show quality pair of white bantam Wyandottes. They are 1 year old good breeders and very fertile. Asking $40.00. You can call if interested 555-555-5555. thanks

 

[nicalandia]

I've been looking for a bantam pair to show for a while...

I dont show so I dont know, but I love how this boy looks, so far nothing bad going on on him genetic wise...

 

[chickendales]

yes

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

yes

Do have any reason why? Just trying to learn

 

[dracoe19]

I think they are worth the $40. They both have the nice "heart" shape desired in wyandottes. The females butt is really high for my taste but that depends on the person and the judge to which they like best (30 degree angle from back for back feathers or the super poofy feathers like a rooster). Their combs also seem to conform to their head and are clean and smooth which is nice. I would take a look at their tails to see if they have a "bunny tail". I have herd people talk about it and may dislike this kind of tail because it makes them look more like a Cochin. (Would put pictures but cant from my phone). Their tails should be a nice horse shoe shape and not a pointy tipi shape. This isn't a make of break characteristic but a big plus. Also be sure their coloration is correct; which it looks to be. I vote get them. Even though they are off Craigslist they could still be from a breeder. I sell chickens on Craigslist as well and mine are very nice quality. Good luck!

 

[dracoe19]

Oh! I almost forgot! Also look for wide wedge like heads this is a key trait in wyandottes. About the crowing it just depends on the rooster. I have had nearly silent roosters to ones who crow every few minutes! Hopefull he will not be as vocal.

 

[chickendales]

I think they are worth the $40. They both have the nice "heart" shape desired in wyandottes. The females butt is really high for my taste but that depends on the person and the judge to which they like best (30 degree angle from back for back feathers or the super poofy feathers like a rooster). Their combs also seem to conform to their head and are clean and smooth which is nice. I would take a look at their tails to see if they have a "bunny tail". I have herd people talk about it and may dislike this kind of tail because it makes them look more like a Cochin. (Would put pictures but cant from my phone). Their tails should be a nice horse shoe shape and not a pointy tipi shape. This isn't a make of break characteristic but a big plus. Also be sure their coloration is correct; which it looks to be. I vote get them. Even though they are off Craigslist they could still be from a breeder. I sell chickens on Craigslist as well and mine are very nice quality. Good luck!

x2

Do have any reason why? Just trying to learn

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

I think they are worth the $40. They both have the nice "heart" shape desired in wyandottes. The females butt is really high for my taste but that depends on the person and the judge to which they like best (30 degree angle from back for back feathers or the super poofy feathers like a rooster). Their combs also seem to conform to their head and are clean and smooth which is nice. I would take a look at their tails to see if they have a "bunny tail". I have herd people talk about it and may dislike this kind of tail because it makes them look more like a Cochin. (Would put pictures but cant from my phone). Their tails should be a nice horse shoe shape and not a pointy tipi shape. This isn't a make of break characteristic but a big plus. Also be sure their coloration is correct; which it looks to be. I vote get them. Even though they are off Craigslist they could still be from a breeder. I sell chickens on Craigslist as well and mine are very nice quality. Good luck!

Thanks so much for the help! I just wish I could have you tag along when/if I go to see the bird! I won't have any other roosters, so hopefully he won't feel the need to crow often - Noise isn't quite as much a problem as how often it is. A super loud crow once or twice a day isn't nearly as bad as a quieter crow every two minutes!

 

[NYREDS]

While I've never heard "heart shaped" or "horse shoe shaped" as descriptors for Wyandotte Bantams they are nice looking birds. I think the male is a bit bunny tailed, a phrase I am familiar with, but those birds win often.
When I was apprenticing for my judging license a very good Wyandotte Judge taught me to look for 3 circles: a large circle that describes the shape of the body. a smaller circle high & to the front that describes the arch of the neck & the shape of the bill, and a small circle high & to the rear that describes the shape of the tail. I think you can see the 3 circles on these birds.

 

[Scooter&Suzie]

Alright, thanks for all the inputs! I'd always appreciate more, of course, if someone else has an opinion. I think I will try to go for them, if I can snatch them in time. I can't pick them up this week, sadly, so I'm not sure if I can still get them