Should I specialize or get a whole jumble of chicks?

[Campine Lover]

Well? I was thinking of getting Campines to specialize in. But then they will all compete against each other for shows! Should I get a whole bunch of random breeds? Then there is a large variety. I really do not know what to do! Help me make up my mind!

 

[Ridgerunner]

From looking at your BYC Page, I see that you are not allowed to have roosters, so you will not be breeding your own birds to improve your stock. That makes it difficult.

I don't know your specific goals and intents. If you have not done so, I'd suggest you go to a few shows and talk to the people showing their chickens about your plans. I think you will find that most of them, or at least the ones that have a chance at prizes, have gone through several years of breeding to develop their own line to better conform to standards. I don't show chickens so I cannot speak from direct experience, but I'd suggest more hands on research by going to a few shows before you make that big a decision.

Good luck!!!

 

[countrygurl]

Since you are not able to breed I would say get a mix, have you found show quality breeders for the breeds you are interested in? If you need any help finding some PM me.

 

[easttxchick]

I totally agree that since you won't be breeding you may as well enjoy all of the beautiful colors of a confetti flock.
Good luck with your birds!

 

[ozark hen]

I would strongly suggest you use the new feature above. It will help you with your choices here is a link or just click on it. Good luck and let us know what you decide. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=316042

 

[poltroon]

I would suggest that you start showing with just one or two breeds, because you'll want to get accustomed to showing when taking just a few birds, getting used to the whole experience. Two chickens is just fine to start showing with. From there, then you can branch out.

Remember that when going to a show, you need to be able to transport your chickens, which means you need carriers, food and water containers for each bird, etc.

And having your birds show against each other isn't necessarily a bad thing anyway - it's a good way to develop your eye within that breed, to see if the judges agree with your evaluation of which one is better, etc.

You can always add more chickens to your flock. It is much harder to un-add them. Patience!

 

[dntd]

If you don't have a rooster and don't plan on breeding a mix is always nice.