Show Breeds

[Missy3b]

My two boys are planning on joining 4H this fall and would like to show chickens. What breeds are best for showing?I would like to get them now so they will be mature by next year. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Any recognised breed and variety from a breeder, not a hatchery. Look at Hendersen's Chicken Chart and feathersite to review the breeds, and let each child choose thier own preferred breed--obviously you can steer them towards and away from breeds, but let them be highly involved int eh decision. Select different breeds so they aren't competing with each other, at least not at the breed level.

 

[BlueMottie]

Hello!
Typically for beginners, the birds chosen are those that aren't flighty, and have a gentle disposition.
I raise bantam cochins which are typically very sweet birds by nature, and do well with children or people who have just started with chickens.
I don't have any live birds available, but I will have eggs available by the dozen or half dozen. The parents have done very well at shows. If you're interested, feel free to PM me for pictures.
Otherwise, I wish you good luck with your boys and finding your perfect chicken!

 

[steve2495]

Bantam Cochins Or Silkies!!! :d

 

[greenhead]

i would say that b.b. reds would be the best for your son. i was faced with the same thing last year and we got my daughter a b.b. red and she won 1st place with that bird in conformation and 3rd in showmanship with the same bird. they are very calm birds. it is a old english game bird, b.b. red.

 

[Pathfinders]

Be aware that OEGs (Old English Game bantams) will need to be dubbed (have their combs and wattles trimmed with scissors) in order to show. Non-dubbed birds do not do well in most shows, which is why I would not generally recommend them to beginners.

There are two main aspects to winning a show:

- A bird that is as close to the Standard of Perfection as possible for its breed and
- A bird that is in top condition for the show.

And even if both are true, there is no guarantee you will win.

I agree that for youngsters that bantam breeds are easier to care for, certainly easier to wash for shows! They are also easier to house, you can create "tractors" to keep them in during the summer, and some breeds will overwinter well in a large cage in your barn or garage (just be sure to make it predator-proof!)

I adore Cochins and Silkies, but think for those new to keeping poultry that birds which are not feather-footed will be easier to keep in condition. White birds tend to get stained by grass and poop, and once stained, feathers can generally not be cleaned again and will be there until the bird molts. Calm birds are nicer for youngsters to work with, while aggressive birds can be a turnoff. Patterned birds can be harder to get really good examples of (like Barred Rocks), as the barring needs to be very precise in order to do well in a show.

Off the top of my head, Rosecombs might be a good bird to start with, they do very well at shows as a rule, are black (so fewer issues with staining), clean legged, and the rosecomb isn't quite as susceptible to frostbite as a single comb will be (where are you located?) You might also look at d'Anvers, bantam Ameraucanas (although they are less common and not as likely to win at a show, more's the pity), bantam Orpingtons, bantam Rhode Island Reds, breeds like that. And if you can, I strongly suggest getting birds from a breeder, rather than a hatchery, and buying the best stock you can afford. It costs just as much to feed a not-so-good bird as it does an excellent one.

And yes, by all means check www.feathersite.com and other related sites for birds you and your sons like the looks of. You have to like the birds you're caring for all year long!

Once you've decided on a breed or two, check back in and we'll help you find breeders of same.

Good luck with it!

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

Welcome to 4-H Poultry, you certainly sound better organized than I have been!

Be aware that hatchery chicks are not a sure bet for 4-H level shows. I agree with those who have stated you are better off getting a few quality birds from a reputable breeder than if you get a large number of mediocre birds from a typical hatchery. There are always exceptions, but why take a chance?

I found this handy when comparing breeds. We specifically looked for calm and friendly breeds.

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

Don't forget to predator proof your housing arrangements.

What state/county are you in? It would be interesting and fun to compare notes as we help our sons get acquainted with the new project. We are in Western Wisconsin and the county has a fairly large and active poultry project group.

 

[Missy3b]

Thanks for the great information. I am located in central Missouri and have had chickens before but have recently started over with a small flock. Thanks for the website addresses. I will show my kids and let them decide. I am excited to see my kids take on some responsibility with the birds.

Thanks again.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

I surprised to find my 13 yo setting his alarm to get up at 6 to do his chicken duties, and actually gets up and does them. He enjoys that they follow him around the pasture when he is working with them.

 

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
Great site, thanks for posting it!