Show chickens,Good breed for 7 year old?

[ButteCA]

I'm signing a couple of my Girls up for 4H. My seven year old is only allowed to show small animals so naturally I'm going with chickens. Just wanted to pick your brains and of course see some pictures of your birds and hear about the different breeds and their behavior. I'm in CA where its HOT so even though my mind went to silkies a less feathery breed will probably be best. I look forward to your responses.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you are worried about heat, I'd pick a Mediterranean breed. People sometimes shy away from them because they are called flighty but trust me, a 7 year old can tame the most skittish of them.
That would be Leghorns, Minorcas, Anconas, Catalanas, Andalusians, Buttercups, White Faced Black Spanish, etc..
Mincorcas come in Black, White and Buff. Leghorns come in about 10 different color varieties.
Mediterraneans are also among the most productive breeds so you won't be disappointed in the eggs you get.
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html
Leghorns, a very common breed, may be well represented at the shows but the other breeds will be less so, unique, get some special acclaim if good quality and may be the only representative of the breed there.

 

[EggWalrus]

If you are worried about heat, I'd pick a Mediterranean breed. People sometimes shy away from them because they are called flighty but trust me, a 7 year old can tame the most skittish of them.
That would be Leghorns, Minorcas, Anconas, Catalanas, Andalusians, Buttercups, White Faced Black Spanish, etc..
Mincorcas come in Black, White and Buff. Leghorns come in about 10 different color varieties.
Mediterraneans are also among the most productive breeds so you won't be disappointed in the eggs you get.
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html
Leghorns, a very common breed may be well represented at the shows but the other breeds will be less so, unique, get some special acclaim if good quality and be the only representative of the breed there.

I've got several leghorns that love to be held and petted. I made it a mission to hold them (all 12) everyday since they were babies and other than 2 roosters and 1 hen, they will jump into my arms to be held. Makes inspections and trimming their talons a lot easier also.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

You could always check with your local 4-H to see what other kids are showing! That way you could try and stay away some of the more over-represented breeds. I love Old English Game Bantams for kids!

 

[EggWalrus]

You could always check with your local 4-H to see what other kids are showing! That way you could try and stay away some of the more over-represented breeds. I love Old English Game Bantams for kids!

Even the American Game Bantys would be good with kids. You don't want to fight them though, they can be worth a lot. My neighbor's been raising them over 50 years for show. Once grown, I've seen some of his breeding pairs go for over $1000!

 

[ButteCA]

You could always check with your local 4-H to see what other kids are showing! That way you could try and stay away some of the more over-represented breeds. I love Old English Game Bantams for kids!

I was thinking this also. I dont want her to have a breed a little less common.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Now is a good time to get them once you figure out what you want. A lot of breeders are going through their grow-outs to cull before fall, while they may not be perfect for whatever they're doing they would be awesome for a child to show in 4-H!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I agree with the others who suggest Mediterranean breeds. They are easily tamed, hear tolerent, and good layers. Old English Game largefowl or bantam would be a good choice. Sebrights are striking bantams that are guaranteed to make heads turn.

 

[drumstick diva]

Sebrights are stunning!!

 

[ButteCA]

Sssssooooo I picked up some Golden Campine chicks for her today!