Showing Quail - Which Bobwhite Quail Should I Choose?

[sunbursts]

Hi, I'm interested in entering one (or a couple) of my bobwhite quail to show them in 4-H, but I don't know which of my thirteen quail I should choose. Also, does anyone know what the judges want best in a bobwhite quail?

I have photos of some of them (they're the ones I think are best to enter). Would someone please give their opinion on who they'd think would be best? Thanks in advance!

The first picture is Twink, he's a rooster.

Second picture quail is Red, he's a rooster.

Third picture is Marshmallow, she's a hen.

Forth picture is Speckles, she's a hen.

Fifth picture is Clement, he's a rooster.


I know they're bobwhites and it's normal for quails to be wild and panicked when being picked up, but Twink and Marshmallow are the only ones who will not freak out when being picked up. The others will freak out a lot more than them. Anyways, any opinions will be greatly appreciated!

 

[sourland]

I would go with the birds that are the calmest and in best condition feather and weight wise. Cage train them prior taking them to the show. Good luck.

 

[MLG1900]

Ah, very cool! I have been to a few 4H shows as a visitor but have not ever seen judging. Do the judges hold / pick up the birds? Check weights? Or do the judges just look at them through a cage? In the pictures, these birds all seem to have nice feathers. I am partial to the males. I think the bright white face markings just make them stand out. I would think size and nice feathering would be most important. No feather out of place or missing, I mean. You know how if they are fighting in cages their feathers get ruffled up and damaged. And if you have one that is particularly vocal, that would be really cool if the judges and visitors could hear them calling. I love to hear the quail "talking" to each other. The quail I have kept in the past are so flighty that you can not walk past the cage without them freaking out. So, the most calm / docile ones are probably a good idea as well. Hopefully, they are also the biggest and best looking in your opinion.

 

[Quailobsessed]

The tamest ones would probably be best.

 

[blackoaktammy]

I'm not sure if there is a Standard of Perfection for quail, but that should be where you start. Ask your club leader or the secretary of the show. Pick the birds that are closest to the SOP. Then from the judge's remarks, you will have an idea of which birds to breed to each other to get closer to the SOP.

 

[007Sean]

@sourland , has said it all...nothing to add, except Good Luck!

 

[sunbursts]

Thanks a lot, everyone, for sharing those great opinions and suggestions! So, I think I know who to enter and what to do, instead of being so reluctant and confused. I like how you all are really positive and supportive! Well, have a great day!
Wishing you and your birds the best!

 

[Little Red Birds]

I show coturnix at my fair along with my buddy, and as someone said up there, feather condition and cage friendliness are the most important. Also, our judge judges them as a commercial/meat bird, so keep in mind how big they are.