Showing Silkies question...

[Silkie75]

Hi, I am showing my Silkies next month in a State Fair. They will be 3 months old and will be in the pullet age group which is separated by colors. Problem is, I can't find anything online that tells what the judge looks for at a poultry show. I'm sure quality of care must be taken into consideration, but are there other factors? For example, one of my black Silkies has a white tip on one of her toes. Is this looked down on?? I have 2 whites, and one is probably the biggest in our flock. Does size matter when showing? My buff is pretty small compared to the rest. They are all super healthy. If anyone has any info, can you please pass along? It would be much appreciated!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

You need to read the ABA or APA standard for silkies. http://www.americansilkiebantamclub.org/standard.asp contains the standard for silkies (published with permission). You may be able to find variety (colour) standards elsewhere.

However, the reality is that a three month old bird is far too young for exhibition, and is unlikely to fare well simply because of age. A white tip on the toe is acceptable, although it will deduct points slightly. Weight is a huge issue; if more than 20% over or under the appropriate weight, the bird is DQed.

 

[Silkie75]

Thank you for your quick response!! I have asked around (a lot of people I asked were showing Silkies at county fair I was at last month) and no one said they thought 3 months was too young. I certainly could wait until next year. I don't want to jeopardize them in any way. When I was asking about size, I didn't actually mean weight... but rather the size of the bird. One of my white Silkies is just big- she isn't over weight. Her head towers over my buff Silkie. She is definitely the biggest of them. It's just the way she was made. They are all at a good weight for their builds. Neither skinny nor heavy. I'm just wondering about size in general and if one is better for showing. Thanks!!

 

[4hchickmama]

In our fairs, birds must be 4 months minimum to be shown. What Sonoran is saying is that a bird that is too big or too small could be DQ'ed for being out of standard range. This goes for weight and overall size. The judge will look at that standard, and then judge each bird on how closely they fit that description. Condition of the bird is also taken into consideration. i.e. grooming, broken feathers, toenails, etc. An unhealthy bird won't even be allowed in the gates.

Good luck showing them, but I think it's going to have to wait until next year's fair!

 

[aoxa]

A judge has said 6 months is the best to give the bird the best shot at winning.

 

[4hchickmama]

A judge has said 6 months is the best to give the bird the best shot at winning.

I'd agree with that. They are a good, substantial size by that age and don't have any goofy chick feathering..lol.

My silkie pullet won her class at 8 months at the last fair, despite being broody.

 

[Silkie75]

Thanks for your input everyone!! I have decided NOT to show them this year at the fair. I can wait until next August. I don't want to put them in jeopardy.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Thank you for your quick response!! I have asked around (a lot of people I asked were showing Silkies at county fair I was at last month) and no one said they thought 3 months was too young. I certainly could wait until next year. I don't want to jeopardize them in any way. When I was asking about size, I didn't actually mean weight... but rather the size of the bird. One of my white Silkies is just big- she isn't over weight. Her head towers over my buff Silkie. She is definitely the biggest of them. It's just the way she was made. They are all at a good weight for their builds. Neither skinny nor heavy. I'm just wondering about size in general and if one is better for showing. Thanks!!

As far as the standard is concerned, size IS weight. No height or width or length is specified by measurement; only weight. Now if the bird weighs the correct amount for its age, and the TYPE (shape) matches that described in the standard, it is the right size, regardless of height, width or length. Long fluffy feathers can make a bird look larger than it really is.

Just to be clear, I was not talking about a bird being too fat or too skinny. It might be that your white is too large overall, or the buff too small, or that the rate of development is not the same, or that the white is actually a cockerel, or .... Without having the bird in hand to evaluate, I can only speculate as to possibilities, especially as young as they are.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Thanks for your input everyone!! I have decided NOT to show them this year at the fair. I can wait until next August. I don't want to put them in jeopardy.

I don't think you would be putting them in jeopardy, just that they would not fare well in competition with birds who are more mature.