Quote:
Judges do not normally DQ for an extra toes nail, but should and do for extra toes.
Yes, genetic, but is a lesser concern than more obvious faults.
I agree. The only reason why I said she might not be the best showbird is because I've seen judges knock the extra toenails. I haven't shown extra toenails, but I did show some pullets with poor toe spacing.
Colie- really, it's so easy to cull for in the future that, as you get started, if it is a pullet, I would use it for breeding. I'm pickier with cockerels, since one can cover multiple pullets/hens. You can always upgrade your stock as you raise more, and find her a good home, but use her for now.
Some people will spend ridiculous amounts of money for top stock, but it's not worth going over budget. Start with what you can afford. When you start, DON'T sell eggs. If you don't hatch and raise quite a few, you won't have a good pool to pick your show stock from. With breeds I show, I try not to sell eggs at all/ In fact, I have done so only once since, due to incubator problems, I didn't have space.
As you get better at it, you'll start catching problems sooner. At hatch I look at a couple things- toe/toenail presence and spacing, comb (sometimes you can see horns and/or a throwback single comb this early. I haven't had but one single comb, but occasionally get horns). Show. Take what you have and show, unless it's an obvious cull or DQ... for a $2 or $3 entry fee you get to have at least one other opinion on your birds. It also allows you to network and learn from other people raising the same breed. You'll have fun and do fine- remember this is a hobby. Don't stress. Enjoy the birds.
Judges do not normally DQ for an extra toes nail, but should and do for extra toes.
Yes, genetic, but is a lesser concern than more obvious faults.
I agree. The only reason why I said she might not be the best showbird is because I've seen judges knock the extra toenails. I haven't shown extra toenails, but I did show some pullets with poor toe spacing.
Colie- really, it's so easy to cull for in the future that, as you get started, if it is a pullet, I would use it for breeding. I'm pickier with cockerels, since one can cover multiple pullets/hens. You can always upgrade your stock as you raise more, and find her a good home, but use her for now.
Some people will spend ridiculous amounts of money for top stock, but it's not worth going over budget. Start with what you can afford. When you start, DON'T sell eggs. If you don't hatch and raise quite a few, you won't have a good pool to pick your show stock from. With breeds I show, I try not to sell eggs at all/ In fact, I have done so only once since, due to incubator problems, I didn't have space.
As you get better at it, you'll start catching problems sooner. At hatch I look at a couple things- toe/toenail presence and spacing, comb (sometimes you can see horns and/or a throwback single comb this early. I haven't had but one single comb, but occasionally get horns). Show. Take what you have and show, unless it's an obvious cull or DQ... for a $2 or $3 entry fee you get to have at least one other opinion on your birds. It also allows you to network and learn from other people raising the same breed. You'll have fun and do fine- remember this is a hobby. Don't stress. Enjoy the birds.
