Standard of Perfection Book Question

[muddyhorse]

storey's guide to poultry breeds is another good one. it gives a good description of colors. It does not go int the same detail as the SOP but between it and the black and white standard I do alright. Stories also has some breeds not in the SOP.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Jenn,
First, congrats on your roo getting POW! He's a handsome one!

I have the 2006 Edition of the ABA SOP (color edition), and refer to it constantly, and absolutely recommend it for anyone that is serious about breeding to the SOP or showing.

Keep in mind that "Cochin" is the breed, and "Variety" refers to the different color varieties, i.e. Mottled. Chris09 gave you a good summary of the description of Mottled; you will find the full text in the SOP - which varies slightly for males and females.

You may decide at a later date that while staying with Bantam Cochins, you may want to branch out and obtain different color varieties. Having all the Plummage descriptions available is a must - especially if you intend to buy anything besides pet quality.

Another valuable tool in the SOP is the "General Scale of Points". This is the scoring system that judges use for Shape, Color, Weight and Condition. Being able to judge your birds' Shape and Color according to the SOP is especially useful, not only in selecting your show birds, but also can help you determine which ones to keep for breeding and which to cull, as it tells you which factors/traits carry the most weight in scoring.

IMHO, it's well worth the money.

 

[joletabey]

The latest edition of the SOP will be available mid-November- I have it from a very good source.

 

[CityChicker]

I would say if your goal is to seriously breed poultry, you almost have to have an SOP. Granted, if you only have one breed and variety, it would be easier to get by without one. You can find them used though (Black and White version) often for only a few bucks.

 

[Jmurcks]

Thanks everyone!

I am definitely going to get the new version this Nov.
I would get one now but I hate to do so with a new one so close around the corner!

Thanks for the congrats on the picture of the week!! I was really excited about it!

 

[Wynette]

The newly revised SOP book should be ready for shipping in late November (per Walt, from APA Revisions Committee)

 

[Jmurcks]

Should I go with the APA or ABA version?
I am a member of the ABA so should I go with their version, esp. since I am breeding bantams?
Thanks!

 

[Happy Chooks]

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Good to know, thanks! I've been looking at buying it.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

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Definitely the ABA - its what you will need for your bantams.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

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I don't think they are working to combine the standards to produce one book for both organizations, but rather that they are trying to eliminate discrepancies between the standards set by the APA and those set by the the ABA for different breeds and varieties. I don't raise large fowl, so have not seen a need to purchase the SOP; however, I can certainly see the point of doing so, and if I did raise large fowl I certainly would; if they ever publish the one that has been "just about to be released" for the last few years, I probably will buy a copy. I have owned a Bantam Standard for many years. I find that I refer to not only the breed standards often, but also to the variety standards, at least as frequently.