There are shows, and then there are shows...

[Professional]

I don't know if I can handle this. Two supporters, back to back. I'm going to get a big head.

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Ok....I'm biting my tongue right now........

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

No but seriously...why a Langshan?

Because it's the most regal of all breeds correct? Yes...that must be it!

 

[kathyinmo]

Soy. How about some soy? Anyone?
At any rate, it is a good read, though controversial.
One thing I like about BYC, is that, even though controversial, most BYCers respond kindly and professionally when offering their input and opinions. It's ok to agree to disagree, isn't it?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=285318

 

[Professional]

Quote:
I'm not that deep. Just chose it quickly to illustrate an example, using an uncommon breed which many people here aren't quite familar with. Could have been anything, Lamona, Catalana, Asil.....

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Dagnabbit. I almost had Outback...gar.

Ah well, thanks for the breed "plug" if you will!

If a bird is worthy of a first place, then it should be placed as such. I honestly believe it is up to the purchaser to differentiate between those that have shown in shows where no breed standard is used, and those shows where the birds are measured against the breed standard.

Otherwise, what's the point of a breed show? Somewhat eliminates the purpose of maintaining pure breeds if a bird only places because it's "pretty."

Numbers in a show should not matter, but that's my opinion. A bird that deserves a first place should be placed first. If there is only one bird and it is lacking in condition and/or does not match the breed standard place it lower or don't place it at all. If the owner asks, explain it. That's part of judging, again, my opinion.

What "should" happen and what "does" happen are two different things.

 

[Professional]

What "should" happen and what "does" happen are two different things.

BINGO!

On the surface, I don't mind so much if a hatchery type bird places first if it has no competition, as long as it's clean and in good health and feather, and unless it's markedly different from the standard, such as as hatchery RIR. What bothers me is when it's owner proclaims that to be THE 2110 National Reserve Champion Buff Laced Polish, or when the public, or a 4h kid sees it, and thinks that is what a show quality bird looks like, without knowing the difference, the context of the "win".​

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

There's the issue. In EVERY aspect of show animals, people are out to make money. Someone, somewhere along the way will find a way to, excuse the term, screw people out of their money by playing on the unknowing purchaser.

The buyer has the ball in his court, it's best to know ALL of the rules before playing the game. Learning all one can about the breed helps to spread word about bad breeders (false advertisers) as well as ensure you get the stock that you're after instead of having to rely on someone's word.


Edit: I'm not saying that embellishing, lying or cheating is proper, but it IS out there and people need to make themselves aware before they simply trust a breeder. There are several breeders that have excellent reputations, but again, doing research will help the buyers to find those trustworthy breeders who breed for the betterment of the breed instead of making a quick buck.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

I agree with this all the way. Although I don't show anything yet, this is one thing I will keep in mind.

I have racing pigeons, so when I see a breeder I might like, I take a look at the pedigree. I'm not looking for fancy smancy names and bloodlines, but rather race results. I'd rather have a bird who won 1st place versus thousands of birds with many people competing, than a bird who won 1st place at the club level, between a few people and maybe a hundred or so birds. Also, I'd rather have a bird who won at 500 or 600 miles than one who just got 1st place at 80 or 150 miles. Anyone can win on the club level or at short distances, since a pigeon can easily fly 100 miles. But to make it home from 500-600 miles on the same day, is pretty tough. I like birds who were bred to handle the competition and the conditions, and WIN.


I could enter some of my chickens in a county fair where there may only be one other person with that breed. Sometimes I only see a few birds of each breed - from the same person. Therefore, they win and lose

Haha. Getting 1st place is always fun and really boosts your ego, but then you have to sit back and consider...the only person you beat was yourself...or the person next door. Not such a big accomplishment when you consider shows with thousands of birds, and many, many of each breed, color, and class.



NOW. Saying one bird is better than the other just because of the shows they've won at...isn't ALWAYS true. It could simply be a lack of resources. A lot of places you won't find many local shows for chickens, pigeons, or other birds. But they can still be championship quality. I know I won't be making it to any nationals. We don't have the money to get there!

Heck, we can barely buy the gas to make it out of the state

I do think people should be a bit more truthful in their advertising though. But, if you buy lesser quality birds from someone who's only won on a small level...Perhaps you should have done your homework on how REAL SQ birds of that breed should look

One reason I like to see birds in person before I buy them, when it comes to careful selection like this.

 

[flyingmonkeypoop]

I am one who is guilty of showing bad birds. I have shown a couple bad birds before when the original bird moulted so I had to use a backup or something and I am often surprised at how some judges place the poor quality birds.

Oh, about winning and selling eggs and all, does anyone remember the "SQ black stars" from eggbid a few years ago, makes me laugh just thinking about it.