Tips for getting back into showing and breeding poultry.

[TheJadeChicken]

After being on forum for a couple of months, I want to get back into showing poultry. I used to be in 4-H, when I was about 12 to 14. But now I am 19. Any tips for where I should start?


I mostly want to show Bantam Cochins, and Japanse. I don't want to show like 15 to 1000 different breeds.

Thanks!

 

[TheJadeChicken]

Anyone? I am actually talking with 2 different people right now. But want some more input.

 

[NYREDS]

If you were to ask specific questions it would be easier to respond. Your topic is so broad it's hard to know where to begin.

BTW-showing 1000 different breeds isn't an option anyway-there aren't that many.

 

[TheJadeChicken]

If you were to ask specific questions it would be easier to respond. Your topic is so broad it's hard to know where to begin.

BTW-showing 1000 different breeds isn't an option anyway-there aren't that many.

I kinda of figured. I was just being over dramatic. I just don't know where to start. I sort of have the breeds I want to show. I know I want to show Japanese and Cochins.

I am just looking for books and links for research.

I was told I should invest in a copy of the APA Standards of Perfection. Is the newest edition the 2010 book? I want to make sure that is the right book.

Any recommend breeds for beginners/novices? Or does it matter?

At first, I thought maybe I am to old to show chickens. Guess I was wrong. xD

 

[NYREDS]

A copy of the Standard is a must & 2010 is the newest edition. Depending on what you plan to raise an older, used copy may fit your needs just as well. Some new breeds/varieties have been added in recent years but for those that have been in the Standard for awhile the descriptions have not changed.
Pick the breed/variety that appeals to you most. They're all potential show winners. You might consider attending a couple of shows to look at birds before making a selection.
Not sure how old you are but I'm not too old to show & I know a number of people who show who are considerably older than I am. For many of us it has been a life long hobby.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Since you are planning on just bantams, the Bantam Standard is a 2011 edition. Either or both would be good investments. Consider joining the breed clubs, and definitely check out the breed threads for each breed in which you are interested. Poultry Press is also a good resource.

It is also best to invest in an adult pair or trio of the best quality birds as you can afford.

 

[TheJadeChicken]

Thank you. I was planning on going to shows, but I can not find any. My state is awful, we barely have anything here. And I am only 19. Hopefully, I can find some quality birds. I also have to get my coop and cages up.

I will try to get the book(s), Poultry Press, and take a look at the threads.

Also, what are the leg bands for?

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Leg bands are for identification. There are a many different kinds for different purposes. Some are different colors while others can have numbers/letters written/punched on them. There are other means of identification as well, those being toe-punching and wing bands.

 

[Bo Garrett]

I see you are in Arkansas, there is a show in Fayetteville the first weekend in November at the Washington, County Fairgrounds. It is a good show with some very good quality birds shown there and you'll probably see some very good cochin bantams and maybe even a few Japanese bantams as well. There is a much larger show held in Shawnee, OK on the 2nd weekend of December where you'll see 25-125 japanese bantams and 50-100 cochin bantams depending on if a breed club holds a national meet or not. This show typically runs 2800 birds total so there will lots for you to look at.
I certainly recommend getting a copy of the APA and ABA Standards. Study your breeds and selected varieties within those breeds and when you get to the show talk to as many people showing your chosen breeds/varieties as you can. I'll be at both shows and will give you all the knowledge I have on the two breeds you have listed.
Keep a note book with you and take notes as you can, it is often hard to remember everything from a conversation weeks later but if you write it down you have it forever.
I wish you all the best in your showing endeavor.

Blessings,


Bo

 

[TheJadeChicken]

Leg bands are for identification. There are a many different kinds for different purposes. Some are different colors while others can have numbers/letters written/punched on them. There are other means of identification as well, those being toe-punching and wing bands.

Thank you!

I see you are in Arkansas, there is a show in Fayetteville the first weekend in November at the Washington, County Fairgrounds. It is a good show with some very good quality birds shown there and you'll probably see some very good cochin bantams and maybe even a few Japanese bantams as well. There is a much larger show held in Shawnee, OK on the 2nd weekend of December where you'll see 25-125 japanese bantams and 50-100 cochin bantams depending on if a breed club holds a national meet or not. This show typically runs 2800 birds total so there will lots for you to look at.
I certainly recommend getting a copy of the APA and ABA Standards. Study your breeds and selected varieties within those breeds and when you get to the show talk to as many people showing your chosen breeds/varieties as you can. I'll be at both shows and will give you all the knowledge I have on the two breeds you have listed.
Keep a note book with you and take notes as you can, it is often hard to remember everything from a conversation weeks later but if you write it down you have it forever.
I wish you all the best in your showing endeavor.

Blessings,


Bo

I am about 2 to 3 hours away from Fayetteville, but they seem to have a large poultry show group. I have been checking into it. But not as much right now. I have 2 chickens with Eye infections. :/