unknown peeps, now pullets/cockerels PLEASE help me I.D.!

[meeerylou]

Thanks!! mine have no white earlobes; I agree with the breeds chosen initially!
And I do believe my Silkie is a roo, too. He is high strung and flighty!!! I've heard Silkies are usually not this way.
I have been calling him a "he". He has developed a knobby little comb and some red wattles too. He is red white and blue faced!! (Very patriotic)
I've found he likes having his feathered feet "preened", I turn him upside-down and he closes his eyes, and sometimes helps preen his
own feet while I'm at it.
The feathered feet tend to get "caked" with feed/droppings!!! How do you keep them clean??

ALSO: what is the most acceptable standard of perfection for chickens?
I have found MANY different standard of perfections and I want the best one so I know what I'm looking at is
the most widely accepted by judges. Five of our 4-H'ers will be showing these chickens and we are very new at this!
THANKSS!!!!

~meee

 

[meeerylou]

I just read that a red comb and wattles are a disqualification for a Silkie.
Mine has a very dark, knobby pea comb, so it's probably ok, but his wattles are definitely red. (sigh).

 

[akcountrygrrl]

Quote:
Much like ARBA, the American Poultry Association has a Standard of Perfection. It lists the recognized breeds and varieties as well as defects (faults) and disqualification. I use it to teach my 4-H members about poultry and it's what I judge my birds against. Also, if the shows you are attended get an accredited judge, he (or she) will most likely be APA certified. The American Poultry Association website is a great place to start.

 

[meeerylou]

allright! Thanks, again!

 

[Minniechickmama]

According to the 2001 edition of the SOP, "Bright red comb, fance and wattles. Shanks not feathered down outer sides. Freathers not truly silky (except in primaries secondaries, leg, toe and main tail feathers.) Vulture hocks. (See also General DQs.)

The face, comb wattles should be the dark purple/black with blue earlobe.

 

[meeerylou]

ok, thanks; I really appreciate your help!

I may have some fun with "him" yet... Red White and Blue, if he grows a beard, as some silkies do, I'll call him "Uncle Sam Silkie Shmoo" and use him in quotes and such!!

 

[meeerylou]

I have one other question, since you obviously have your SOP, and I do not yet.

OEG bantams: my pullet and Cockerel have "light" legs. What is the standard for them? I"ve seen them pictured w/ slate legs...
(thanks, btw!)

 

[meeerylou]

I've seen the SOP's offered on Ebay for hundreds of dollars!

Isn't there an official website where I can purchase one at the original retail value?

(~thanks, again!)

 

[Minniechickmama]

I got mine from McMurray, I think? It was about $65 for the hardcover, but you can get black and white for much cheaper. I think there should be a new one coming out if they do an update edition every 10 years.

As for OEGs, what variety? And the overall DQ is for males to NOT be dubbed. So, if you are keeping for show, you better learn how to get that done. I wouldn't want to keep them just for that reason alone, seems just not right to do that for looks.

If BBR or Brown Red, they should have black legs.
The ones in the picture are obviously yellow, so maybe I am wrong in thinking that is what they look like. Someone else said Lt. Brown Leghorn, but I don't see a white earlobe there on the pullet. I am sorry I don't have more for you.
If the are hatchery though, you could just have some that were not bred well and have some DQs.

 

[akcountrygrrl]

Quote:
The American Poultry Association website has the newest version available through their store. I believe it is a 2010 or 2011.