What breed of bird should I get for show next year?

[sunny_bellyboo]

Most bantams would be fine for your purposes, less Leghorns, Polish, Sumatras and Ameraucanas.

You're going to hear "Cochins and silkies" a lot, because they're pretty great with your requirements and easy to find. Both birds are really patient and calm, but not especially eye-catching. I personally think Silkies are a bit stupid, but Cochins are personal favorites. Especially if you'd like a broody bird. D'uccles have quite a bit of personality and quite a following as well.

Also meeting your requirements are bantam Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Seramas. Those last are raised as pets in Malay and are supposedly highly tameable. The trio of Rosecombs I had as a kid were good little birds. They didn't like being handled, but they tolerated it well, and were never disturbed by it.

I'd probably go with Old English Game Bantams, because I'm biased. Mine take really well to being handled.

As for standards, Orps, Australorps. Maybe RIRs if you'd like a more intelligent bird and can find a good breeder. Wyandottes can be a bit hit or miss, personality-wise. Faverolles have a reputation that's similar to an Orpington's. Very pretty birds, though a little on the larger side. Sussex, maybe. I advise giving Ameraucanas a miss. The blue eggs sound great, but they're on the flighty side.

Thanks for all the great advice, although I'd have to disagree with you as silkies not being an eye catcher. Last year at show, a silkie won 1st place and was all everyone could watch the whole time

 

[featherhead007]

Polish show chickens need much care, but the attention they get is priceless.

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

They're easy to tame when young, & can jump 6ft high even with clipped wings. I find their jumping ability, & multiple spurs to be fascinating.

I'll look into those then

 

[MysteryChicken]

Most bantams would be fine for your purposes, less Leghorns, Polish, Sumatras and Ameraucanas.

You're going to hear "Cochins and silkies" a lot, because they're pretty great with your requirements and easy to find. Both birds are really patient and calm, but not especially eye-catching. I personally think Silkies are a bit stupid, but Cochins are personal favorites. Especially if you'd like a broody bird. D'uccles have quite a bit of personality and quite a following as well.

Also meeting your requirements are bantam Orpingtons, Brahmas, and Seramas. Those last are raised as pets in Malay and are supposedly highly tameable. The trio of Rosecombs I had as a kid were good little birds. They didn't like being handled, but they tolerated it well, and were never disturbed by it.

I'd probably go with Old English Game Bantams, because I'm biased. Mine take really well to being handled.

As for standards, Orps, Australorps. Maybe RIRs if you'd like a more intelligent bird and can find a good breeder. Wyandottes can be a bit hit or miss, personality-wise. Faverolles have a reputation that's similar to an Orpington's. Very pretty birds, though a little on the larger side. Sussex, maybe. I advise giving Ameraucanas a miss. The blue eggs sound great, but they're on the flighty side.

I strongly disagree on the silkie thing. I have silkies, & they're actually quite smart.

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

Polish show chickens need much care, but the attention they get is priceless.

yeah I saw one at show last year and between the silkie and the polish in my area, I could barely get through to get to my birds

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

I strongly disagree on the silkie thing. I have silkies, & they're actually quite smart.

same I had silkies and they are beautiful and brilliant

 

[MysteryChicken]

I was thinking about polish chickens! Seems like they would be a big hit!

I like silkies I lost all of them last year though to a rat

A rat killed your silkies? Never thought I'd hear that.

 

[featherhead007]

yeah I saw one at show last year and between the silkie and the polish in my area, I could barely get through to get to my birds

Now we wouldn't want that to happen!

 

[MysteryChicken]

same I had silkies and they are beautiful and brilliant

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

A rat killed your silkies? Never thought I'd hear that.

yeah it broke through the wiring when they were babies. Only one survived and died from shock about an hour later