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

[sunny_bellyboo]

I don't show but I've been to a few shows from small local affairs to big regional ones and strictly in my opinion, I would go with a less common yet APA recognized breed. This, while also selecting a breed that will give you less competition in your class. I can't help but think there would be a lot of silkies, cochins, orpingtons and maybe even seramas.
The criteria for a breed that you listed in your first post is a good one. Cage training and calmness when handled by strangers will be critical regardless of what breed you choose.
The judge at one show, who is a friend of mine, told me he didn't rate the best rooster because the rooster bit him and drew blood.
I would also choose a breed you think you and your family may want in your breeding program.
The following breed charts should be helpful for choosing based on personality and other characteristics.
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html

Thanks for the information I'll look into the websites but I've already chosen my breed but Thanks

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

@ChickenCanoe @featherhead007 @21hens-incharge @MROO @EggWalrus help! the d'Uccles at Meyers hatchery are straight-run! should I still get them and hope I don't get more than one male???? (if I only get one male I can use it for breeding)

 

[21hens-incharge]

That is the problem ordering bantam breeds.......straight run.

Mypetchicken sells some sexed bantams......for a high price.

 

[featherhead007]

That is the problem ordering bantam breeds.......straight run.

Mypetchicken sells some sexed bantams......for a high price.

Probably a better choice, IMO

 

[sunny_bellyboo]

That is the problem ordering bantam breeds.......straight run.

Mypetchicken sells some sexed bantams......for a high price.

I think I might just hope for one male or all females

 

[featherhead007]

I think I might just hope for one male or all females

It's your coop!!!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

@ChickenCanoe @featherhead007 @21hens-incharge @MROO @EggWalrus help! the d'Uccles at Meyers hatchery are straight-run! should I still get them and hope I don't get more than one male???? (if I only get one male I can use it for breeding)

How many are you getting?
I wouldn't count on anything one way or the other. The global rate for chickens is 50:50. There's a chance for all male or all female but it will be closer to even in all reality.
Are you wanting to show a cockerel or a pullet?
If I were to show, I'd want as many of the sex I wanted to show as possible. That way you can pick the one that best represents the standards for the breed rather than having to show the one you are stuck with.
Not all chicks were destined to be show quality, just as not all children will end up being supermodels.
Even IF they are coming from a good line, only 10% could reliably be expected to be high quality.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

sorry, double post.

 

[Willowspirit]

my opinion, variety of d'Uccles. hearty birds

I got my d’Uccles (Millefleur) from My Pet Chicken. As a beginner I did have issues. I wanted a male and four females based on fitting in my coop. They told us we needed to buy six chicks to safely ship. So we did. For some reason there was also a twenty dollar surcharge in addition to the sixth chick.

When we got the chicks one was poorly. We made a huge mistake in not contacting them about it immediately. We tried to save her. By the time it didn’t make it, they told us that we needed to have reported her “death” within 24 hours to get a full $25 refund yes, they told us we should have lied). We argued and ended up with a $5 credit against our next chick order. This was all our mistake but I think they could have reacted better in this customer service driven world.

Now I had a dilemma: Who died? A female, leaving me with four females and a male? Or the male, leaving me with five females? Amazingly the single male chick was not marked in any way, so individual chick sex was a mystery. Fortunately a couple of BYC’ers successfully ID’D a male well before it was obvious.

But if the male I wanted had died, I would (theoretically because I would not have done this) have had to order another six chicks using my gargantuan $5 credit to get one and hope I got one. Another $125 - 5 out of pocket.

Luckily I ended up with four pretty pullets and a handsome and sweet cockerel. He lives with the girls and is pretty kind to them. He always eats new food last. He does crow a lot when he sees us and it’s louder than expected considering how little he is. A couple of days ago he got out and was chasing one of my full sized pullets. She turned around and confronted him and he danced for her. It was pretty cute!

 

[featherhead007]

I got my d’Uccles (Millefleur) from My Pet Chicken. As a beginner I did have issues. I wanted a male and four females based on fitting in my coop. They told us we needed to buy six chicks to safely ship. So we did. For some reason there was also a twenty dollar surcharge in addition to the sixth chick.

When we got the chicks one was poorly. We made a huge mistake in not contacting them about it immediately. We tried to save her. By the time it didn’t make it, they told us that we needed to have reported her “death” within 24 hours to get a full $25 refund yes, they told us we should have lied). We argued and ended up with a $5 credit against our next chick order. This was all our mistake but I think they could have reacted better in this customer service driven world.

Now I had a dilemma: Who died? A female, leaving me with four females and a male? Or the male, leaving me with five females? Amazingly the single male chick was not marked in any way, so individual chick sex was a mystery. Fortunately a couple of BYC’ers successfully ID’D a male well before it was obvious.

But if the male I wanted had died, I would (theoretically because I would not have done this) have had to order another six chicks using my gargantuan $5 credit to get one and hope I got one. Another $125 - 5 out of pocket.

Luckily I ended up with four pretty pullets and a handsome and sweet cockerel. He lives with the girls and is pretty kind to them. He always eats new food last. He does crow a lot when he sees us and it’s louder than expected considering how little he is. A couple of days ago he got out and was chasing one of my full sized pullets. She turned around and confronted him and he danced for her. It was pretty cute!

First off, never lie! you are so much better than that. If you want a roo, get a roo! and never fear that others may fail you sometimes, usually they do. Follow your heart my friend. All will be in grace and peace if you do! Sounds like a good flock start to me!