What Breeds?

[Delaneygraces]

Hello! I’m looking to expand my flock of show breeds. I currently have Modern Game bantams, and some other random birds that aren’t really shown. I’m wanting to have birds in more than just one class.
I’m looking for Bantam breeds only, and for show purposes (So probably not Sebrights or birds that have patterns that are near impossible to perfect.) They also need to be hard feathered, because I’m not sure I want to deal with blow drying a chicken just yet
I have a two breeds in mind, but would like to know your opinions and suggestions! Also, if you know a specific variety of a breed that you’d suggest as well, that would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
These are the two I was thinking about. I’m not sure about the Belgians, but I used to have a trio and they were interesting little birds. Anyone have experience raising/showing them?

• Old English Game Bantam (Silver Duckwing, and Lemon Blue)
• Belgian Bantam (Partridge)

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Belgian Bantam as Belgian Bearded D’Uccles or Belgian Bearded D’Anvers?

 

[Redhead Rae]

Cornish bantams are hard feathered. I've heard they have good temperaments too. Although most colors do have laced hens, unless you get white. I have LF Cornish and I really like them. One upside of Cornish, the culls would make good eating.

 

[Delaneygraces]

Belgian Bantam as Belgian Bearded D’Uccles or Belgian Bearded D’Anvers?

D’Anvers are what I’m thinking about, I believe. I’ve noticed some pictures have feathered feet, and some don’t? Is this just difference between the D’anvers and D’uccles?

Cornish bantams are hard feathered. I've heard they have good temperaments too. Although most colors do have laced hens, unless you get white. I have LF Cornish and I really like them. One upside of Cornish, the culls would make good eating.

I’ve thought about a Cornish too! There was a hen at a show that won overall, but I was questioning whether they actually had possiblity of winning, as I later found out that bird was the Judge’s bird, shown by his granddaughter. I love the looks of them though. That is a good upside, with most bantams you don’t get much out of cullls.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Belgian Bearded or Barbu (the term is used interchangeably) D’Anvers are clean legged and have rose combs. They do have muffs and a beard like the Belgian Bearded D’Uccle.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I’ve thought about a Cornish too! There was a hen at a show that won overall, but I was questioning whether they actually had possiblity of winning, as I later found out that bird was the Judge’s bird, shown by his granddaughter. I love the looks of them though. That is a good upside, with most bantams you don’t get much out of cullls.

This is what I got out of one of my 6 month old cockerel culls. His tail was set too high.

I'm sure the proportions of meat would still hold for bantams. Everyone could have their own little dinner bird!

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’ve thought about a Cornish too! There was a hen at a show that won overall, but I was questioning whether they actually had possiblity of winning, as I later found out that bird was the Judge’s bird, shown by his granddaughter.

That’s illegal to show a bird that isn’t yours at an APA sanctioned show. It says so in the Standard of Perfection.

 

[Redhead Rae]

That’s illegal to show a bird that isn’t yours at an APA sanctioned show. It says so in the Standard of Perfection. View attachment 1666273

The judge probably "sold" the bird to his granddaughter to make it "legal". People buy birds to show all the time.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

The judge probably "sold" the bird to his granddaughter to make it "legal". People buy birds to show all the time.

Even if he “sold” it to her. It’s a conflict of interest.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Even if he “sold” it to her. It’s a conflict of interest.

Very true. I think lines get blurred because the judges are from families more likely to show. If you didn't allow people related to judges to show, it would limit them a great deal.

However, the point of shows is to improve the breeds. Nepotism doesn't do the SOP any good.