What did you do with your flock today?

[Shetland lover]

Hope it goes well for you both.

X2

 

[Shetland lover]

Home from another poultry show, got another one in two weeks! I’m tired We did pretty well, but nothing super exciting. Jager took Best in Breed and Best in Variety for d’Anvers, Oreo and PipPip each got Best in their Variety and Sweet Pea got Reserve Variety. Iceman got Reserve Variety in the Blue Quail Watermaals, and Monica got 2nd in the Quail and Rachel got 3rd. And Jessamy got Best in Breed and Best Variety for the bantam Ameraucanas, Bonnie got Reserve Breed and Best Variety, Clyde got Reserve Variety, and Angus got Best Variety. And Tux got first in his category (cockerel mottled) Cochin. The only thing that’s a bummer is that in Ameraucanas we were competing again with ourselves. I was the only one showing them! And there were only two quail d’Anvers that were not mine…so it doesn’t feel like very exciting wins when you’re competing with yourself mostly

I also had a weak moment and bought two blue cream silkies that were in the sales cages. I did sell 4 birds so really I came back still having less birds than when I left I have been coveting blue cream silkies for forever and finally bit the bullet!

There were some pretty birds there too. So all in all a good weekend. Gotta get some rest now, very burned out!

Congrats! I know you said it wasn't exciting wins but at least it gives you valuable information on how your birds are scoring on the standards of perfection. After all, if the judges don't think any of the birds in a category are up to scratch, they won't place them regardless of how few are on show. Well, that's how it works here, anyhow. Valuable experience for the younger birds too.

 

[Shetland lover]

Relaxed with Biscotti for a bit before bed. Had to take some pictures of the little cutie. He's starting to look good He's definitely getting spoiled. He's got brooder mates, but he wants his people time.View attachment 3726193View attachment 3726194View attachment 3726195View attachment 3726196

He is just the cutest!
And definitely coming into himself.

 

[fuzzi]

Samuel is practicing his crow, it's getting better:

Notice how Samuel stares at Joel, who makes himself look smaller and turns away?

Poor Joel. At least he doesn't appear to have injuries.

 

[kurby22]

I don't know how you find the energy to prepare so many birds! Do you wash and blow dry all of them? I don't know much about showing but have had friends that show, and it sounds like so much work to groom them to perfection! Feather shine sprays, toenail trims and all kinds of stuff.

Sounds like an exciting time! I can see the appeal in those silkies. I'll always have a soft spot for the cotton ball birds.

All of your birds are gorgeous

Haha I don’t either…but my messy house and pile of laundry both say I don’t make time and energy for everything

Yeah, I love all my birds, but silkies are like my guilty pleasure. They really serve no purpose and are so high maintenance, but the flock feels empty without them! They’re such silly little muppets I’m going to put the older one in with my lavender cuckoo Satin and make pretty babies I think

 

[kurby22]

Congrats! I know you said it wasn't exciting wins but at least it gives you valuable information on how your birds are scoring on the standards of perfection. After all, if the judges don't think any of the birds in a category are up to scratch, they won't place them regardless of how few are on show. Well, that's how it works here, anyhow. Valuable experience for the younger birds too.

That is very true! I need to keep this perspective better! It is true, although in this case I got more confused because different Ameraucanas scored well Although one thing I learned is that Angus, my black Ameraucana is not doing as well as I thought he would so I am going to have to keep studying the rooster SOP till I have a better idea what they want. I think he’s just so beautiful but he takes second any time I bring him! I’m taking him to Lodi in two weeks and there will be new judges so maybe as he ages it will improve…? But you are right, the learning experience is just as important if not more so! I’m still very new to all this. I’m not good at patience or acknowledging my own limitations!

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Monica got second in the pullet quail category though. When in the cages with her peers, she definitely has notable lack of proper lacing. Her type is super nice though, so that must’ve ranked high enough! Thanks for the reminder to focus on the positives

 

[kurby22]

Relaxed with Biscotti for a bit before bed. Had to take some pictures of the little cutie. He's starting to look good He's definitely getting spoiled. He's got brooder mates, but he wants his people time.View attachment 3726193View attachment 3726194View attachment 3726195View attachment 3726196

Biscotti is looking really good!! I’m so glad he’s growing well and fitting in. Such a little cutie pants OD!

 

[kurby22]

Samuel is practicing his crow, it's getting better:

Notice how Samuel stares at Joel, who makes himself look smaller and turns away?

Poor Joel. At least he doesn't appear to have injuries.

Joel seems resigned to his new role I have an Ameraucana who currently is trying to put me in my place…we have not been getting along. So he’s in rooster isolation for a bit to see if I can convince him he isn’t the top man. He’s very displeased He probably feels for Joel I’m guessing!

 

[Nomadicus]

After getting to spend the night in the sunroom in a kennel Legs ate a bit of sandwich bread for his prebreakfast snack in my lap. Then it was off to have some 27% gamebird grower for breakfast as he is still a growing boy. He will get that for another year at least. Honey was confused at having Legs in a kennel near her. She gets a little bit of scrambled egg before bed and when she gets up. I had an audience most of the day as different ones gather to see what I was doing while building on a new hoop coop. This the the first 12 x 13 with 3' side walls. Should be finished Wednesday. Not much going to get done tomorrow as it is going to be in the frigid 30's tomorrow all day.

 

[fuzzi]

After getting to spend the night in the sunroom in a kennel Legs ate a bit of sandwich bread for his prebreakfast snack in my lap. Then it was off to have some 27% gamebird grower for breakfast as he is still a growing boy. He will get that for another year at least. Honey was confused at having Legs in a kennel near her. She gets a little bit of scrambled egg before bed and when she gets up. I had an audience most of the day as different ones gather to see what I was doing while building on a new hoop coop. This the the first 12 x 13 with 3' side walls. Should be finished Wednesday. Not much going to get done tomorrow as it is going to be in the frigid 30's tomorrow all day.

Build pictures?