what is a good chicken for show?

[missychicky]

what are qualities in a chicken that you would want for showing? I'm totally new to chickens and everything so i know nothing. Are there different requirements for different breeds?

 

[greathorse]

Check out the American poultry association website. The standard of perfection is used to evaluate all sanctioned shows.

First published in 1874, the American Standard of Perfection is the official breed standard for the poultry fancy in North America. Published by the American Poultry Association, the Standard of Perfection (commonly referred to as "the Standard") classifies and describes the standard physical appearance, coloring and temperament for all recognized breeds of poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. The Standard is used by American Poultry Association judges at sanctioned poultry shows to judge poultry, and by those who participate in competitive showing selectively breed to select birds that conform to the standard, which lead to the term "standard bred" poultry.
There are 19 classes of poultry recognized by the American Poultry Association. Ten of these classes are devoted to chickens, of which 6 are classes of large breeds and 5 are bantam classes. There are four classes of ducks and three classes of geese, both divided by weight. All breeds of turkeys are grouped into one class.

 

[sepiolida]

If you're planning to show, choose a breed that you like and then find a breeder. All standard breeds can be shown, so there's no correct answer. Have fun!

 

[hipeatall]

Quote:
I agree with sepiolida!
When I was picking breeds for my laying flock... I made a list of what I wanted and what I felt was important...
heat tolerant (Texas summers can be hot)
good with confinement & not flighty (didn't want them flying out of the 45'x75' yard when we have guests with dogs visiting!)
sweet & friendly dispositions (I have a little boy that will want to pick them up and pet them)
pretty assortment of colorful eggs for the basket

I used this to help my little boy pick out the kind of birds he wanted for showing and for his 4H projects... he wanted black, poofy, sweet and little... and we ended up getting him a wonderful trio of Black Cochin Bantams from a very reputable breeder with amazing birds.
Hope this helps and you find your perfect birds! Good Luck!

 

[Ryu]

For my first breed (there will be more) I would avoid feather footed, long plummage, or birds that must be dubbed to show. The feathered feet, and long plummage (tails) make it harder to keep them in show condition. Dubbing can be intimidating for those just starting out, but you don't have to show the roosters if you don't want to dub.

In the end you should get what you like, if you don't like the look of the birds you won't put the work in to keep them in show condition or want to show them.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

First, attend a local poultry show. (Not a county fair, but a real show). Look at the many breeds and varities. Talk to the exhibitors. Watch the judges. Find a breed and variety that you like, find interesting and/or just can't live without. Then locate an experienced breeder with excellent quality stock. Preferably not far from your home town. See if this breeder will be your mentor. If so, then purchase some chicks or a few birds. Start small. Have your coop ready before you purchase. Don't forget the resource of your local library. Ours has about a dozen books on poultry. If you can afford it, purchase an American Standard of Perfection. It and other books are available at:

http://www.amerpoultryassn.com/APA_ShoppingMall3.htm

Being on http://www.backyardchickens.com is a big start!

 

[TK Poultry]

Quote:
exactly what i was going to say and exactly what ive done and im on the road to showing ive not had chickens for a year yet and with the help of a mentor and good chickens im going to my first show this APRIL!!! and the breeder was in my home town and the show is only a couple hours away this is solid advice and words to go by because its the best way to do it!