I am looking for a breed of goat to get for 4-h. I want a small breed that is somewhat easy to handle and that will make good pets. I was thinking nigerians but I don't want to milk them. Is there a way I can show them without having to milk them? Also any information on showing rouen ducks and wyandotte chickens would be helpful.
Thanks Hannah H.
I am not a goat expert, so I can't help you there. However, I can tell you about showing your types of poultry.
First of all, type (the body structure of a fowl, unique to each breed) is very important with Wyandottes. A good Wyandotte will have a nice broad back, round, full tail, wide skull, and sturdy legs. In fact, they are often described as a "bird of curves" because every part of their body should be rounded. Some common disqualifications of Wyandottes include: inverted spike (when the spike of the rose-comb indents into the base of the comb), a foreign comb variety (Wyandottes are supposed to have rose-combs), stubs (downy feathers) on the legs, and underweight (Wyandottes should weigh at least six pounds).
To get show-quality Wyandottes, it is essential that you buy from a breeder, and not from a hatchery. Hatchery birds are often below standard weight, have narrow, triangular tails, and may have the wrong type of comb or leg color. Birds like these will be marked down at shows, and may even be disqualified.
In the case of the Silver-Laced color pattern, the lacing should be even throughout the body. The feathers should be free from frosting (when the black margin on each feather fades to white on the edges), mossiness (irregular, indistinct, or messy looking markings on a feather that disrupt or destroy the intended color pattern), and too thick/thin lacing.
For more info on the Wyandotte breed, to the Wyandotte Breeders of America website:
http://www.wyandottebreedersofamerica.net/
As for Rouen ducks, I admit that I am not a duck expert. However, I do know a few things. Most importantly, size (like with the Wyandotte) matters. Rouens are large ducks, with deep keels. They should have well-built, yet thick heads and necks, with legs that are strong enough to support their weight. Some disqualifications of ducks include scoop-bill, which is when the bill, instead of being concave on top, is shaped more like a shovel, and angel wing, which is when one or more wings turn outward instead of lying flat. Leg and beak color is also important.
Hope I've helped!
Good luck with getting goats and showing!
