Breed Standards for Dummies

Lou · **Joined:** Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:12 am **Posts:** 387

I want to show my orpingtons but don't know anyone that could look at them before hand to say yes do it or start again. Short of entering a show, of course more questions???? who do I put in, for all I know I could enter the worst couple or do I put the 12 of them in (cheap enough at .75c each), grit my teeth & wait for the verdict.

I have looked on the net & all I can find is photos of breeds, is there a site that has the breeds drawn decribing what each section of the bird is called, shape where this bit should start & finish well I think you get what I mean? If I'm going to enter Gatton show I have to decide & post the entries. HELP PLEASE :-?

Penola Poultry · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:55 am

Lou, do you have a copy of the Austrialian Standard? It has an illustration which explains all of the birds parts...and a very detailed description of the standards your orpingtons need to meet. However, having said that, nothing beats actually having your birds at a show and being able to discuss them with the judge and other breeders. I would ensure however that your birds are prepared properly. That is free of lice, clean feet and nails and perhaps the whole bird washed. If you had any photos of the birds I would be happy to comment. I breed and show both large and bantam orpingtons......still learning though.

Cheers,

Darryl

Lou · **Joined:** Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:12 am **Posts:** 387

Thanks for that, no I don't have a copy of the standard but it sounds like what I need, how do I get 1? The joys of getting them ready, I washed the ones I took to the Toowoomba auction, I was amazed at how docile they became, just add water.

I was slack though I show dogs so the chooks got the hydrobath which worked well just a lot less trouble than doing a dog. :lol:

I think they quite enjoyed it. I only have pics of 1 cockerel so far, I could email them through to you but will need your addi. I think the learning is just ongoing once you think you know it all you become complacent.

bunyanuternie · **Joined:** Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:31 pm **Posts:** 2903

Well said mate , most of the Judges are very helpful , and they all started out somewhere , so will be happy to help , you , Good Luck Lou .

Penola Poultry · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:32 pm

having said that, i recently had birds disqualified by a judge who did not know the standards and i was really really peeved! As a general rule of thumb club shows and feature shows have judges of a much higher calibre than local agricultural shows!

Penola Poultry · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:34 pm

Lou, did you get my PM? my computer crashed as i sent it!

Lou · **Joined:** Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:12 am **Posts:** 387

now you've thown a spanner in the works. :-?

Where will I find those standards you mentioned?

Egglive · **Joined:** Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:58 am **Posts:** 267

OMG I just looked for a copy of the Australian Poultry Standards. It was $150 - wow! I'll have to take out a personal loan.

Oh - now I see Bellsouth has a different version for $99.

Penola Poultry · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:47 pm

Lou, i think bellsouth have the cheapest version. Check their website. If you are serious about breeding and showing it's a worthwhile investment.

pjh · **Posted:** Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:33 pm

some libraries also have the standards, as do s0me poultry clubs, also some breed clubs distrubute the standard for their particular breed---a few cheaper options

another good book for begginers is the exhibition poultry handbook by Rick kemp

cheers pam

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Breed Standards for Dummies

Who is on the Forum