Right and next page: Brahma chicks with decent footfeathering, but with no fluff on the inner side of the legs and on the inner toes.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Right and next page: Brahma chicks with decent footfeathering, but with no fluff on the inner side of the legs and on the inner toes."

Transcription

1 FOOTFEATHERING By: Bobo Athes For the vast majority of chicken breeds, especially for the utility breeds, footfeathering is not included in the standard. Yet, in the case of ornamental breeds, it is a highly impressive feature, starting with the Barbu D Uccle and ending with Brahma and Cochin. However, there are some breeds that should have a certain type of footfeathering and a certain amount of footfeathers, like Marans (although some countries have standards in which footfeathering is a fault), Faverolles or Croad Langshan. These breeds have poor footfeathers, and any exaggeration is a defect in exhibitions. Picture above: Light Brahma chick, with promising footfeathering: fluff on all toes and on the inner side of the leg. Large amount of fluff on the middle toe. Right and next page: Brahma chicks with decent footfeathering, but with no fluff on the inner side of the legs and on the inner toes. In the following, I will refer mostly to the two giant breeds for which footfeathering is a distinctive, highlypraised characteristic: Brahma and Cochin. In both cases, footfeathers must build a complete, uninterrupted cushion around the toes, with massive feathering of the whole leg. In the former, the feathers have to be rather hard and long, but without building vulture hocks that are too obvious.

2 Left: Brahma chicks with decent footfeathering, but with no fluff on the inner side of the legs and on the inner toes. There is no limit to as how long the footfeathers should be, but the basic principle is the more, the better. I have never heard a judge say that a Brahma has too much footfeathering. In the ideal case, the leg should be covered in feathers from all sides, and the inner toes must also be covered in fluff or short feathers. This is a feature easily noticeable even in day-old chicks, as soon as they are dry, yet it cannot provide sure information about how massive the footfeathering of that particular chick will be. The building of the footfeathers is influenced by a series of factors: the genes of the parents, feeding, age, the behaviour of the birds, and the conditions in which they are kept. I ll discuss them point by point. Below: Light Brahma and Buff Cochin cockerels, with good footfeathering. The Brahma has long, hard feathers, while the Cochin has soft, fluffy feathers, with a massive amount of fluff on the shanks. Footfeathering is basically produced by two genes, Pti-1 and Pti-2. Some breeds, like Faverolles, Croad-Langshan or Breda have only one, while others, like Sultan, Cochin, Barbu d Uccle have two of them. Brahma has only one gene, but a different allele from the one in Langshan, which explains the difference in footfeathering. Of course, selective breeding had a tremendous influence upon the way in which footfeathering looks, in the case of each breed. For the breeds that must have a large amount of footfeathers, nutrition is of paramount importance. When not properly fed, with the adequate amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, the birds won t have the resources for building all the extra-feathering on their feet and legs.

3 Cocks with faulty footfeathering. The Light Brahma at the left shows rather obvious vulture hocks, while the feathers on the toes are too short, and the middle toe is not completely feathered. Below: The Buff Cochin also has hocks, and the footfeathering is not as fluffy as it should be. Left: The White male has rather hard feathers, and the footfeathering is interrupted at the joint. The footfeathering of Cochin (no matter if large or bantam) should be as soft as fluffy as possible, with no hard feathers, like in the Brahma. Especially the shanks should contain a massive amount of fluff, with the wings buried, so-to-say, with their lower part in that mass of fluff. This trait is particularly obvious when the birds are washed and prepared for shows. Right and next page: The right type of footfeathering in Cochin: fluffy, massive, with no hard feathers. And there is always room for better...

4 Above and right: The right type of footfeathering in Cochin: fluffy, massive, with no hard feathers. And there is always room for better... There seems to be a connection between extreme footfeathering and various malformations, at least in the case of Brahma and Cochin. Drawing upon my personal experience as a breeder, I ve noticed that the chicks that had leg problems when newly hatched (twisted legs, crooked toes and so on) also had a tremendous amount of fluff on their legs. I ve even seen cases when these chicks with exaggerated footfeathers had fluff on their soles. I don t think that the existence of a lethal gene causes the simultaneous appearance of physiological faults and the more-than-average footfeathering, like in the Chabo, for example, but I guess there is some sort of connection between these two features, as the number of chicks I ve seen is beyond any rate of coincidence. Difference between good and bad footfeathering: left, poor footfeathering, in the middle, almost decent footfeathering, and on the right, very good footfeathering. All the cockerels were still feathering up, but you can easily imagine which of the three got the best footfeathering in the end.

5 The right type of footfeathering in Brahma: long, hard feathers on the toes, with no obvious hocks, middle toe well feathered. Footfeathering is also susceptible to decrease because of inbreeding. I know a Brahma breeder who used the same male for 3 consecutive years (first with unrelated hens, then with his daughters, then with his nieces ). Then, the best birds were chosen from the F3 generation and used for two more years. The original birds had an impressive amount of footfeathers, but each generation moved farther away from that quality of footfeathering. Each generation was fed the same, kept in the same enclosures, with the same average number of chicks hatched each summer. The breeder wanted to bring his bloodline (Light Brahma) as close as possible to the original male (it was really a beautiful specimen). And he eventually succeeded in doing so, with everything (type, colour, wings, shape of the head, comb, tail) except footfeathering. Last year, he even had a couple of pullets (from the same bloodline) that were almost clean-legged, or had the type of footfeathering one could see on a Faverolles, for example. A mention must be made: each year, only the birds with the best footfeathering were selected for breeding. Yet, the quality of footfeathering had a constant decrease throughout the years, and the reason must be inbreeding. Left: White Cochin cock, with his foot feathers worn off because of wet grass and mud.

6 Right: The same cock, after 3 months, almost fully feathered, kept on wood shavings. Before shows, breeders usually keep their top birds on wood-shavings, or something similar, in individual pens. This helps for keeping birds clean and their footfeathering intact. Yet, I would not recommend the same approach for still developing young birds. If kept only in enclosures, on wood shavings, they do build impressive foot feathers (given the right genetic heritage, of course) but they also tend to lose their vitality especially young Brahmas, while Cochin chicks seem to do better under the same circumstances, without losing their appetite and their vigour. As far as Brahma chicks are concerned, I am always willing to sacrifice the looks of the footfeathers for the benefit of having healthier birds. The chicks that enjoy a lot of space for exercise during their first year can be confined and cage-trained much easier in the second year, as a preparation for shows (the footfeathering on Brahmas is usually much more impressive in the second year, when feathers are harder, and the birds are already fully grown). Yet, confinement alone does not guarantee good or intact footfeathers. The birds - especially the males can easily break their footfeathers when strutting their stuff near the cage wire, usually at the sight of other birds. In order to prevent this, you can use a wooden board, placed at a height of about from the bottom of the pen, at a distance of about 25 centimetres from the walls or the net. This way, the bird is not allowed to get too near to the net/ wire and rub its footfeathers against it, breaking them. Above: Free-ranging Brahma cocks: the damage to the footfeathering is not so obvious like in the Cochins, even though most of the foot feathers are broken and dirty.

7 A special position in the discussion on foot feathers belongs to Silkies. Due to their special type of plumage, they cannot have any kind of hocks, even though the footfeathering can be abundant. Also, because of the silky texture of the plumage, the foot feathers on Silkies can be worn off much easier than in the case of Brahmas, for instance. Silkies, day-olds and adult female. There is no direct connection between the vulture hocks (the hard feathers protruding from the hock joint) and the footfeathering. In fact, they are not considered a fault, unless they are stiff, with hard shafts and pointing out seen from one side. Otherwise, hocks are common in Brahmas, completing their image. The footfeathers on the shanks can be below average, but with nice footfeathers on the toes, and vice versa. In the ideal case, in Brahmas, the footfeathering should be as massive as possible, with soft hocks and hard, long feathers on the toes, and without any sort of interruptions. The way you could use wooden board to protect males in individual pens from breaking their foot feathers against the net. And speaking about wearing-off the footfeathering; in the case of large Brahmas and Cochins, free-ranging birds usually show broken foot feathers, but the quality of the overall footfeathering should still be obvious, no matter for how long have the birds been staying outside. Mud ruins foot feathers worse than grass (or wet grass), and it is also more dangerous for the birds toes. Again, long walks in muddy places or wet grass can also become dangerous for the health of the birds. Due to the amount of feathers, if they get wet, they won t dry easily, the wet plumage cannot insulate the bird against cold

8 temperatures and it won t be able to stay warm. This is especially true in the case of Bantam Cochins or Silkies. Tall grass should also be avoided, for the breeds with hard foot feathers in particular. I learned this myself, the hard way, when I let a Light Brahma male, fully feathered, wander about in tall grass for a couple of hours (he had been kept in an individual pen, to give the hens a chance to properly feather up). After 2 hours, when I wanted to put him back in his pen, his feet were so full of blood, that I thought some dog had attacked him. I soon realised what had really happened: while walking in the tall grass, the long and hard feathers on his feet were being moved, even in the area of the calamus (the hollow shaft through which the feather is inserted to the skin, in a follicle). Newly grown feathers are irrigated with blood, and this tiny movements of the feathers caused the small follicles to bleed. It certainly wasn t a nice sight... Above: Large Brahmas and Cochins should be a bit long-legged, so that they have enough space for an impressive footfeathering to develop. Yet, the over-all image should be that of massive birds, not tall birds. Birds are losing and growing back feathers all the time, but this process is much more obvious during molting. So, good news about worn-off footfeathering: it will grow back, provided the fact that the birds are kept in clean, dry enclosures. And not only clean and dry, they also need bedding, otherwise the permanent contact with their own droppings could lead to problems much more serious than bad looking footfeathering. You can predict the footfeathering of an adult bird by looking at the fluff on the toes, just hours after hatching. The amount of fluff provides pretty accurate information about the amount of foot feathers that particular bird will have when reaching maturity. In Brahma and Cochin, I always prefer the chicks that have fluff on ALL four toes, and the inside of the leg also covered in fluff. This gives you a 80% certainty that the adult will have the right footfeathering. One should also pay attention to the middle toe. Not necessarily in the case of Silkies, but certainly in the case of Brahma or Cochin, the middle toe MUST be feathered. A chick with absolutely no fluff on its middle toe will not develop the correct footfeathering when fully grown. Then again, if you buy chicks that are 2 or 3 months old, with little or no footfeathering on the middle toes, chances are they might improve, if they had been poorly fed or kept in inadequate conditions. However, you should not place your hopes too high. Usually, good genes for footfeathering lead to the right phenotype, with this trait well developed.

9 Sometimes, having long foot feathers causes difficulties for birds when walking, but there is never a strong need to cut their foot feathers short. The birds tend to break off their feathers just enough for the them to walk normally. Yet, Brahma and Cochin Below: Even cats gather round to admire nice foot feathers...:) breeders should pay attention to any abnormalities of the leg bones, as they can easily be hidden by footfeathering, especially when the birds don t get enough exercise. Paying attention to footfeathering, especially in breeds like Brahma and Cochin, will guarantee having truly impressive birds. And although it requires extra care and attention, massive footfeathering will always attract attention, in the show room and elsewhere. Copyright 2007 Aviculture-Europe. All rights reserved by VBC

Annual Meeting of the Dutch Brahma Club

Annual Meeting of the Dutch Brahma Club Annual Meeting of the Dutch Brahma Club at Blijham, April 2009 Text: Berend Beekhuis Photos: Willem de Wit It was a long journey for a lot of members to be able to join this Assembly in a village high

More information

By: Martin Timmerman (NL)

By: Martin Timmerman (NL) MY SUMATRA BANTAMS By: Martin Timmerman (NL) Sumatra fowl (Ayam Gallak) originally come from the island of Sumatra (part of the Indonesian Sunda Islands). The bantam version of the black Sumatra was created

More information

By: Monique de Vrijer Photos: Monique de Vrijer en Pauline van Schaik FROM EGG TO CHICKEN

By: Monique de Vrijer Photos: Monique de Vrijer en Pauline van Schaik FROM EGG TO CHICKEN By: Monique de Vrijer Photos: Monique de Vrijer en Pauline van Schaik FROM EGG TO CHICKEN At last, spring is here and many of us are looking forward to the first chicks! But before we can have chicks,

More information

How to read a Coop Tag

How to read a Coop Tag How to read a Coop Tag By Cheryl Barnaba So you re trying you hand at showing chickens. You have figured out how to get your birds tested. You sleuthed out how to get an entry form, and you even learned

More information

SOUTHERN AFRICAN SHOW POULTRY ORGANISATION BREED STANDARDS RHODE ISLAND

SOUTHERN AFRICAN SHOW POULTRY ORGANISATION BREED STANDARDS RHODE ISLAND SOUTHERN AFRICAN SHOW POULTRY ORGANISATION BREED STANDARDS RHODE ISLAND ORIGIN: CLASSIFICATION: EGG COLOUR: MASSES: LARGE FOWL: Cock: Hen: Cockerel: Pullet: BANTAMS: Male: Female: American Heavy breed:

More information

Living Homegrown Podcast Episode #12 Choosing Your Backyard Chicken Breeds. Show Notes:

Living Homegrown Podcast Episode #12 Choosing Your Backyard Chicken Breeds. Show Notes: Living Homegrown Podcast Episode #12 Choosing Your Backyard Chicken Breeds Show Notes: www.livinghomegrown.com/12 You re listening to the Living Homegrown Podcast, episode #12 Announcer: Welcome to the

More information

ISABELLA OR LAVENDER BROWN IN LEGHORNS (LARGE) and ISABELLA PATRIDGE IN BRAHMA BANTAMS

ISABELLA OR LAVENDER BROWN IN LEGHORNS (LARGE) and ISABELLA PATRIDGE IN BRAHMA BANTAMS ISABELLA OR LAVENDER BROWN IN LEGHORNS (LARGE) and ISABELLA PATRIDGE IN BRAHMA BANTAMS By Geri Glastra This new colour variety was recently recognised in standard Leghorns and Brahma bantams. It is a variety

More information

Text: Dirk de Jong (NL)

Text: Dirk de Jong (NL) Text: Dirk de Jong (NL) Photos: Bobo Athes; all photos are of his own Cochins. I recorded the following story years ago, from the mouth of a very good Cochin breeder. I think it's still valuable, because

More information

THE BUCKEYE. By Elly Vogelaar (NL) With my thanks to the American Buckeye Club, Jeffrey L. Lay and Joe Schumaker.

THE BUCKEYE. By Elly Vogelaar (NL) With my thanks to the American Buckeye Club, Jeffrey L. Lay and Joe Schumaker. THE BUCKEYE By Elly Vogelaar (NL) Above: Young cockerel. Photo: Jeffrey L. Lay With my thanks to the American Buckeye Club, Jeffrey L. Lay and Joe Schumaker. My attention was caught when I read the following

More information

Northwest Livestock Expo 2018 POULTRY STUDY GUIDE

Northwest Livestock Expo 2018 POULTRY STUDY GUIDE Northwest Livestock Expo 2018 POULTRY STUDY GUIDE Poultry Digestive System A hen must eat 3.5 pounds of feed to make a dozen eggs. DID YOU KNOW: Fresh eggs float in water! Parts of the Egg 6 essential

More information

Sand and Sage Round-Up MARKET CHICKEN STUDY GUIDE Junior and Intermediate Division (8-13 years of age as of December 31)

Sand and Sage Round-Up MARKET CHICKEN STUDY GUIDE Junior and Intermediate Division (8-13 years of age as of December 31) Questions will come from: Colorado 4-H Ethical Care of Poultry handout Meat Quality Assurance Market Chicken Study Guide Sand and Sage Round-Up MARKET CHICKEN STUDY GUIDE Junior and Intermediate Division

More information

As a novice breeder it would be best to start with the Self variety. 90% of the Selfs is show. By: Maarten Mees (Belgium)

As a novice breeder it would be best to start with the Self variety. 90% of the Selfs is show. By: Maarten Mees (Belgium) THE GHENT CROPPER A WILFUL AND ACTIVE PIGEON By: Maarten Mees (Belgium) Seeing a Ghent Cropper at exhibitions, in free flight or simply in the loft is a joy to watch. Few breeds combine so many characteristics

More information

CARING FOR YOUR CHICKEN

CARING FOR YOUR CHICKEN CARING FOR YOUR CHICKEN Chickens are a great way to participate in Lamb, Calf and Chicken Day. They still need lots of love and attention but are a little less work than lambs or calves. They still make

More information

Pick Up: May 17 th, 18 th or 19 th We will call the day the chicks arrive. All orders must be picked up that day.

Pick Up: May 17 th, 18 th or 19 th We will call the day the chicks arrive. All orders must be picked up that day. 74 West Road (Rt 83) www.ellingtonagway.com 860-875-3355 Order By: May 9 th Pick Up: May 17 th, 18 th or 19 th We will call the day the chicks arrive. All orders must be picked up that day. Brown Egg Layers

More information

Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know

Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know You wanted to raise chickens for eggs and bought some hatching eggs. Or you couldn t resist the fluffy little munchkins at the feed store this spring. In any event you now

More information

Animal Care & Selection

Animal Care & Selection Animal Care & Selection Animal Information & Care This is just a helpful guide and is not required as part of your project. Following these tips does not guarantee that your project will be completed in

More information

GERRIT GROOTEN. ... also loves Chickens!

GERRIT GROOTEN. ... also loves Chickens! GERRIT GROOTEN... also loves Chickens! Text: Elly Vogelaar. Photos: Aviculture Europe. The other day, when we visited some fanciers in Friesland, we passed through the town of Drachten, Gerrit Grooten

More information

A SPECIALTY OF FORTY YEARS

A SPECIALTY OF FORTY YEARS BUFF LEGHORNS A SPECIALTY OF FORTY YEARS with colour photos of Dan Honour s goldline strain single comb Buff Leghorns By D.J.Honour, Millerton, New York, USA. (2011) Historic facts on Buff Leghorns In

More information

Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself

Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself How to Breed Chickens Four Methods:Preparing to BreedChoosing the Eggs to IncubateLetting the Hen Hatch the EggsIncubating the Eggs Yourself Breeding chickens is a great way to create a sustainable flock,

More information

Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe

Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe The beautiful New Hampshire fowls of Jo De Dooij are living proof that a breed, when kept by a devoted fancier/specialist, can be bred to perfection. Of course

More information

Cass County 4-H Poultry Project Record Book

Cass County 4-H Poultry Project Record Book Cass County 4-H Poultry Project Record Book Level 2 (Grades 6 8) For each year in the project (in this same level), each member will complete 2 activities, for a total number of 6 activities if three years

More information

Yet, the most common name for the breed is Transylvanian Naked Neck; that is why I am inclined to believe that Romanians were the ones

Yet, the most common name for the breed is Transylvanian Naked Neck; that is why I am inclined to believe that Romanians were the ones Text and photos: Bobo Athes (Romania) Photo right: Klaas v. d. Hoek. This unusual looking chicken breed has become popular worldwide, but its history has stirred - and continues to stir numerous controversies.

More information

PART 6 Rearing and Selection

PART 6 Rearing and Selection PART 6 Rearing and Selection By: Mick Bassett Rearing Young birds, to develop fully, need all that the adults do but more of it! Plenty of room to exercise, lots of fresh air, balanced diet, etc. They

More information

Sample Showing & Fitting Questions Pacific Northwest Poultry Association https://www.facebook.com/groups/pacificnwpoultryassociation/ October 2014

Sample Showing & Fitting Questions Pacific Northwest Poultry Association https://www.facebook.com/groups/pacificnwpoultryassociation/ October 2014 What techniques did you use to prepare your bird for the show? o This is an open-ended question intended to demonstrate logic & reasoning. Show preparation begins at day one with proper feed & housing,

More information

The Crossroads of America Poultry Club show 2006 Text and photos: courtesy Poultry Press

The Crossroads of America Poultry Club show 2006 Text and photos: courtesy Poultry Press Proud owners, top animals and striking breeds Part 2 The Crossroads of America Poultry Club show 2006 Text and photos: courtesy Poultry Press The Crossroads of America Poultry Club show finally became

More information

10 Signs You Have a Broody Hen

10 Signs You Have a Broody Hen 10 Signs You Have a Broody Hen This is broody hen season. What is a broody and how do you know you have one? The spring weather brings on the urge to set on eggs and hatch out a clutch of chicks. If the

More information

Selection and Evaluation

Selection and Evaluation Selection and Evaluation Lesson 2: Selection and Evaluation Selecting high quality poultry is a skill that is important to egg and meat production. By evaluating and selecting the most productive birds,

More information

Hatching Chicks in the Classroom

Hatching Chicks in the Classroom Hatching Chicks in the Classroom Table of contents Part 1: Preparing for Incubation Part 2: Egg Activity Part 3: During Incubation Part 4: Hatching Part 5: After Hatching Part 6: Chicks and Chickens Glossary

More information

How Chicks Grow the First Year

How Chicks Grow the First Year How Chicks Year Grow the First I t i s f a s c i n a t i n g t o watch how chicks grow, during the first year of their life. The downy chick goes through stages to become an egg laying hen or rooster.

More information

Riverside County 4-H

Riverside County 4-H Project Proficiency Program Poultry Proficiency Program Guidelines The Project Proficiency program assists youth in measuring themselves against standards of excellence in a project area. In the Project

More information

Above and right: A prize winning American Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island Red bantam. Photos courtesy of the American RIR Club.

Above and right: A prize winning American Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island Red bantam. Photos courtesy of the American RIR Club. By: Rem Koster During the past 40 years Dutch breeders have made good progress in breeding Rhode Island Reds. In this article I will try to describe the colour of our Reds from head to tail, and how to

More information

Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know

Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know Pullet or Cockerel? How to Know You wanted to raise chickens for eggs and bought some hatching eggs. Or you couldn t resist the fluffy little munchkins at the feed store this spring. In any event you now

More information

Text and photos: Elizabeth Holmes, secretary of the Delaware Poultry Club, USA. Above photo: Young cockerel on a winter day.

Text and photos: Elizabeth Holmes, secretary of the Delaware Poultry Club, USA. Above photo: Young cockerel on a winter day. Text and photos: Elizabeth Holmes, secretary of the Delaware Poultry Club, USA. THE DELAWARE CHICKEN Above photo: Young cockerel on a winter day. The Delaware chicken is an engaging and friendly dual purpose

More information

DIFFERENT BREEDS DEMAND DIFFERENT INCUBATION MEASURES

DIFFERENT BREEDS DEMAND DIFFERENT INCUBATION MEASURES CONCERNING POULTRY One can be puzzled by noticing that, from the same batch, in the same incubator, some of the chicks hatch normally, while others die before breaking the shell. Reading the following

More information

Assorted Guinea Brown egg layers: Black Sex Link Golden Sex Link Red Sex Link

Assorted Guinea Brown egg layers: Black Sex Link Golden Sex Link Red Sex Link Note: Shipments are received approximately 1 (one) or 2 (two) days after hatch date! Note: Pullets- Pre sexed chicks at the Ideal Hatchery St Runs- Not pre sexed at the Ideal hatchery Note: Hatch date

More information

JUDGES: POULTRY TUESDAY 19th JUNE Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2018

JUDGES: POULTRY TUESDAY 19th JUNE Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2018 Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2018 All keep Penning Chris Wise Plant Hire Fancy Fowl Magazine Northern Event Structures Paul Kerfoot

More information

Fresno County 4-H. Poultry Study Guide

Fresno County 4-H. Poultry Study Guide Fresno County 4-H Poultry Study Guide MARCH 2017 4-H Poultry Project Overview Historically, humans and poultry have interacted in many ways beyond owning chickens as farm animals. From domesticated fowl

More information

Rem retired from work five years ago and finds judging a pleasant way to keep busy and out and about. Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe

Rem retired from work five years ago and finds judging a pleasant way to keep busy and out and about. Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe Text: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe Over time, fanciers often vary the breeds they keep; they get tired of a breed or a particular colour variety or are looking for a new challenge. Yet there

More information

Poultry Skillathon 2016

Poultry Skillathon 2016 Age Divisions: Junior (8-11) Intermediate (12-14) Senior (15-18) Exhibitors will participate in age-based Skillathons. This study guide includes all topics an exhibitor might be tested on. Youth will only

More information

CAUCHOIS BREEDING AND SHOWING

CAUCHOIS BREEDING AND SHOWING CAUCHOIS BREEDING AND SHOWING By : Filip Vierstraete The Cauchois Europe Show, held in the village of Elzach, Germany in November this year, was once again a great success. Some 600 Cauchois were penned

More information

DEPARTMENT 7 JUNIOR CLASS POULTRY

DEPARTMENT 7 JUNIOR CLASS POULTRY DEPARTMENT 7 JUNIOR CLASS POULTRY Supt. Gary Rossman Supt. Andy Rusk A. Livestock exhibitors are required to comply with all of the statutory and regulatory provisions of the State of Wisconsin relating

More information

POULTRY LEVEL TEST STUDY GUIDE LEVELS III & IV

POULTRY LEVEL TEST STUDY GUIDE LEVELS III & IV 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY POULTRY LEVEL TEST STUDY GUIDE LEVELS III & IV Passing Score for Level III & IV is 75% IMPORTANT INFORMATION In levels three and four, members will

More information

Getting your rabbits. into shape

Getting your rabbits. into shape Getting your rabbits into shape Introduction Contents Just like people, pets need to eat the right diet and get enough exercise to stay fit and healthy. But as many of us know, it s not always easy! In

More information

2014 Catalogue. Cages, Hutches, and other Poultry and Small Animal Supplies Breeding Stock Prices

2014 Catalogue. Cages, Hutches, and other Poultry and Small Animal Supplies Breeding Stock Prices 2014 Catalogue Cages, Hutches, and other Poultry and Small Animal Supplies Breeding Stock Prices Cages (Prices subject to change with the changing costs of inputs.) Mostly, we focus on all wire hutches,

More information

Buffalo & WNY Poultry club Newsletter Fall Presidents Message

Buffalo & WNY Poultry club Newsletter Fall Presidents Message Presidents Message Hello everyone, I have spent a good portion of this past year in New York City but am now back home full time. While I was gone my daughter took over daily chores and more importantly

More information

YOUNG MATURING PIGEONS By Mick Bassett

YOUNG MATURING PIGEONS By Mick Bassett SPRING - AND SOME THOUGHTS ON THE NEXT GENERATION YOUNG MATURING PIGEONS By Mick Bassett This F³ Macedonian Shield Owl baby is quite a surprise in the Colour. My first thought was it looked like a Dunn!

More information

If it s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all

If it s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all Chicken Wire or Cloth for Coops Hardware If it s called chicken wire, it must be for chickens, right? There are certain topics that veteran chicken owners are all too familiar with. But, what about those

More information

JUDGES: POULTRY TUESDAY 21 st JUNE Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2016

JUDGES: POULTRY TUESDAY 21 st JUNE Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2016 Cheshire Agricultural Society Would like to thank the following For Sponsoring the Poultry Section in 2016 All keep Penning Fancy Fowl Magazine Wright Marshall And Co Linacre Plant Meriden Animal Health

More information

Slide 1 NO NOTES. Slide 2 NO NOTES. Slide 3 NO NOTES. Slide 4 NO NOTES. Slide 5

Slide 1 NO NOTES. Slide 2 NO NOTES. Slide 3 NO NOTES. Slide 4 NO NOTES. Slide 5 Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 Slide 5 Left is broiler (for meat) bird (Cobb/Ross), have different nutritional needs to layers. From chick to kill can be as little as 34 days. Commercial layer (ends up

More information

By: Elly Vogelaar. Photos: Aviculture Europe and Dick Hamer PART 1

By: Elly Vogelaar. Photos: Aviculture Europe and Dick Hamer PART 1 By: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe and Dick Hamer PART 1 Photo left: Joop in his beautiful garden, sitting next to his chicken runs. Today we are visiting Joop Hageman. He lives at the highest

More information

CHICKENS: 5 OR MORE YEARS

CHICKENS: 5 OR MORE YEARS CHICKENS: 5 OR MORE YEARS When grading dressed poultry there are 5 defects to be considered. Name 3 of them. 1.) Discoloration 2.) Bruises 3.) Exposed flesh 4.) Pinfeathers 5.) Freezing defects How many

More information

Selecting Laying Hens

Selecting Laying Hens Selecting Laying Hens Authors Thompson, R. B. Publisher College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) Download date 26/04/2018 15:39:49 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/196570 of COLLEGE

More information

1. If possible, place the class based on loss of pigment (bleaching) from the skin.

1. If possible, place the class based on loss of pigment (bleaching) from the skin. 4-H Poultry Judging Past egg production (reasons class) Interior egg quality candling Interior egg quality - broken out Exterior egg quality Poultry carcass parts identification Poultry carcass quality

More information

HENK KASPERTS DUTCH BANTAMS

HENK KASPERTS DUTCH BANTAMS HENK KASPERTS DUTCH BANTAMS By: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe For me it is the Dutch bantam only, and never anything else, Henk Kasperts stated when asked about his chickens. To be more precise,

More information

Rare Feathers Volume 1 Issue 1 NEWSLETTER March 2007

Rare Feathers Volume 1 Issue 1 NEWSLETTER March 2007 Rare Feathers Volume 1 Issue 1 NEWSLETTER March 2007 Tasmanian Rare Breeds Poultry Club Judging Soft-feather and Waterfowl is George Norman, a much respected judge who is in demand Nationally. We are privileged

More information

Happy Holidays. WHAT BREED AM I? Hint: 9 letters. What year by variety was I admitted into the APA Standard? Buff, Black, White, Blue.

Happy Holidays. WHAT BREED AM I? Hint: 9 letters. What year by variety was I admitted into the APA Standard? Buff, Black, White, Blue. YOUTH EXHIBITION POULTRY ASSN. Y.E.P.A. www.youthexhibitionpoultry.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/833298030111432/ NOVEMBER 2016 Hello Everyone, I m very sorry there hasn t been a consistent

More information

SPRING OPEN CHICKEN. $250 to the Grand Champion Bird of Show and $150 to the Reserve Grand Champion Bird of Show

SPRING OPEN CHICKEN. $250 to the Grand Champion Bird of Show and $150 to the Reserve Grand Champion Bird of Show SPRING OPEN CHICKEN MAY ARRIVE MAY ARRIVE SHOW DATE AWARDS RELEASE Friday, May 4 Saturday, May 5 Saturday, May 5 Saturday, May 5 Saturday, May 5 9:00 AM 8:00 PM 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM 8:30 A.M. Conclusion of

More information

74 West Road (Rt 83)

74 West Road (Rt 83) 74 West Road (Rt 83) www.ellingtonagway.com 860-875-3355 Order By: March 25 th Pick Up: April 18 th,19 th or 20 th The chicks will arrive one of these 3 days. We will call the day they arrive. All orders

More information

How to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm

How to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm How to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm Do you want to raise healthy geese for your backyard farm? The goose is a good choice for a poultry addition to a homestead. Friendly and good at foraging,

More information

PIGEONRACINGFORMULA.COM

PIGEONRACINGFORMULA.COM PIGEONRACINGFORMULA.COM Interview with, Tom DeMartino SleepyHollowLoft.com 1.What qualities do you look for in a racing pigeon?... 5 2. What in your opinion is the most important aspect or quality of a

More information

REDCAPS AT FRITS MEIJER S

REDCAPS AT FRITS MEIJER S REDCAPS AT FRITS MEIJER S By: Elly Vogelaar Photos: Aviculture Europe As soon as we found out that the Redcap was back in The Netherlands, we were onto it in a flash! We tracked them down in Grashoek,

More information

Eggstravaganza School Pack

Eggstravaganza School Pack Eggstravaganza School Pack Your free teaching resource from the Love Free Range Eggs campaign Classroom activities and nutritional information guide inside www.lovefreerang www.lovefreerangeeggs.co.uk

More information

EC1421 Judging Six Common Varieties of Chickens

EC1421 Judging Six Common Varieties of Chickens University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska- Lincoln Extension Extension 1-1929 EC1421 Judging Six Common Varieties

More information

By: Jan Schaareman (NL)

By: Jan Schaareman (NL) TOURNAISIS BANTAMS By: Jan Schaareman (NL) About 15 years ago, a breeder in the vicinity of Breda (a city in the south of the Netherlands) asked me for some gold Brakel Bantams. I knew he had Tournaisis

More information

Avian Reproductive System Female

Avian Reproductive System Female extension Avian Reproductive System Female articles.extension.org/pages/65372/avian-reproductive-systemfemale Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky For anyone interested in raising chickens

More information

Getting. Started. With. Exhibition. Budgerigars. By David Botha. of The. Mount Gambier. Budgerigar. Society. Inc. 2

Getting. Started. With. Exhibition. Budgerigars. By David Botha. of The. Mount Gambier. Budgerigar. Society. Inc. 2 Getting Started With Exhibition Budgerigars By David Botha of The Mount Gambier Budgerigar Society Inc. 2 CONTENTS 1:) Contents 2:) Foreword 3:) History of the Mount Gambier Budgerigar Society 4:) History

More information

DEPARTMENT #20 OPEN POULTRY

DEPARTMENT #20 OPEN POULTRY Official APA Sanctioned Show American Poultry Association, Inc. Pat Horstman Secretary Post Office Box 306 Burgettstown, PA 15021 724-729-3459 secretaryapa@yahoo.com Qualifying Requirements: 1. All awards

More information

PRICE LIST 2015 A FLOCK OF LIGHT SUSSEX OUTSIDE ON A COLD WINTER DAY.

PRICE LIST 2015 A FLOCK OF LIGHT SUSSEX OUTSIDE ON A COLD WINTER DAY. PRICE LIST 2015 A FLOCK OF LIGHT SUSSEX OUTSIDE ON A COLD WINTER DAY CHICKENS Bantams All bantams are sold as straight run only Chicks: [4.90 ea. for 5-10] [4.75 ea. for 11 or more] Dutch This very small

More information

R A I S I N G C H I C K E N S

R A I S I N G C H I C K E N S T h e H o m e s t e a d e r ' s H a n d b o o k R A I S I N G C H I C K E N S Planning. Care. Feed. Shelter. Meat. Eggs. Health. C h a r l o t t e W a l k e r 4 THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO Ryan, my husband

More information

Lesson 4: Moo, Oink, Cluck

Lesson 4: Moo, Oink, Cluck Grades K 2: Lessons Source: HEART Lesson 4: Moo, Oink, Cluck Overview: Students will learn about the unique traits of farm animals and build an appreciation for them by understanding their natural behaviors

More information

POULTRY TUESDAY 20TH JUNE 2017 THIS IS A ROYAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OF THE POULTRY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN.

POULTRY TUESDAY 20TH JUNE 2017 THIS IS A ROYAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OF THE POULTRY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN. POULTRY TUESDAY 20TH JUNE 2017 THIS IS A ROYAL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW OF THE POULTRY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN. INCORPORATING REGIONAL SHOWS FOR THE CROAD LANGSHAN, COCHIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE RED, PARTRIDGE & PENCELLED

More information

How to Raise Chickens for Eggs. Five Parts:Planning a Chicken CoopMaking a Chicken Brooder/CoopChoosing ChickensRaising ChickensGathering Eggs.

How to Raise Chickens for Eggs. Five Parts:Planning a Chicken CoopMaking a Chicken Brooder/CoopChoosing ChickensRaising ChickensGathering Eggs. How to Raise Chickens for Eggs Five Parts:Planning a Chicken CoopMaking a Chicken Brooder/CoopChoosing ChickensRaising ChickensGathering Eggs Planning a Chicken Coop Part1 1 Find out if it is legal to

More information

SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW

SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW LISKEARD & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Charity No. 1170999 SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW SATURDAY 14th JULY 2018 At Merrymeet, Nr Liskeard On main Liskeard-Callington Road (A390) 3 miles east of Liskeard

More information

Poultry Skillathon 2017

Poultry Skillathon 2017 Age Divisions: Junior (8-11) Intermediate (12-14) Senior (15-18) Exhibitors will participate in age-based Skillathons. This study guide includes all topics an exhibitor might be tested on. Youth will only

More information

BULGARIAN POULTRY BREEDS Part 2

BULGARIAN POULTRY BREEDS Part 2 BULGARIAN POULTRY BREEDS Part 2 Text: Hristo Lukanov (Bulgaria) Photos: Hristo Lukanov, Petar Petrov, Plamen Spassov (Bulgaria) THE BREEDS - part 2 2. STARA ZAGORA/ STAROZAGORSKA RED CHICKEN Standard characteristics:

More information

Rhode Island Red. Sex. Rhode Island White. Sex. Barred Plymouth Rock. Sex. Buff Orpington. Sex. Black Australorp. Sex. Buff Leghorn.

Rhode Island Red. Sex. Rhode Island White. Sex. Barred Plymouth Rock. Sex. Buff Orpington. Sex. Black Australorp. Sex. Buff Leghorn. Rhode Island Red Rhode Island Rhode Island Reds are a more popular breed due to their excellent egg laying ability. They can lay 200-300 extra large eggs a year. Their feathers are reddish rust with the

More information

How to Raise Bantam Chickens

How to Raise Bantam Chickens How to Raise Bantam Chickens Are different methods used to raise bantam chickens? When looking at all the options for types and breeds of backyard chickens, you will notice the bantam breeds are listed

More information

POULTRY Allen County 4-H

POULTRY Allen County 4-H POULTRY Allen County 4-H Level 1 Grades 3-4-5 2017 $1.00 What you will do in this project: Enroll in the 4-H program by January 15. Complete the project by answering at least two of the activities in this

More information

POULTRY (All chickens & waterfowl)

POULTRY (All chickens & waterfowl) POULTRY (All chickens & waterfowl) State Fair Entry: Separate entry is due to the Indiana State Fair by July 1. References: BU-6363 Poultry 1 Scratching the Surface (Grades 3-5) BU-6364 Poultry 2 Testing

More information

Poultry. 4-H Project Newsletter

Poultry. 4-H Project Newsletter Poultry 4-H Project Newsletter This Poultry Project Newsletter contains information specific to the Poultry Project. Please use it in conjunction with the General 4-H Information Bulletin, so that you

More information

Rare Colours. Rare Breeds. Waterfowl. Wauchope Poultry Club. Wauchope Showground High Street, Wauchope NSW Entries to

Rare Colours. Rare Breeds. Waterfowl. Wauchope Poultry Club. Wauchope Showground High Street, Wauchope NSW Entries to Rare Breeds When: Saturday 26 th May 2018 Where: Harley Cooke Pavillon Wauchope Showground High Street, Wauchope NSW 2446 Waterfowl Entries to Wauchope Poultry Club Netty Payne 82 Isaacs Lane JOHNS RIVER

More information

DUTCH ROSECOMB BANTAM BREEDERS VISITING DISTRICT SHOW AND BREEDERS OF THE STER MEEUWEN IN BELGIUM.

DUTCH ROSECOMB BANTAM BREEDERS VISITING DISTRICT SHOW AND BREEDERS OF THE STER MEEUWEN IN BELGIUM. DUTCH ROSECOMB BANTAM BREEDERS VISITING DISTRICT SHOW AND BREEDERS OF THE STER MEEUWEN IN BELGIUM. Text and photos: Adri, of Partnership Goorden- Hermsen. On Thursday December 8th Gerrie Goorden and I

More information

Club Contacts. Patron: Dr. James Harris. President Deanne Lance. Mobile: Secretary Jill Weaver

Club Contacts. Patron: Dr. James Harris. President Deanne Lance. Mobile: Secretary Jill Weaver Club Contacts Patron: Dr. James Harris President Deanne Lance Mobile: 0419 870 666 Email: club@tasrarepoultryclub.com Secretary Jill Weaver Email: jacksjaps@tadaust.org.au Publicity Officer Judi Walker

More information

FROM THE BRAHMA CLUB of the NETHERLANDS Photo: Hub Maar. Text: Syb Cornel Photos: Berend Beekhuis, all photos taken at the Gelderland Show

FROM THE BRAHMA CLUB of the NETHERLANDS Photo: Hub Maar. Text: Syb Cornel Photos: Berend Beekhuis, all photos taken at the Gelderland Show NEWS FROM THE BRAHMA CLUB of the NETHERLANDS Photo: Hub Maar Text: Syb Cornel Photos: Berend Beekhuis, all photos taken at the Gelderland Show The exhibition season 2015 is over so we can all draw our

More information

Unit D: Egg Production. Lesson 4: Producing Layers

Unit D: Egg Production. Lesson 4: Producing Layers Unit D: Egg Production Lesson 4: Producing Layers 1 1 Terms broodiness caged layer production floor production layers 2 2 3 I. Layers are chickens that are used to produce large quantities of eggs. A.

More information

POULTRY SECTION 6. STEWARDS: Steve Abbey & Sean King, members of Gympie Poultry Club

POULTRY SECTION 6. STEWARDS: Steve Abbey & Sean King, members of Gympie Poultry Club GYMPIE DISTRICT SHOW 12 TH, 13 TH & 14 TH MAY 2016 POULTRY SECTION 6 JUDGES: Graeme HOPF (Soft feather) Robbie MONEMONT (Hard feather) SECTION HEAD: Odette Hargreaves (gympiepoultryclubinc@yahoo.com.au)

More information

Proud owners, top animals and striking breed products Part 1 Merelbeke (Belgium) by Dirk de Jong

Proud owners, top animals and striking breed products Part 1 Merelbeke (Belgium) by Dirk de Jong Proud owners, top animals and striking breed products Part 1 Merelbeke (Belgium) by Dirk de Jong Provincial Champions: Turkey: Geert Roosens with Ronquières turkey Waterfowl: Gabriël Heekhout with Wood

More information

THE LUCERNE. By: Mick Bassett (D)

THE LUCERNE. By: Mick Bassett (D) THE LUCERNE By: Mick Bassett (D) The Lucerne is the 'Pixie' of the Swiss Pigeon Breeds. With its unusual shaped head, high peak crest, large dark eyes and groused legs, it almost reminds you of some drawing

More information

POULTRY DEPARTMENT 09 Monroe County Fair Open Poultry Show Friday August 4 th, 2017 at 12:30pm

POULTRY DEPARTMENT 09 Monroe County Fair Open Poultry Show Friday August 4 th, 2017 at 12:30pm POULTRY DEPARTMENT 09 Monroe County Fair Open Poultry Show Friday August 4 th, 2017 at 12:30pm Please note: there will NOT be a pullorum testing clinic at the fair! Per state vet request, birds must be

More information

Poultry Skillathon Study Guide Chicken/ Duck Edition

Poultry Skillathon Study Guide Chicken/ Duck Edition Poultry Skillathon Study Guide Chicken/ Duck Edition This study guide describes the stations that will be included in the Skillathons. Be sure to bring your Completed Project Record Books, as well as the

More information

GOULBURN AP&H SOCIETY SHOW SECTION 21 POULTRY Saturday 21 st March 2015

GOULBURN AP&H SOCIETY SHOW SECTION 21 POULTRY Saturday 21 st March 2015 PRIZES: Grand Champion Bird of Show - $50 & Ribbon Donated by Goulburn Poultry Fanciers Inc. Grand Reserve Champion Bird of Show - $25 & Ribbon Donated by Park Newsagency Champion Large Fowl ($15) & Reserve

More information

JUNIOR POULTRY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT Also see Division 210, Poultry and Poultry Science Exhibits

JUNIOR POULTRY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT Also see Division 210, Poultry and Poultry Science Exhibits JUNIOR POULTRY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT - 207 Also see Division 210, Poultry and Poultry Science Exhibits RULES 1. No exhibitor may exhibit more than 20 birds, by poultry class, breed and variety. Only one

More information

List of Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Facilities:

List of Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Facilities: Unit E: Segments of Animal Agriculture Lesson 3: Exploring the Poultry Industry Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1.

More information

Raising Pastured Poultry in Texas. Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist

Raising Pastured Poultry in Texas. Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist Raising Pastured Poultry in Texas Kevin Ellis NCAT Poultry Specialist NCAT Poultry Specialist San Antonio, TX About Me Raising Poultry for 17 years IOIA Accredited Organic Livestock Inspector B.S. Poultry

More information

DEPARTMENT 23 - POULTRY Robb & Leah Soucy Co-Superintendents

DEPARTMENT 23 - POULTRY Robb & Leah Soucy Co-Superintendents DEPARTMENT 23 - POULTRY Robb & Leah Soucy Co-Superintendents SPECIFIC RULES: 1. Exhibitors must comply with all General and all Livestock Rules and Regulations. 2. Poultry flock must be registered with

More information

Culling the Poultry Flock

Culling the Poultry Flock Extension Bulletin 505 August 1937 Culling the Poultry Flock By H. E. COSBY Oregon State System of Higher Education Federal Cooperative Extension Service Oregon State College Corvallis Cooperative Extension

More information

Dry Incubation. By Bill Worrell

Dry Incubation. By Bill Worrell Dry Incubation By Bill Worrell As a student of poultry at age 14, I became fascinated with the breeding and hatching of eggs. Even when I only raised mixed breed chickens and ducks I was always trying

More information

NAMBOUR & DISTRICT POULTRY CLUB. The Nambour & District Poultry Club Inc. 35th Annual Show. Sunday 27th May 2018

NAMBOUR & DISTRICT POULTRY CLUB. The Nambour & District Poultry Club Inc. 35th Annual Show. Sunday 27th May 2018 NAMBOUR & DISTRICT POULTRY CLUB The Nambour & District Poultry Club Inc 35th Annual Show Sunday 27th May 2018 Contacts: President: Stuart Ball 0407 021 715 Treasurer/Secretary: Dustin Meyer 0435 806 509

More information

HARDFEATHER STANDARD COCK HEN CKL PLT HARDFEATHER STANDARD COCK HEN CKL PLT

HARDFEATHER STANDARD COCK HEN CKL PLT HARDFEATHER STANDARD COCK HEN CKL PLT HARDFEATHER STANDARD COCK HEN CKL PLT Australian Game Black Breasted red 1 2 3 4 Duckwing 5 6 7 8 Pile 9 10 11 12 A.O.R.C. 13 14 15 16 Australian Pit Game Heavy 17 18 19 20 Light 21 22 23 24 Indian Game

More information

SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW

SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW LISKEARD & DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION Charity No. 287130 SCHEDULE OF POULTRY SHOW SATURDAY 11 th JULY 2015 At Merrymeet, Nr Liskeard On main Liskeard-Callington Road (A390) 3 miles east of Liskeard

More information