Chick needs help new to poultry. () :+)

The Classroom @ The Coop: Incubation/Raising Chicks: Chick needs help new to poultry. () :+)
By Pyranna on Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - 10:31 pm:

I bought two Chickens from a feed store that I would like to enter into shows when they reach maturity. When can they Show? How do you know if you have a hen or a rooster? My chicks are now four weeks old. I do believe they said they were R. something Red Robin. I can find out tomorrow. They are flourishing beautyfully. I am still feeding them chicken mash. What would you suggest. Are they still laying hens, if I happen to have a hen, when they are also for show? How do find out where poultry shows are and who can participate. New to Poultry.

By Cjeanr on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 - 03:02 am:

Pyranna, Breeds like Red Robin are not a recognized breed for the big Poultry Shows that the American Poultry ASsn and American Bantam Assn support. They are a developed strain of Layers, and not a standard breed of chicken. There are no classes for Production birds. However, Fairs sometimes have classes for Production birds, but usually the class requires a pen of 4 or 5 pullets (young hens). And they are judged on uniformity of type as good prospective layers. Often these classes are only for 4H or FFA members.

Feed them a good Starter Ration until they begin to lay eggs. Then switch them to a good Layer Ration (about 5 months). Ask your County AGent about local Fairs and attend one to see how the birds are entered and displayed. There are some websites that give information about conditioning and training birds for showing. Click on that chicken to the left of this page: Back to the Coop. Then click on the LINKS word. When you scroll down, there are some sites listed about showing your birds. Enjoy-- CJR

By Pyranna on Wednesday, May 1, 2002 - 11:07 pm:

I called the breeder. They are Rhode Island Reds not red robin. Duh. sorry. I was not sure so I called them. Is Rhode Island Red a good breed for show?

By Cjeanr on Thursday, May 2, 2002 - 12:09 am:

Pyranna, Yes, RIReds are shown by an enthusiastic "fancy". Again I seem to be discouraging, but it is not usual to obtain an exhibition bird of any breed at the Feed Store. (Never say never.) But if showing is on your wish list, do attend a show and ask questions about the prep for showing, and maybe at a show that you can take your birds to, they indeed will be winners. Good condition sometimes scores above a ragged bird of best conformation or color of the Standard for the breed! So make your plans! CJR

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