Daphne Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 Sometimes there are special classes for birds born and bred this year (ie under a year old) but I should think you could show in an open class from around 6 months if the bird is fully developed, although for most 8-10 months would be better. It depends on the breed you have really - some don't mature for 18 months or so (eg large heavy breeds with complex feather patterning). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 Daphne is spot on A pullet needs to be at least six months old to stand a chance of winning a prize really Cockerels take longer to mature, I've showed my cockerel since he was 6 months old with some success but he is only really filling out properly now he is a year old Local shows are more about encouraging people so you could show a pullet at a local show at around five months old. its good experience The main bulk of shows are around Nov - Feb with most clubs holding an autumn and/or spring show so birds hatched now will be able to compete in those but will be up against birds hatched a month or more ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 I breed bantams so my comments above are based on them Large fowl need to be hatched Jan/feb to make the main show season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 20, 2010 Share Posted May 20, 2010 Seramas are diddy so take less time to mature but so much emphasis is on the tail and often the longer teail feathers only come with proper maturity. The Serama has a breed club I think where you can probably get some advice The Friesian is a rare breed I believe, the rare breed society (who cover all breeds without a breed club) arent very helpful sadly. I'd say the Friesian would need the full 6 months to mature Whatever happens you should hit the later end of the main show season I highly recommend the Exhibition Poultry book by David Scrivener if you are serious about showing. its on this page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=showing+bantams the first book 'Bantams' is not bad either Good luck - its great fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted May 23, 2010 Share Posted May 23, 2010 I'd like to show..i've been told too show.. But i'm scared that Blanche my two coloured pekin may be a bit shy.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
