mullethunter Posted June 10, 2016 Share Posted June 10, 2016 I went to the Royal Cornwall Show today (haven't been since the annual trip as a child) to look at the chickens (tickets are £19.50! But £9 if you go after 3:30 so not quite so bad for an after work trip). I have to say, I was disappointed. There was a reasonable, although not amazing selection of breeds, and to be honest (and I have to admit I'm not a poultry judge), most of the prize winning chickens weren't as good looking as I expected they would be. Some were lovely, but honestly the Wyandotte bantams didn't look as good as mine (I know I'm biased), who, as far as I know, are just bog standard ones. Also, hardly any of he cages were labelled. I know the purpose of it is actually a show for competitors rather than an exhibition, and to be fair I recognised most of them, but I overheard a couple of other people saying it would have been nice to know what was what. I think I actually saw a better selection and in many cases better quality at the last auction I went to. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted June 11, 2016 Share Posted June 11, 2016 We were very disappointed when we started going to shows because none of the cages stated the breed and we hadn't a clue Mullethunter. There were other beginners there as frustrated as we were. Still not that knowledgable about breeds. The British judging system is very haphazard. Depending on the number and quality of entries even bad examples can take a rosette, which implies that they are far better. Europe has a far better system where each entry is scored from 100 against their breed standard. They then take the highest scorers and decide who will be the show winner. Typically a 96 or 97 will take it. If a bird is of poor quality the score card will reflect it and so nothing is misleading. Practical Poultry had an article about it last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted June 11, 2016 Share Posted June 11, 2016 I've not been to Royal Cornwall but every show will have a catalogue for sale after judging which states the breeds and breeders name. Obviously these can't be put up before judging to avoid bias. Exhibitors floating around the show are always happy to speak to people about their breed and quite often Breed Clubs have stands at shows. I know two people who judged Royal Cornwall this year and the photos they posted online look great and quite a good turnout, apparently around 1000 entries. There was a suspected disease at Royal Bath & West show two weeks ago which may have meant birds entered into Royal Cornwall weren't taken. Bad examples of breeds won't always get rosettes, a judge doesn't have to award any places for the class if they don't see fit. These shows are only as good as their exhibitors and entries. If you're interested and think your birds are up to standard why not go along and support the show? Exhibitors with entries over £7.50 receive a free day pass to the showground so even if you don't place it's a great day out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted June 11, 2016 Author Share Posted June 11, 2016 Thanks for the inside info Lewis There didn't seem to be any exhibitors floating around which is a shame because I'd like to find out about breeders near me. As for showing my own, the Wyandottes look good, but absolutely scream blue murder if you try to catch them - don't think that'd go down too well with a judge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
