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At what age can you start showing birds and have them be competitive

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dixieland:
 :)
I have read the entry rules for several different shows and am a bit fuzzy on the Cockerel & Pullet classes...Generally, it states that the bird must have been hatched after January 1 of the current year.....
In my mind, and please correct me if I am wrong, I 4 month old bird would not be competitive against a more mature bird of 9, 10 or 11 months of age.....
Is there a general age that most of you wait until to start actively competing with your birds?
How long does the show career of a really topnotch show bird last?

As always, thank you for your information!!

God Bless,

John:

--- Quote ---Cockerel & Pullet classes
--- End quote ---

As per the APA standard...
Under one year of age = cockerels & pullets
Over one year of age = cocks & hens

dixieland:

--- Quote from: John ---
--- Quote ---Cockerel & Pullet classes
--- End quote ---

As per the APA standard...
Under one year of age = cockerels & pullets
Over one year of age = cocks & hens
--- End quote ---


But, when do  most breeders typically start showing their cocks and pullets? Is there a normal for this breed? Or in the under one year of age class will their be everything from  say 3 months to 11 1/2 months?

What is the youngest age that you would personally enter one of your birds?

and as always, thank you John for your reply!

Mike Gilbert:
Jes, the best time to show young birds is when they come into full feather and are at the peak of condition.   Typically for a pullet, it is about the time she lays her first egg(s).  Roosters may take a bit longer.    Maturation depends on a number of factors besides the age.   Feed and care, weather/climate/length of day, amount of competition in the rearing pens,  lack of stress, good health or lack thereof, the list goes on.
When all the feathers are in, when the comb and face turns a nice shade of red, . . .  experience will tell you when they are ready.  

John:

--- Quote ---Is there a normal for this breed?
--- End quote ---

In general I would say 6 months, but some varieties may mature slower than others also within the breed.  A number like 6 months can help determine when you have to hatch to have birds ready to show by a certain date.

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