Judges comments on LF

[Guest]

We have been developing a line of LF blacks for about three years. This weekend a judge commented that the LF cockerel should have at wing feathger 1 1/4 inches width, and a tail that has a \"good\" spread. Long legs desired over the shorter, and a relatively small comb. He placed Res.LF, but my question is in the tail and comb. Some of our others have a better spread, but not the nice two that do the overhand off the back, and have a more defined, but larger comb. What is the standard in relation to this, it is sometimes confusing to read. I know that each judge has their own opinion, and what would be best to take to Nationals?

[Jean]

To my knowledge there is not set \"length\" in inches or otherwise for feathers, but as far as judges go \"to each their own\".

Here is a few paragraphs from the standards:

SHAPE -- MALE

COMB:  Pea, relatively small, higher in center than front or rear.
BEAK:  Strong, curved.
FACE:  Nearly hidden by muffs.
EYES:  Expressive, relatively large.
WATTLES:  Very small, preferably absent.
EARLOBES:  Small, oval.
MUFFS AND BEARD:  Full, well-rounded, medium length, forming three separate lobes.
HEAD:  Relatively broad and medium size.
NECK:  Well-arched, medium length.
HACKLE:  Full, abundant, flowing well over the shoulders and nearly meeting at front of neck.
BACK:  Medium length, broad, carried slightly elevated at the shoulders.
SADDLE:  Medium in length, abundant, providing smooth transition to angle of tail.
TAIL:  Well spread, medium length, carried at 45º above horizontal, sickles well-curved.
WINGS:  Fairly large, tips carried above the hock joint, fronts concealed by the hackle.
BREAST:  Prominent, well-rounded.
BODY AND STEARN:  Body of medium length, stern well-tucked up.
LEGS AND TOES:  Medium length set apart, four toes, straight and well spread.

BLACK AMERAUCANAS

COLOR -- MALE AND FEMALE

COMB, FACE, WATTLES AND EARLOBES:  Red.
BEAK:  Black.
EYES:  Reddish bay.
SHANKS AND TOES:  Very dark slate to black, bottoms of feet and toes white.
PLUMAGE:  Surface -- lustrous greenish black
UNDERCOLOR:  Dull black.
BEARD AND MUFFS:  Black.

Congratulations on gettting Reserve Bird!

Jean

[bantamhill]

Can you post a picture?

Michael