Are Your Chickens Show Quality?

That has to be the most frequently asked question we receive from people seeking Cream Legbar hatching eggs and chicks.   The answer is no.  And we aren’t the only ones...there is not a single breeder in the USA with show quality Cream Legbar no matter how beautiful or close to the DRAFT Standard of Perfection.   How can that be?  Simple, the Cream Legbar has not been recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) though the Club membership is working diligently toward that goal.

Which brings me to a little pet peeve of mine. 

What is show quality?  Show quality, first and foremost means the poultry can be shown in an APA sanctioned show for points and prizes.  That means it must meet the breed’s Standard as approved by the APA, which can be found in the book “American Standard of Perfection (year)” published by the APA.    One cannot breed show quality poultry without knowing what that looks like.  If one is asking and getting $50 each for that rare color, show quality chick, then one can certainly afford The BOOK.   The Standard describes in detail the attributes of the ideal animal, male and female, for each recognized breed – including all approved color varieties.  And this is important – IF IT AIN’T DESCRIBED IN THE STANDARD, (or on this list) IT AIN’T SHOW QUALITY!!!   That means those rare breeds and fancy colors can’t be shown for prizes and points, ergo, they aren’t show quality.  Period.

Another point to consider is NPIP AI status.  Many Statesrequire entering birds be NPIP AI clean.  If an exhibitor does not have a certified flock, then his or her entries must test negative on site.  Most people who actually show have NPIP AI clean flocks unless their state does not require it because it’s just easier.  If you are in one of the states that do require NPIP Clean status for shows and where testing is easily obtained and affordable, such as Virginia, be suspicious of a “show breeder” who does not.   Active membership in the APA and/or breed clubs is another good sign. 

And that brings me back to the Cream Legbar.  We are working toward birds correct in type and color as per the DRAFT Standard.  Many flocks in the USA are getting close.  Dedicated breeders are also showing their birds in the All Other Varieties (AOV) classes.  Our birds may only be awarded RB and BB; but the point isn’t the win right now, it is to expose the breed to Judges, the Fancy and to obtain their feedback both good and bad.  It is part of the path to recognition.   

So by all means, join the club, memorize the proposed Standard to understand what is desirable and what is not.  Get a picture of the ideal bird fixed in your mind.  Study genetics, ask questions and learn how to get where you want to go.  Our breed will be the better for it.

A word about Greenfire Farms - my opinion only.    Greenfire Farms goes to the trouble and expense of importing new breeds direct from foreign countries.   Often they obtain stock from whomever is willing to meet the stringent USDA requirements for importation.  Their prices reflect that effort and they are entitled to recoup those expenses.  That does not mean the birds will be show quality in their country of origin.  Prices will also drop as the varieties spread.  With respect to the Jill Rees birds, I believe Greenfire's importation is a direct result of contacts made by our Club's Standards and History committees who spent quite a bit of time researching and establishing relationships with British breeders like Jill who were then willing to send their stock "across the Pond."  Thank you to all involved!