Poultry Judging

1. ETHICS

 

 

Ethics is that what one does that is professionally fitting or correct. As a poultry judge, one is constantly in the eye of show committees and the exhibitor. Conduct in the showroom must be such that everyone think of and spoken of the judge as a professional. This conduct must be considered as honest, good judgement, excellent deportment and show consideration of both the bird and exhibitor. Any actions in or outside the showroom must show judgement that will be considered as ethical.

Adverse actions will be investigated accordingly disciplinary procedures of the show committee or Organization.

 

ETHICS IS TWO THINGS:

Firstly: Ethics refers to well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues. Ethics, for example, refers to those standards that impose the reasonable obligations to refrain from rape, stealing, murder, assault, slander, and fraud. Ethical standards also include those that enjoin virtues of honesty, compassion, and loyalty. And, ethical standards include standards relating to rights, such as the right to life, the right to freedom from injury, the right to privacy and the right to association. Such standards are adequate standards of ethics because they are supported by consistent and well-founded reasons.

Secondly: Ethics refers to the study and development of one’s ethical standards. Feelings, laws, rules and social norms can deviate from what is ethical. So it is necessary to constantly examine one’s standards to ensure that they are reasonable and well-founded. Ethics also means, then, the continuous effort of studying our own moral beliefs and our moral conduct, and striving to ensure that we, and the institutions we help to shape, live up to standards that are reasonable and solidly-based.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

The Code of Ethics states the principles and expectations governing the behaviour of individuals and organizations in the conduct of poultry judging. It describes the minimum requirements for conduct, and behavioural expectations rather than specific activities.

Introduction to the Code of Ethics

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to promote an ethical culture in the profession of poultry judging.

Applicability and Enforcement of the Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics applies to both judges and poultry exhibitors. The fact that a particular conduct is not mentioned in the Show Rules does not prevent it from being unacceptable or discreditable and therefore, the judge, reviewer, intermediate or steward can be liable for disciplinary action.

 

PRINCIPLES

Poultry Judges are expected to apply and uphold the following principles:

Integrity
The integrity of Poultry Judges establishes trust and thus provides the basis for reliance on their judgment.

Objectivity
Poultry Judges exhibit the highest level of professional objectivity in judging and evaluating the bird or object being examined. Poultry Judges make a balanced assessment of all the relevant circumstances and are not unduly influenced by their own interests or by others in forming judgments.

Confidentiality
Poultry Judges respect the value and ownership of information they receive and do not disclose information without appropriate authority unless there is a legal or professional obligation to do so.

Competency
Poultry Judges apply the knowledge, skills, and experience needed in the performance of poultry judging.

 

RULES OF CONDUCT

Integrity

Poultry Judges:

Shall perform their work with honesty, diligence, and responsibility.

Shall observe the show rules and breed standard and make decisions there on.

Shall not knowingly be a party to any fraudulent activity, or engage in acts that are discreditable to the profession of poultry judging or to the organization.

Shall respect and contribute to the rules and ethical objectives of the organization.

Shall always demonstrate good sportsmanship both inside and outside the show ring.

Objectivity

Poultry Judges:

Shall not participate in any activity or relationship that may impair or be presumed to impair their unbiased judgement. This participation includes those activities or relationships that may be in conflict with the interests of the organization.

Shall not accept anything that may impair or be presumed to impair their professional judgment.

Shall disclose all material facts known to them that, if not disclosed, may distort the reporting of activities under review.

Shall behave in a manner conducive to the advancement of Poultry Breeds and the Organization.

Exhibitors:

Shall not directly criticise or interfere with any judge, the show management, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event.

Shall treat judges and officials with courtesy, cooperation and respect.

Shall not direct abusive or threatening conduct towards any judge, show committee member, other exhibitors, breed representatives, or show officials before, during, or after the competitive event.

Shall not conspire with another person or persons to intentionally violate this code of ethics or knowingly contribute or cooperate with another person or persons either by affirmative action or inaction to violate this code of ethics.  

Confidentiality
Poultry Judges:

Shall not knowingly falsify lineage or breeding information.

Shall not intentionally and falsely degrade another exhibitor, exhibitor’s birds, or practices.

Competency

Poultry Judges:

Shall engage only judge breeds and objects for which they have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience.

Shall perform their duties in accordance with the show rules and breed standards.

Shall continually improve their proficiency and the effectiveness and quality of their poultry judging.

Shall try to educate each exhibitor or interested person, and to be constructive as well as instructive in his comments.

 

2. SPSA EXAMINATIONS

 

To become a judge one needs to develop knowledge of show procedure and other requirements of a judge having already gained the ability to compare birds over the years.  Judging not only depends on judging ability even though that is the most important part. Because a prospective judge will be required to pass exams, it is important to prepare, study, read and ask questions.  A judge will become part of an elite group of fanciers (from status point of view). 

A judge will have to conform to all the rules which are laid down by the Poultry Organization. This requires knowledge of the Show Poultry Handbook, Breed Standards, Show Rules, Show Procedures and complaints at shows.

SPSA constantly appeals to members and encourage members and younger fanciers to become judges.

When you are at last asked to judge don’t go all modest and turn the chance down.  The fact that you have been asked is an indication that someone thinks you are capable of doing the job.  Grab the chance and have a go.  Take your time, work methodically, and you’ll be all right.

SPSA has developed a web driven examination pad www.poultrysa.org.za for aspirant Show Administrators and Judges. 

 

SPSA JUDGES

Rules regarding Judges:

Judges who wish to judge at SPSA shows must be members of a recognised poultry organisation and listed as an “ACTIVE” Judge or Apprentice Judge.

Foreign judges who wish to judge in Southern Africa must be members of a judges association in their home country and listed as an “ACTIVE” Judge.

When a new breed or variety or any amendment is accepted by SPSA for inclusion in the Breed Standards, all relevant judges should get them acquainted with the changes.

Unqualified judges in a category will be under the control of the appointed Reviewer at all SPSA Shows.

Active Judges should judge at least once in a three year cycle.

Judging at SPSA Shows:

All judges at any SPSA approved show must be in good standing and should be listed as an active judge.

Judges shall make their awards according to the Breed Standards.

Where no breed standard exists, the exhibitor must follow the SPSA Rules and Regulations to make a standard official before the birds may be shown.

No person shall be allowed to judge his own exhibit or those belonging to a near relative or from an entity or person under his management or control.

The Show Secretary of the show holding Show Committee is not allowed to act as a judge.

Where, owing to unavoidable circumstances, the Show Committee has been disappointed in the services of any duly appointed judge and time does not permit for reference to the SPSA Secretary, such Show Committee may appoint a judge or judges on the Judge’s List qualified to judge the class or classes in question and report the action forthwith to the SPSA Secretary.

Were absolutely necessary, the SPSA Secretary may grant permission in writing to SPSA Judges to judge breeds or classes for which they do not hold a Judge’s Certificate.

The decision of a judge is final and he may not alter his awards after the show cards have been placed on the pens.

A judge will not disqualify any bird entered in a wrong class or category in Open Shows but will amend the judges list accordingly. The Show Secretary will thereafter rectify the show cards.

A judge shall disqualify any bird found to be diseased or in an unhealthy condition and will arrange with the Show Manager for the immediate removal of the bird from the show bench. The Exhibitor is to be notified by the Show Manager of the decision.  If the bird was handled by the judge or steward, they should disinfect their hands with a suitable disinfectant provided by the Show Committee before proceeding to judge or handle any other bird.

Whenever a judge disqualifies an exhibit because of a fraudulent practice, he shall record the word "disqualified" and the reason for disqualifying on the judge’s list. The Show Secretary must record the disqualification and reason thereof on the marked show catalogue. The Show Manager must also lodge a complaint with the SPSA Secretary. 

 

SPSA EXAMINATIONS

All theoretical examinations will consist of multiple choice questions.

The requirement to pass an examination is 50%.

Candidates failing exams may re-apply to write the exam after ninety days of the previous exam date.

 

SHOW ADMINISTRATORS

The examination on the SPSA MOI, Rules and Regulations is not restricted to aspirant judges only, but can be written by any SPSA member who is in good standing with SPSA.

There is no age restriction and successful candidates will receive a Show Administrators Certificate.

It is expected from all SPSA Directors, Show Managers and Show Secretaries to get them acquainted with the SPSA MOI, Rules and Regulations by writing this examination.

 

APPRENTICE JUDGES

The examination of Apprentice Judges is not restricted to aspirant judges only, but can be written by any SPSA member of fifteen (15) years and older. A certified copy of the candidate’s ID must be included with every application.

The candidate must be the holder of a SPSA Show Administrators Certificate in order to apply for Examination of Apprentice Judges.

During the theoretical examination the knowledge of the candidate regarding judging and poultry in general will be tested. Candidates will be examined on the Poultry Handbook on the website, etc.

The successful candidates will receive an Apprentice Judges Certificate.

It is expected from all SPSA Directors, Show Managers and Show Secretaries to get them acquainted with the JUDGES HANDBOOK by writing this examination.

 

JUDGES EXAMINATIONS

To judge a breed the judge must have the knowledge to judge them with confidence.

Theoretical Category Examinations

The candidate must be a respectable person and should be a member of SPSA in order to write judges examinations.

The candidate should be at least eighteen years of age. A certified copy of the candidate’s ID must be included with every application.

The candidate must prove that he has a good background and knowledge regarding the showing and or breeding of poultry in general in order to become a competent judge.

The candidate must be the holder of a SPSA Show Administrators Certificate and an Apprentice Judges Certificate in order to apply for any Category Examination.

All examination applications must be done on the official application form of SPSA and must be accompanied by the prescribed examination fee.

The candidate will be notified in writing if permission is granted to enter for the examination.

If permission to enter for an examination is refused for whatever reason, the examination fees will be refunded less an administration fee of 10%.

Participating in any category examination will take place in two categories namely a theoretical and a practical examination.

During the theoretical examination the knowledge of the candidate regarding the relevant category will be tested. The applicant may participate in a maximum of five SPSA examinations during a twelve month period.

Practical Breed Examinations:

Upon passing the theoretical category examination and if the candidate is in position of a Show Administrators and Apprentice Judges Certificate the candidate will be placed in a practical examination ready status.

The practical examination should take place at a SPSA Show within a period of one year after the notice to participate in the practical breed examination has been issued.

The candidate must apply in writing to conduct a practical breed examination on three breeds at a single show and the application must reach the SPSA Secretary thirty days before the SPSA show.

The breeds in which the practical examination is to be done must be fully representative if possible.

The candidate is not allowed to view the completed judges list or show cards before the practical examination.

The practical examination will be conducted by at least two judges appointed from the Judges List of which one should be a qualified judge in the particular category.

The practical examination may commence in the presence of the two appointed judges after judging of the relevant breed has been completed but before the results are placed on the pens.

During the practical examination no bystanders will be permitted except the candidate, examiners, Show manager and Show Secretary.

The practical examination will consist of an oral and a practical section.

The oral examination implies a thorough discussion of the type, colour, size and condition of entries selected by the examiners, without removing them from their pens.

After the oral session the examiners must identify entries of the breeds and the candidate must practically judge them according to the Breed Standards. The results obtained after the allocation of points by the candidate on each entry examined will be evaluated and discussed with the candidate by the examining judges.

The candidate must obtain at least 80% to pass the practical examination. If the candidate fails, he will be allowed to do a re-examination at a next SPSA Show.

Candidates are allowed to do their practical and to be examined on their own exhibitions.

Permission to conduct a practical examination will not be permitted if the theoretical category examination was not passed and the candidate is not in the possession of a Show Administrators and Apprentice Judges Certificate.

Categories of Judge’s Certificates:

Fowl – Hard feather breeds

Fowl – Soft feather breeds

True Bantams

Waterfowl

Turkeys

Eggs

Panel of Judges:

Panel E: An apprentice judge who exhibits regularly and who has a sound knowledge of show poultry and poultry shows. Judges in this panel move automatically to panel D when they have obtained one category certificate.

Panel D: A judge who is qualified in a specific category.

Panel C: A judge who is qualified in a minimum of two categories.

Panel B: A judge who is qualified in a minimum of three categories.

Panel A: A judge who is qualified in all categories.  Members of this panel must be experienced judges in the categories in which they are not fully qualified.

 

YOUTH SHOW EXAMINATIONS

Theoretical Youth Show Examinations

All theoretical examinations will consist of multiple choice questions.

The requirement to pass an examination is 50%.

The theoretical examination will count 50% and the practical examination 50% towards the final results.

Candidates failing the exams may re-apply to write the exam after ninety days of the previous exam date.

The theoretical examination of Youth Show Competitors is restricted to competitors in youth show competitions.

Candidates will be examined on the Youth Poultry Handbook and one Poultry Breed on the website.

An examination paper which totals 30 points will be drawn up. 

It will be required from candidates to know the contents of the YOUTH POULTRY MANUAL and at least one breed standard.

Candidates should be able regarding the selected breed by the show committee and Youth Poultry Handbook answers the following questions: 

Country of origin of the breed

Breed Category

Egg colour

Mass of the breed

General appearance of the breed, in other words, the type of the breed.

Plumage colours

Eye colour,

Colour of beak, comb, ear-lobes and wattles.

Legs and toenails,

The specific disqualifications of the breed apart from the general disqualifications.

Point Allocations

Practical Youth Show Examinations

The candidate must have passed the theoretical examination in order to take part in the practical examination.

During your practical examination the candidate must prepare the bird for the showing.

After preparing the bird Judge the bird by:

Hold the bird correctly,                                                     

Look for major faults and disqualifications,               

Mention the strong and weak points of the bird,

Has the right attitude towards the judge’s examiner,

Mention the strong and weak points of the bird,

Verbally express his/her opinion to the examiner on every body part of the bird which he/she is examining. 

 

3. THE JUDGE

WHAT IS A POULTRY JUDGE AND WHO WANTS TO BE ONE?

It is often said that Judges are born rather than made, whether this is true or not it is certainly clear that some of the common attributes required by all Judges such as decisiveness and confidence are inherited but others, particularly those relating to the depth of breed knowledge, most certainly have to be learnt.

There are qualities, which a judge requires, other than simply sorting in a class of birds into a ranking order.  This skill is necessary, but only as one of many.  Newcomers to the fancy will start to compare birds at an early stage.  This tends to be done by comparing young birds with their parents or by comparing birds at a show.  These are good methods of developing an eye for a bird. This is only one part of the formula for becoming a judge and a good one at that. Confidence is the most important asset because without confidence a judge should not get far. 

 

QUALITIES IN A JUDGE

It is important that a judge possess certain qualities.

Ability:  He will need a natural eye for the bird.

Confidence:  Try to suppress his nerves.

Courage:  To stand by his decisions.

Thick skin: Don’t let disagreements worry him.

Patience: To spend time with the difficult birds but do not dawdle, neither rush his job.

Unbiased:  Judge birds on the day and not on past reputation.

Ethics:  Not to criticize his fellow judges especially in front of exhibitors.

 

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO JUDGE

Case/folder.

2 pens of different colour.

2 or 3 judging sticks (one to be left in the cage for the difficult bird).

Breed Standards.

Judging Manual.

Organization’s Constitution.

 

NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS

Small magnifying lens (for those rings that are difficult to read).

Notepad.

 

ITEMS FROM THE SHOW

Judging list.

Clip boards.

 

SHOW PROCEDURE

Judging not only depends on judging ability even though that is the most important part. In order to become a judge it is important to develop knowledge of show and judging procedures.  A judge will become part of an elite group of fanciers (from status point of view). 

EXAMS

Because a prospective judge will be required to pass exams, it is important to prepare, study, read and ask questions.  Indeed for those fanciers who are intermediates who would like to proceed to the next status and furthermore want to become judges will find judges exams and training schemes very useful.

 

CRITICISM

At shows and inquests it would be fair to say the greatest topic of conversation and arises from the placing of the awards.  Criticism of the judge has always been part of the fancy.  In past years this quite often became heated and even abusive, friendships became strained and this aspect of the fancy inhibited many of our more respected breeders from judging.  There is no doubt that a thick skin is a great help to judge and nowhere is this required more when one is usually judging the birds of long-standing friends.  Because of this they feel that they can express themselves more freely and we all have to learn to take this in our stride.

INVITATION TO JUDGE

The judging engagement commences with the initial invitation a few weeks before the show. This could be in the form of a letter, verbal or telephone.  In all cases the judge must give his answer promptly.  If the invitation is by telephone or verbally then insist that a letter of conformation is sent as soon as possible.

In all cases, and if the judge has accepted the invitation the judge must reply in writing by stating his requirements to the show promoting society:

Judging fee.

Traveling expenses.

Accommodation if the place is too far for a morning travel.

If for any reason, and it needs to be a good one, the judge  are unable to fulfill his commitment to the show then he must inform the Show Secretary who invited him well in time to give them the opportunity to engage another judge, better still recommend one or two judges to them.  Everyone will understand extenuating circumstances.

It is most infuriating to show officials and himself if a judge arrive late.  It will set the judge back both mentally and time-wise.  Try to avoid many hours of traveling on the morning.  Less than three hours of travel will be sufficient.

 

JUDGING DAY

Whether you are an exhibitor, an Intermediates Judge, Reviewer, Judge or a Senior Judge it does no harm to remember that the Judge is there, on that day, to Judge the exhibits.  No Judge will ever please every exhibitor and he can only do his best without showing fear or favor. 

The simple truth of the matter is that most judges do the job because they love it; they love handling good stock, they love travelling all over the country and the friendship and banter with the fanciers they meet on their travels.

 

REVIEWER

The Reviewer will be at least a Panel D judge and will act in the interest of SPSA and the exhibitors at every show. He will also be in control of all judges at SPSA Shows.

The appointed Reviewer will assist, control and sign off judge’s lists of SPSA Panel B-E Judges who judge categories for which they do not hold a Judge’s Certificate.

He may alter placements and awards made by unqualified judges and will control and sign of the judges lists of all unqualified judges.

He may also grant permission to apprentice judges to sign price cards as the acting judge.

The Reviewer will at the opening of each show announce any additional rules or amendments to the judging rules of the show.

He will have free access to the precincts to the show and ensure the smooth operation of judging.

 

 

 

 

 

4. THE STEWARD

 

As a steward during judging you are a very important part of the team that makes the show happen. A first class way to gain invaluable experience is to act as a steward for judges as often as possible. Not every judge likes to give a running commentary on his task as he carries it out, but the majority are willing to help and will quite often treat their steward as a junior partner.  The thing to do is wait for the judge to set the pace, as it is well to remember that he is engaged in an exacting task.

 

STEWARDING

At poultry shows anyone can, and is very welcome to ‘steward’ the birds with the Judge.  Judging cannot take place without stewards to get the birds from their pens, for the Judges and to return them to their pens once the Judge has assessed them. So Fanciers volunteer for the job.

Whatever the reason that you steward you can be sure that it is a highly rewarding way of spending the day; there will invariably be friendly banter between stewards and the Judge and you will pick up the Judge’s comments on the birds as he assesses them. 

 

CLOTHING

Any Fancier undertaking stewarding duties should wear a clean coat and conduct themselves in a responsible and acceptable manner at all times.  This may sound a bit heavy handed but our poultry shows are open to the public and any member of the public observing the proceedings looks on the stewards as part of the ‘official’ set up of the show.

 

BAD BEHAVIOUR 

Thus all stewards are, in the eyes of the public, representatives of Poultry Organizations and their conduct reflect directly on our hobby / sport as a whole.  This includes bad language that should not be used in the show hall under any circumstances. Certainly ask a steward to leave the show hall when judging because of his bad language. 

With the current downward trend in the membership of poultry exhibitors the last thing any of us should be doing is putting potential newcomers of by unacceptable behavior.

 

DURING JUDGING

The steward with his or her clean white coat should report to the Judge at the start of judging and will work under the direction of the Judge throughout the period of judging.

Other Fanciers: At the pen the steward can be presented with a variety of situations that they must be ready to cope with.  Firstly if there are other Fanciers or even members of the public standing around the pens then the steward must, in as polite a way as possible ask them to move so that he can get the bird out of the pen.

Removing the Bird: Use the correct procedure to remove the bird from its pen. The judge can assist the steward by teaching him the correct procedure. Most birds are well behaved, are used to being shown and will therefore present the steward with few problems; however, some can cower nervously in the back of the pen whilst another may be vicious and intend on picking the hand that is trying to grab it. Extreme care must be taken as you extract the bird from the pen.

Remove the bird from its pen. Always remove bird head first with one hand over the back, and the other hand under the body, with your fingers around the legs. This prevents the bird from struggling to get away and act overly excited. Keep the bird to the upright position and hand to the judge for assessment. You always do this head first.

Comments: On no account should a steward pass comment on the qualities or lack of them in any exhibit.  Whilst you may think you are doing very quietly to someone else, under no circumstances should your comment be heard by the Judge.  It is the Judge’s job to find the faults and the merits in an exhibit and if he misses something that you have clearly seen then that is his problem, it is his opinion that exhibitors have entered the show for and not the opinions of a steward.  Even if you believe an exhibit to have been in the wrong colour class it is not your job as a steward to point it out to the Judge.

Handling: You may handle some of the birds in the show, even the very best, from which you will soon learn what makes a winner and you will probably handle some pretty poor specimens, from which you will learn the standard of poultry that just is not acceptable for showing.

Returning the Bird: When the Judge has completed his assessment of a bird the steward will be asked to return it to his pen.  The same care should be exercised when returning the bird as was when it was took out from the pen.

               

5. HANDLING THE BIRD

 

        BEFORE REMOVING A BIRD FROM ITS SHOW PEN

The purpose of a Breed Standard is to establish ideals for type, size and colour which are practical and useful, as well as symmetrical and attractive.  All breeds, whether bred chiefly for economic purposes or for beauty of colour and form, must be healthy and vigorous and of good productive qualities to insure full propagation, as well as popular acceptance of the breed.

The judge will walk down the line of birds he is going to judge taking in at a glance, the condition of a bird in regards to its type (confirmation), health, cleanliness and brightness of feathers, condition of combs, wattles, head parts, legs and feet, wry tails and the overall size of the bird.  He is also looking to be sure there are no “out of class” birds.  By this time he knows from an outward glance which birds are right for their breed and which are not.

The judge are now about to judge the first class and invariably hopes that the Category Winner will come from that class.  The just must give himself plenty of time to judge the first few classes, he will gain speed as time goes by.  He must get stuck with the job and treat it with utmost respect.

 

REMOVING A BIRD FROM ITS SHOW PEN

The Judge will now assess each bird entered.  Each Judge has their own system of doing this, but it should be remembered that all are judging against the Breed Standards for the breed. 

The Judge compares each bird entered; the one most closely resembling the Breed Standard is the winner.

 

The procedure for properly removing a bird from a cage is a three-step operation:

Step 1:   Approach the cage slowly, open the door quietly and prepare to remove the bird, head first.  Maneuver the bird until it stands with its head to your right or left.  Then reach into the coop and across the back of the bird with your right hand (left-handed persons will use their left hand), firmly but gently grasp the most distant wing at the shoulder.  Keep the wing folded and close to the bird’s body.

Step 2:   Rotate the bird in the cage so that its head is pointing towards you.

Step 3:   Slide your free hand, palm upward, underneath the bird’s breast.  Simultaneously, grasp the bird’s right leg (just above the hock joint) between the second and third fingers between the birds’ legs.  The keel bones should be resting upon the palm of your hand). Remove the bird head first with one hand over the back, and the other under the body, with your fingers around the legs. This prevents the bird from struggling to get away and overly excited. Bring the bird out of the cage head first, keeping its head toward you. 

 

BALANCE

To determine body balance and “set of legs”, some judges like to drop heavy breed birds about 15cm to the floor.  A quick recovery means good balance and placement and handling, the bird will present a good appearance to the judge. 

 

EXHIBITS

Many entries of good merit are never seriously considered by the judge because they have not been trained.  Frightened birds tend to stand in a crouched rather than normal position, thus their tail my touch the cage and be carried to one side, the bird may become from confinement, the cage litter may not feel natural and the bird may assume an awkward posture. Birds unaccustomed to handling may struggle when examined.  Any of these things will give the judge unfavorable impressions.  Therefore, it is recommended that you train your birds to get used to a cage.

 

 

6. JUDGING FOR APPEARANCE

 

       BEFORE REMOVING A BIRD FROM ITS SHOW PEN

The purpose of a Breed Standard is to establish ideals for type, size and colour which are practical and useful, as well as symmetrical and attractive.  All breeds, whether bred chiefly for economic purposes or for beauty of colour and form, must be healthy and vigorous and of good productive qualities to insure full propagation, as well as popular acceptance of the breed.

The judge will walk down the line of birds he is going to judge taking in at a glance, the condition of a bird in regards to its type (confirmation and appearance), health, cleanliness and brightness of feathers, condition of combs, wattles, head parts, legs and feet, wry tails and the overall size of the bird.  He is also looking to be sure there are no “out of class” birds.  By this time he knows from an outward glance which birds are right for their breed and which are not.

The judge are now about to judge the first class and invariably hopes that the Category Winner will come from that class.  The just must give himself plenty of time to judge the first few classes, he will gain speed as time goes by.  He must get stuck with the job and treat it with utmost respect.

 

APPEARANCE

First comes appearance or type (confirmation and appearance). First of all everyone that breeds, raises and show chickens must have the breed standard. The breed standard, general defects and general disqualifications tell the breeder who exhibits and the judge what he should be looking for when he buys, breeds or judge a show bird.  It also tells the judges what they are to judge when they go to a poultry show to judge birds.  Most judges have to memorize the breed standards, general defects and general disqualifications in order to take exams and become a poultry judge. It is imperative that type and type be considered of greatest importance and specimens greatly deficient in breed type should be disqualified as lacking in breed character.Use a judging stick to let the bird perform, this will enable the judge to judge the outer appearance (type) of the bird.

Approximately 60% of the total value of the “Scale of Points” is allotted to type.

 

SCALE OF POINTS

All judges judge to the Standards laid down in the Breed Standards.  In it each breed has a detailed description with points allocated for each feature required on the bird.  100 points are allocated to each breed of poultry, so in theory the Judge should just assess the bird for each feature laid down in the Standards and allocate points for each feature, add up the points and the bird with the highest total out of 100 would be the winner. 

 

DIMENSIONAL TERMS

When the words “broad” “medium,” “large,” “deep,” etc. are used in Breed Standard descriptions, these terms shall be understood to mean “relatively or comparatively” broad, medium, large or deep, that is, in proportion  to the size and character of the breed, described, as well as to the two sexes within the breed. 

Thus, “medium” as applied to the size of the comb of any Orpington male and female does not mean that both would be the same size, but that they would be proportionate to the body size of the male and female respectively. 

 

VIGOR

The vigor and health of a specimen is of prime importance and a necessity in the propagation and preservation of all breeds.  Judges shall not only consider the external appearance, but the actual body type and feathering thereof as well.

 

OUT OF CLASS

He is also looking to be sure there are no “out of class” birds.  By this time he knows from an outward glance which birds are right for their breed and which are not.

 

HANDELING EACH BIRD

The judge will go to a cage and take each bird out that is of good type and start to judge. Each judge has their own system of doing this, but it should be remembered that all are judging against the Breed Standards for the breed.  The Judge compares each bird entered; the one most closely resembling the Breed Standard is the winner.

 

THE ART OF JUDGING

Some contend that judging is an art rather than a science.  Many scoring systems, the majority very elaborate, have been devised to standardize judges’ responses but, in the end, their evaluation on these individual points is still subjective.  Their views are coloured by their own interpretation of the Breed Standard and their experience.  Experience together with a good eye for stock and integrity are the requirements of a judge.  Experience can be gained over the years by breeding and by discussing the Breed Standard with other fanciers, for example.

Finally, the most important function of the judge is to see that the Breed Standards are maintained. Poultry Organizations draw the Breed Standards up and administers them, and the judge enforces them.

 

 

 

7. JUDGING BODY PARTS

CUTTING FOR DEFECTS AND GENERAL DISQUALIFICATIONS

In any case it shall be understood that the tabled DEFECTS AND GENERAL DISQUALIFICATIONS are for general defects and general disqualifications only, i.e., those applying to all breeds or a number of breeds.  Individual breed or variety defects and disqualifications, other than those specified, shall be considered in comparable fashion to other defects and disqualifications, i.e., according to the severity of the defect or disqualification. 

 

BODY

Parasites: Examine the bird for lice or mites. Parasites on a bird are a disqualification.

Back: Use the palm of your hand to run over the bird’s back to determine its length and width. Meat variety birds will have a long and wide back. Check the back feathers for the under colour and for signs of moulting or missing feathers.

Where the back is described as “broad its entire length,” the carcass should carry the desired width not only from the shoulders to the hips, but also as near as possible to the base of the tail.  A specimen who narrows sharply from the hips is nearly as faulty as if it were narrow at the hips. Examine narrowness of shoulders.

Breast: Flip the bird over and hold their back against your chest. Measure the length of the keel bone, sometimes called the breast bone, with your first finger and thumb. This is also to check that the keel bone is straight and does not have any bumps or dents.

Wings: Whilst holding the fowl with your one hand, use your other hand to naturally spread the wing by pressing it near the body of the fowl. The wing will naturally open to indicate a split wing, the colour, and absence of feathers, slipped wings, split wings, twisted feathers or other defects. Look at the condition of the primary and secondary feathers and coverts. Check for signs of moulting. Take a closer look at the skin on the inside for mites.

Crop: Examine the crop for fullness and abnormalities.

Abdominal Capacity: Check the abdominal area and look for the vent opening. A large abdomen or large internal capacity is necessary for adequate intestinal development, which is essential for rapid digestion assimilation of food necessary to heavy egg production. When the standard description reads, “deep and full,” the judge should determine this dimension by placing his thumb on the hip bone and spanning with his hand and fingers the sides of the body to the keel bone in front and in back of the legs. Use your fingers to examine the spread of the pubic bones, the space between the rear of the keel bone and the pubic bone. Look at the abdomen area for a Waterfowl’s trimness (leanness) and hardness. Check the feather condition in this area.

Width of Body: Place your thumb and first finger around the widest part of the bird’s body, or right behind the wing or shoulder joints. Compare the measurement with the breed standard.  

Heart-Girth: Heart-girth is measured by determinating the width of the back and the depth of the body immediately behind the juncture of the wings and body. It is important that this portion of the body be adequate for the proper functioning of the heart for full development of the lungs and when of sufficient size is conducive to health, vigor, longevity and production.

Vent: Lower the bird slightly so that the head is facing you. Part the fluff feathers and check for mites and lice. The vent (the chickens all-purpose exit point) should be moist and white, with no lumps, crustiness, bleeding etc.

 

HEAD AND NECK

Head: The head is of great importance as it indicates the state of health and vitality. Examine the bird’s head to see if it is short, round and wide. Check to see how prominent are the cheeks of the bird and the condition of the head plumage. Examine narrowness of the head. While the same general descriptive terms may be used in describing head parts of Cornish, Brahma or other meat type breeds, it naturally follows that such terms shall be considered relatively rather than literally, since a more massive type of head is more appropriate on, and typical of, such breeds.

Beak: Examine the beak size and prominence.

Bill: Examine the bill to determine its colour, shape and whether it is short and wide. Look to see if the colour of the bill is true to the breed or the sex. 

Comb:  When fully grown the chicken should sport a nice firm comb. Examine the comb for good substance and size and colour. The over-refined, thin type of comb is not only liable to buckle or show thumb marks, but also indicates lack of constitutional vigor.

Eyes: The eye should be large, bright and prominent, the iris rich in colour, the pupil distinctly and perfectly formed. Look at the bird’s eyes to check their size and colour and to observe for blindness. Point your index finger at both eyes. Compare the colour with the breed standard. The eye should be large, bright and prominent, the iris rich in colour, the pupil distinctly and perfectly formed.  The condition of the eye frequently indicates some form of systemic disease, including leucosis.

Nose: Examine the bird’s eyes and nose to check if there are no discharges.

Wattles: Compare with Breed Standard

Ear-lobes: Compare with Breed Standard

Ears: Compare with Breed Standard

Neck: Examine the bird’s neck area for length and strength, ducks generally have strong necks. Check the arch of the neck. Examine the feather condition of the neck for abnormal colouring.

 

LEGS AND FEET

Feet and Legs: Turn the chicken so that the head is facing toward the judge. Then hold out the feet and legs of the bird and look them over, checking for dirt, scaly leg, bumble foot, and other diseases and defects that might be present. Check the legs for straightness, cleanliness and colour. Look at the foot for abnormalities and abscesses.

Look at the colour on front and back of shanks and feet, counting each toe. Look at the feet of a hen for pigment loss.

Toes: Examine the toes and toe nails for colour, length and to see if any toes or toe nails are missing. Check the webs of the feet for damage, abnormalities and parasites.

Scaly Leg: Scales on the legs and feet should be smooth and not lifting. Any specimen with this condition sufficiently advanced to have significantly altered the type or colour of the feet or legs shall not be awarded first prize.

Leg Colour: The colour of the legs is a good indicator of whether the chicken is laying. If they are very yellow then she is probably not laying eggs yet. If they are pale almost white then she probably is, similar to the photo.

 

PLUMAGE:

Feather Quality: Examine the body plumage. Run your fingers over the neck, back and breast area to feel for smoothness. Note the colour and quality of feathers. Look for the presence of lice. Feathers act as a protective covering for fowl, protecting it from cold, rain, sun and injury, also aiding in short flight.  It is important that the feathers be relatively broad, the web of good firm texture, with a strong shaft, the barbs, barbules and barbicels closely and tightly knitted together, with the exception of a very few ornamental breeds such as Silkies, Frizzles and Sebastapol Geese.  Early and full feathering is associated with a good relatively broad feather of firm structure, judges and breeders are especially instructed to give full consideration to this important quality.  Narrow thin feathers inclined to silkiness often found in the back, wings and tail coverts, are particularly to be avoided and no specimen with this characteristic should be used for breeding.

Sickles: Compare with the Standard

Side hangers:  Compare with the Standard

Coverts: Compare with the Standard

Tail: Examine the tail. Run your hand down the tail. Press the tail feathers towards you. Look for colour and feather quality and determining any sign of moulting. Check or count to see that all tail feathers are present. Look for curled feathers, an adult drake will have curled sex feathers in the middle of the tail feathers. Examine tail carriage.

Under-colour: Lift the feathers on the bird’s saddle or neck and blow under them. This is checking that the bird’s under-colour, or the colour of the feather shafts, is correct, as well as checking for mites or lice. Proper surface gives identity, beauty and uniformity.  Under-colour is also a characteristic of each colour pattern.  It should be considered but not granted undue emphasis.  In very tight feathered breeds (ex. Malays, Games, etc.) under fluff may show through at junction of back and tail, shoulders, wingbows, etc.

Brassiness: On the surface plumage of white fowls is a serious defect and shall be discounted according to Cuts for Defects.

Grey Specks: A few very small, greyish specks in white fowls shall not prevent a specimen that is otherwise superior in type and colour from winning over one which is less typical in type but sound in colour, provided the grey specks do not appear prominently in the primary, secondary or main tail feathers.

Moult in Wild Pattern Drakes (Rouens, grey Call Ducks and grey Indian Runners):  Allowance shall be made for normal seasonal plumage change when judging males of these breeds and varieties.

Faded Pigmentation:  A fading or bleaching of colour from that described in the Breed Standard for the beak and shanks or the pigment in yellow skin breeds is a defect when the result of poor health or seasonal changes.

 

SIZE OF THE BIRD

Weight: When size and weight cannot be determined by comparison, it is advisable to require the weighing of the birds. Disqualifying weights for adult specimens shall apply at all times, but due allowance should be made for decreased weight in adult birds in the moult during the late summer and fall of season. The weight clauses shall not be interpreted to mean that a small and over-fat specimen fulfills the Breed Standard requirements. 

Size: Weights must be in proportion to size, at the same time preserving the ideal type and type for the breed.

 

FAKING

Faking is a deliberate attempt to deceive the judge or a prospective purchaser. Evidence of faking shall be reason to disqualify that bird. Judges officiating at any show shall cooperate in the enforcement of this provision.

 

BORDERLINE FRAUDULENT PRACTICES

Feathers on shank: Feathers which have been pulled out leaving a neat row of holes down the shank.  No feathers are visible but evidence of them having been there is very clear.  If a hot needle was inserted in the hole left by the removed feather the feather does not grow again.   

Feather in toe: This is easier for the judges as its either “in” or “out”.  Had the exhibitor been careless and left the feather in, the bird would be disqualified, however if he pulled the feather out he may get away with it.

Feather in the hock: Same as above but miraculously after judging these feathers disappear into thin air and the exhibitor invariably engages in an argument with the judge as to where these feathers are or if in fact there were any.

Side sprigs: It can also be removed leaving little or no evidence.

Butterfly Comb: OEG hens very often have a butterfly at the back of the comb, one leaf of which is cut off.  This does leave a definite mark or scar but the deed is done.  To say it was there and had been removed leads to a challenge and denial from the exhibitor.

 

TRIOS

In judging trios, the male shall receive a value of one-half of the pen; females shall match in size, general shade of colour and markings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. AWARDS

In order to properly judge each specimen off standard bred poultry entered in a poultry show the judge must handle each bird in the class. The exceptions are that any bird showing evidence of contagious disease (this should be removed from the showroom or the flock) or a definitely inferior specimen.

 

CATEGORIES: A group of breeds classified together, i.e. Large Hard Feathers, True Bantams, Eggs, Ducks, etc.

BREEDS: Within each section the birds are broken down into breeds, i.e. Australorp, Malay, Pekin, etc.

VARIETIES: Each breed is broken down into its variety i.e. Black, Partridge, White, Blue red, etc.

CLASSES: Each colour is broken into different classes i.e. Cock, Hen, Cockerel, Pullet, etc.

 

ABBREVIATIONS

BV = Best In Variety

RV = Reserve Variety

BC = Breed Champion

RBC = Reserve Breed Champion

CW = Category Winner

BOS = Best Bird on Show

 

SCALE OF POINTS

All judges judge to the standards laid down in the Breed Standards.  In it each breed has a detailed description with points allocated for each feature required on the bird.  100 points are allocated to each breed of poultry, so in theory the Judge should just assess the bird for each feature laid down in the Breed Standards and allocate points for each feature, add up the points and the bird with the highest total out of 100 would be the winner.

A typical sample of a Scale of Points:  

 

SCALE OF POINTS:

Symmetry and type

Colour of plumage

Comb, wattles, lobes, face, beak, legs and toes

Condition

Shape of head and beak

Neck

Eye, colour and shape of iris and pupil

Breast

Back and shoulders

Abdomen

Tail

25

10

15

10

3

2

5

7

10

8

5

TOTAL

100

 

 

 

CLASS WINNERS

All showrooms are set up by classes.  It’s important that the judge know the breed, the colour varieties and classes they belong in.  In order for the judge to do his job the same class must be in the same area of the showroom.  If a bird is not in the correct class it cannot be judged with that class. 

First, second and third prizes should be awarded in each class. The minimum points obtained for each specific place according to the scale of points of each class should be as follows: 

First prize:       90 points

Second prize: 80 points

Third prize:     70 points

The places will now be recorded on the Judges List.

 

VARIETY WINNERS

Best in Variety (BV) & Reserve Variety (RV) is chosen from the whole class of each breed variety being shown. Remember at this stage the First in Variety winners could be an adult (Hen/Cock) or yearling (Cockerel/Stag/Pullet).

Best White Male, Best White Hen, Best White Cockerel, Best White Pullet) only one of them can be Best Variety in that particular colour & sex group.

 

 

BREED WINNERS

Next the judge will mark the Breed Champion (BC) and Reserve Breed Champion (RBC) in that particular breed. Only one Old English, one Brahma, one Silkie, one Plymouth Rock, one Favorelle can be the Breed Champion and one Reserve Breed Champion in it’s breed.

 

CATEGORY WINNERS

Out of all the Breed Champions the judge or panel of judges will pick the Category Winners (CW) i.e. Best Hard Feather on Show, Best True Bantam on Show, etc. 

 

BEST BIRD ON SHOW

Out of all the Category Winners i.e. Best Hard Feather on show, Best True Bantam on Show etc. the judge or panel of judges will pick an overall Best Bird on Show (BOS). This bird will be the “Best of the Best”, the Best in Variety, the Best of Breed for its type and comes closest to be the most perfect overall bird in the showroom.

 

BREAKING TIES

Age: When one specimen is adult or old and the other young, the adult specimen shall win. When specimens are in the same age group, the one receiving the lesser total cuts for type shall win.

Trios: In a trio, the one containing the highest scoring male shall win.

Weight: Should a tie still exists the specimen nearest the Breed Standard weight shall win, except Cornish Bantams, Beltsville Small White Turkeys and Call Ducks.

In all Cornish Bantams, Beltsville Small White Turkeys and Call Ducks, other points being equal, the smaller specimen win.

 

MEDALS, ROSETTE OR RIBBONS:

Golden Awards: Golden awards may be awarded to the breed champion in single classes, best breeding pen and best team of pullets in the respective breeds.

Silver Awards: Silver awards may be awarded to the reserve breed champion in single classes only. (Breeding pens or team of pullets excluded).

 

 

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