Common Poultry Show Faults and Disqualifications: What Judges Penalize

Every show bird has flaws. The question a judge asks is how serious those flaws are compared with the other birds in the class. Some faults lower a bird's placing a little, and others can knock a bird out of the class entirely. Knowing the difference, and knowing where to look, will save you from entering a bird that cannot place and help you pick the birds that can.

This guide explains the general idea behind faults and disqualifications in poultry shows, with examples relevant to a Speckled Sussex. Each breed's list is specific, and the Standard is revised over time, so always check the current edition and your show's rules. If you want to find poultry judging clinics near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

Faults Versus Disqualifications

Poultry standards generally distinguish between two categories. A defect or fault is a deviation from the ideal that is penalized, such as a bird that is slightly off in color or body shape. A disqualification is a serious fault listed in the Standard that removes a bird from competition for a ribbon, though the bird may still be allowed to stay in the show. The exact categories and what falls into each are set by the Standard, and the American Poultry Association publishes the one most used in U.S. shows. Local shows may also have their own rules, so ask.

Common Faults and Disqualifying Defects

These examples appear in many standards in some form, but whether each is a fault or a disqualification, and exactly how it is defined, depends on the breed and edition. Treat the list as a place to start looking, not as a rulebook.

• Crooked back or deformed spine. A back that bends or twists. Judges check by running a hand along the back.
• Crooked or dented breastbone. A keel that curves or has dents. Poor perch design and early roosting on narrow perches are sometimes blamed.
• Wry tail. A tail carried crookedly to one side.
• Split or slipped wing. A wing that hangs or is out of place.
• Comb defects. Side sprigs, twists or a comb that does not match the breed description. Sussex have a single comb.
• Deformed or crossed beak. A beak that does not close properly.
• Wrong leg color or feathered shanks. Sussex are described with white or pinkish-white legs and clean shanks. Birds with leg color or feathering out of line with the breed description are penalized.
• Wrong toe count or crooked toes. Sussex have four toes on each foot, and crooked toes are a defect.
• Wrong earlobe or skin color. Each breed has a description for earlobes and skin.
• Color defects. For the Speckled, serious departures from the pattern, such as muddy markings or too little white, may be penalized. See our color guide.
• Underweight or oversize. Weight outside the range may count against a bird.

Health and Condition Problems

Besides the Standard, shows have health rules. A bird with signs of illness, such as discharge, labored breathing or lethargy, may be excused from the show to protect other birds. External parasites such as lice and mites, scaly leg mites and injuries can lower placings or lead to dismissal. Birds with disease signs should stay home. Resources such as the Merck Veterinary Manual poultry section and Penn State Extension poultry describe common poultry health problems. Many shows also require health testing or certificates for poultry, so check with your state veterinarian's office and show officials. The USDA APHIS livestock and poultry disease pages provide federal information on poultry disease.

How to Pre-Check Your Bird

1. Put the bird on a table in good light.
2. Run a hand along the back and keel, feeling for twists or dents.
3. Check the tail carriage from behind.
4. Check the comb, wattles and earlobes against the breed description.
5. Check the beak, eyes and nostrils.
6. Check legs, toes and spurs, and look for mites.
7. Part the feathers and check skin and vent.
8. Compare the bird to the Standard and to your other birds.

Can a Fault Be Fixed?

Some conditions are genetic, and others are environmental. Dirt on feathers and legs can be cleaned. Minor damage heals or molts out. Structural defects such as a crooked back cannot be fixed. Do not try to hide a defect, such as by altering a bird's appearance. Show rules prohibit it, and judges are experienced at finding such tampering. Honest preparation means washing, conditioning and good care. Our guide to washing and conditioning covers what is appropriate.

Breeding Away From Faults

If you breed, culling birds with serious faults and not using them as breeders helps keep faults from spreading. Keep records of which matings produce faulty chicks. Some faults have a genetic component, and others are caused by management, such as poor brooding conditions or early roosting on narrow perches. Our brooder guide explains good chick management.

Common Mistakes

• Entering a bird without checking it. Examine first.
• Assuming all defects are equal. Know which disqualify.
• Using an old standard. Check the current edition.
• Trying to hide a defect. It breaks the rules and is usually caught.
• Taking a sick bird to the show. Protect other birds.

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