Sneak Peek at the CHB Show in Red Deer

I drove down today to coop in after work. I also helped to set up the silent auction. Thank-you, all for your items! If you have some time, you should really head to Red Deer this weekend.

Here is the set up at coop-in.

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Two views of the silent auction:

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A lovely donated hand painted platter.

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A pen and ink drawing I managed to get finished in time!

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And finally one of my patient Houdans waiting for judging.

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Thanks for posting these before pics - the thought of a show is often daunting, but it doesn't appear so daunting after all. I can't go see this weekend as I'm working, but I do enjoy seeing the pics and look forward to more. Your houdan is pretty nice looking!

IslandGal, I have never been to a show where people have not been friendly, welcoming and helpful. If you ever have a chance....

And thanks for the Houdan compliment. Toybarons and I have been working on this breed for a few years. They should be a decent dual purpose breed, but currently are neither great egg layers nor meat birds. We plan to change this.

the weather must have cleared for you Sue :-). That's great. Nice to see the photographs, that plate looks lovely and your ink drawing very nice! Have never seen a Houdan in person, what an amazing looking bird with that "go to the races" hat  . How are you going to improve it's meat and egg laying ability?

Thanks for the sneak peak Sue. The Houdans look good. Wish I could come, I am just to sick now......

Glad you made it! Thank you for the sneak peak!!

The Houdan improvement involves birds from various sources and strict culling, one trait at a time. They should be a heavier, more horizontal bird, larger and broader with more weight. The mottling pattern is hard to achieve and often you find there is too much white. Fortunately I am seeing less this year. Also it is a five toed breed and getting those toes to point in the right direction is a struggle. TB and I have carefully selected 7 birds for the show and are going to do a lot of chatting about next years breeding plans partly based on the choices of the judge today.

The photo does not do the plate justice. Lots of gold and very sparkly!

Coopslave, if you feel better, on Sunday....

I am anticipating heavy bidding on Kathy's Orps, considering her latest win!

Schipperkesue wrote:I am anticipating heavy bidding on Kathy's Orps, considering her latest win!

I thought they were cochins? Either way, they are beautiful birds and are bound to spark a bidding war!

You are right, BBoy, they are Cochins. My mistake.

So great to see it all set up! Hopefully I can make it to the next show!