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M & M Homestead, 1110 4th Street, Panama City, FL (2026)

06/18/2026

These little guys right here are ready for their new homes anybody interested? Please let me know. They are Kikiriki.

06/15/2026

What is “Show Quality”?
_____________________________

It feels every which way you turn on social media, there’s an add claiming “show quality” birds, chicks, or eggs!

So what exactly IS show quality?

According to dedicated heritage poultry breeder & educator; Blake Bell -
“A bird that (meets the definition of show quality) is recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) or the American Bantam Association (ABA); carries no disqualifications under the Standard of Perfection, and is in good health with sound feather condition.”

First and foremost, the bird MUST be a recognized breed in order to obtain a “show quality” label.
Without an accepted Standard of Perfection to judge off of, the bird and breed has no defined accountability.
This alone will help consumers recognize legitimate “show quality” vs misuse of the term.
(Note: Ayam Cemani is currently in the process of recognition with an accepted proposed standard. For those diligently working towards breeding & showing to that standard it can be debated on the use of the term “show quality” due to the accountability an accepted proposed standard holds)

Next requirement is the absence of disqualifying features. If studying the American Poultry Association handbook, you will find a section dedicated to basic standard disqualifications & defects - cutting for defects.
These list of DQs are held against all breeds and should be avoided when working towards exhibition quality.
Some for example are;

• Side sprig
• Split comb
• Twisted feather
• Squirrel tail
• Wry tail
• Split wing
• Slipped wing
• Bow legged
• Knocked kneed
• Duck foot
• Webbed foot

While there is a general list of disqualifications, you will find the individual breed may also have additional, more specific DQs listed within their SOPs.
For example the Ayam Cemani’s accepted Proposed Standard of Perfection lists “pink in the mouth” as a defining disqualifying trait.

The bird must not only be void of any disqualifications, but also display traits that would contend in the ring; therefore meeting the breed’s standard.
Another reason why it is so important to do your research and become familiar with your breed’s requirements.
Some key points to evaluate when comparing to the SOP are (but not limited to):

• Proper body type including carriage, tail set, wing set, and overall balance.
• Feather color and markings can be a crucial part of many breed standards calling for specific penciling, barring, and detail.
• Correct comb variety - free of defects, wattles of even size and proportion, and earlobe color are also focal points of all breed standards.

And lastly condition, vigor, and health.
While appearance may play a large role in “show quality” so does the birds overall health as one of the APA’s many focuses are on the preservation and performance of each breed.
You can have a bird that hits all the physical marks, but if that bird is showing clear indications of underlying health issues (unkempt appearance, weak brittle feathers, disease, lacking muscle mass & low weight) the bird will not pass on strong resilient genetics, rendering it useless to the success of the breed.
You will find when judging a bird off of the 100 point scale, condition & vigor is included as one of the highest point categories due to this simple and clear truth.

So at what age do we feel a bird can be confidently titled “show quality”?

While juveniles, chicks, and eggs can come from show quality lines there is no way to fairly label and guarantee them as “show quality” at such an immature age.
We must remain mindful that exhibition birds can still produce offspring that simply do not make the cut for one reason or another.
Those highly dedicated breeders producing “show quality” ribbon winners, hatch hundreds of birds a year just to hand select the choice few to show and move forward with.

However in all reality, the best age to fairly asses birds for show quality attributes, traits, and potential will vary from breed to breed.

“It all depends on the breed. Some mature faster than others, particularly males. Most breeders of LF Cochins don’t show until after they’re well over a year old, whereas a Dominique male, for instance is showable at 8 or 9 months. A female is in her best condition at point of lay. That is when their body has the best tone.“
⁃ Howard Davenport; exhibition breeder & APA director

According to the APA & ABA, there is no restriction or minimum age for showing, although it is commonly understood by exhibitors to avoid showing birds younger than 5 - 6 months, due to a lack of mature feathers (no juvenile or pin feathers).

Juvenile feathers or not - age and maturity is still going to play a pretty significant role in selecting, showing, and labeling a bird as “show quality”.
True quality generally isn’t clear until a bird has met reproductive age - and then some.
So often juveniles and grow outs show wonderful potential only to quickly change as hormones increase and maturity sets in, revealing unwanted traits and faults such as lopped comb, tail set, heavier type, leakage etc.
Meanwhile, at just the same rate, a bird that showed little potential can completely change overnight as muscles develop, feathers fill in, and hormones increase.
This is why it is crucial we grow out our birds for as long as we possibly can to avoid making premature selections.

While all the above can be considered the bare minimum requirements and steps to calling your birds “show quality” there is still some debate in the semantics of it all.

You will find some feel the term shouldn’t be applied unless the seller is an active participant in APA & ABA sanctioned poultry shows. Indicating a full and true understanding of their breed’s standard and acquiring legitimate critiquing guidance from APA certified judges.
While others argue as long as the breeder is applying the standard to their breeding practices (meeting all requirements of the definition) then they have every right to define their stock as such.

This is where the definition of “show quality” can become debatable and left up to interpretation.

“As for labeling a bird “show quality,” it’s when, in the exhibitors eyes and interpretation of the written standard, they meet that standard. Placement in a show is well and good, but each judge interprets the standard differently. For instance, “moderately long.” “Moderately long” compared to what? I look for faults, DQ’s, and overall balance. If I think it is worthy and meets the standard, I say it’s show quality.”
⁃ Howard Davenport

However you may feel about the use of “show quality” and when to apply this term; the fact remains;
• The bird must be a recognized breed with an accepted standard
• The bird must conform to breed standard
• The bird must be free of all disqualifications

And after that, everything is up to interpretation and personal judgement - so be sure to study your APA handbook and make sure you’re educated!

06/13/2026

With Homestead Homage – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 8 months in a row. 🎉

06/11/2026

Our first rainbow Eggers have hatched! I am so excited to see these grow up. I have a few more and have been doing some test hatching if anybody would like to get some. Just let us know.

06/10/2026

🎉 Facebook recognized me for starting engaging conversations and producing inspiring content among my audience and peers!

06/10/2026

🎉 Facebook recognized me for starting engaging conversations and producing inspiring content among my audience and peers!

06/10/2026

Hey guys, as hatching season slows down I wanted to let you all know I still have hatching eggs available. Most of the breeds that we carry are still laying in full force! So don’t forget you can always hatch your own or you can order a special hatch.

06/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard!

ChrisDebbie Wilson, Holcomb Acres Homestead

06/07/2026

With Black Witch Farm – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

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