AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Is it possible for a judge to know the exact age of an australorp rooster just by looking at him?
Is there an age maximum for showing a rooster?

Stampy,
I can only answer for myself.
As a youngster the end of the breastbone is still cartlidge, it solidifies to solid bone at maturity.
The spurs well give you an indicator of age, being rounded and short, not yet pointed on a ckl, you will at times get a smarty that will try and pass off a 1st yr cock as a ckl, they tamper with the spur end.
An older cock will give you a broad idea of his approx age by the length, thickness and shape of his spur.
Any judge worth his salt will have an idea of a birds age, be it a forward chicken, ckl, 1st yr cock, mature cock or aged cock.
As to a maximum age, the answer is NO, you can show him as long as he is worthy , fit and in good feather, to show him when past it is going to be detrimental to your chances of winning as he has to be better than other cocks years younger.
It might well be better to put a good old cock in a breeding pair or trio, if he is a worthy grand old man.
A good judge will put up the best fowl after taking on board all his observations re type, feather, condition and specific breed characteristics, if he is the best he should win at any age.
I have seen Pekin hens shown and win at 9yo and some old barren Game hens, they do at times look at thier best if good types as they are in top condition and feather and not baggy behind as some younger females do if on the lay.
I think it is all in the manner any individual judge sums up what is benched for judging on the day.

Now that's a great answer thanks very much extremely helpful

Thanks for the answer Oaklands – very well covered
Many worry their rooster is too old to show – but you can show a bird at any age – I have shown an 18yr old hen at national level [yes eighteen years old]
the oldest rooster I have shown was nearly 6yrs old - both birds did VERY well

So long as the bird is healthy clean and easily handled I see no reason why it cant be shown

I do recommend though that the roosters spurs be trimmed down - an angle grinder does this easily and leaves a smooth surface - have someone hold the bird while you are doing it

soozorps is right age id not an issue if he is in good health and presented well

I have witnessed a 5 year old rooster show and win his class and he did not look a day over 3 unlike his owner har! it is all about condition of the fowl to be shown

Then there is hope for my old boy yet hehe I think he is about 5 but he doesn't look it