AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

I guess in the final analysis it would come down to a personal preference by a judge if all other things were equal.
However colour is not just a single factor easily determined whether it is a buff or a blue or for that matter any other colour.
The consideration of many factors come into play, as I said earlier an even shade consistent throughout is what is sort.
But you have to consider also the down colour, some fowls particularly buffs lighten out at the feather base, can be a lovely rich buff/gold and almost white in fluff, blues can do something similar.
Others carry a dark,light or brown shaft to the feather which is not consistant with the ground colour of the feather.
Then others have black in tail and wings which is not consistant with the self colour of the rest of the fowl.
To this add the fact some are one shade in one place and a completely different shade in another, as well some show brassiness or contrasting feathers in neck and saddle hackle, all of which are considered undesirable in many breeds.
As well you then have to determine sheen or lustre of a feather, some are dull others very lustrous, even blacks are not a consistant colour, some being dull others with sheen and even here the sheen can be green as is most often sort after or blue/purple or barred which is considered a fault and penalised heavily.
In short every characteristic has these slight variations, some more serious and difficult to erradicate, it is the judges skill to know the differences and to make an informed decision as to which fowl in balance conforms closest to the standard for that breed or variety.
What may be obvious to a casual observer may not in fact be the case, the judge has had the opportunity to remove and handle the fowl and examine in it in minute detail, this has to be done quickly and efficiently, his experience and knowledge guides his final decision.
His task is not an easy one any many casual observers unfairly criticise a judge when not in full possession of all the facts, it is easy to walk along a row of pens and make a snap decision as to which is best, quite another to handle many and come to a fair and unbiased decision as to a final outcome.

Well said and I know first hand

Yes valid points there

Your point on colour is very good and hit the nail on the head how many good coloured buff pekins are out there? I can say not very many most are a wash of different shades and clearly have white in them I think some of those trying to make new colours are a big part of the problem like some who were trying for millefleur pekins and to date all have failed as I am yet to see 1 single true millefleur pekin but the pollution of buffs as a reminance is obviouse and sad for the colour as a whole

I am with you all the way pekins have lost there appeal to many because all the colour mixing I would like to see just one person do the right thing and breed good ones

Are all the cuckoo pekin colours recognized in the new standard?

The cuckoo is in the current standard but not by colours




LooLoo

Thanks looloo, I wonder if the new standard covers the colours?

Its the same with the buff columbian I have 3 hens all a little different shades but they are all the buff columbian

Most of mine are all different shades but the roosters are the same almost anyways