SOP's Can you help, or do you want to learn?

[Mrs. K]

I have read two separate posts on SOP's which I have found very interesting. But truthfully, I rather find the SOP's about as clear as mud. Just what do they mean, what do you look for?

I think that if people would post pictures of different breeds of roosters, and what they see compared to the SOP's it might be very educational for those of us who are interested, but have no ideas as to what we really are looking for.

I am really hoping this would be an online chicken show with critiques.

For example, I have been reading about the angle of the roosters tail. 30 degrees. I cannot be envisioning this correctly as most tails on roosters seem to be much greater than that - 70 to 90?

I am hoping that even people without pure breeds might post pictures, just so that we can all get a bit more critical on beaks, toes, breasts, legs and wings, along with combs and colors.

I am a retired teacher, haha - I have given you all a lesson assignment.

Mrs K

 

[casportpony]

I will get some pictures!

 

[Mrs. K]

Thank you. I will too, even though I just have a mutt. We can practice on him.

 

[CoopBoots]

Following! I hear squirrel-tail criticized all the time. I'm pretty sure all of my boys have it... In fact I thought it was normal! Looking forward to learning more

 

[WingItRanch]

Great idea! I'm interested in learning, as well.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have never heard of squirrels tail, post pictures.

 

[Mrs. K]

Taking pictures of chickens is hard, but taking them and then cropping them really helps.

Feet my husband says are more important in a breeding animal than one might think. I think this bird has straight toes, but when photographing him, I see a feather on his short spurs, those might be rougher?

I think his beak is straight and symmetrical but it seems a bit short, is that good or bad?

How would you describe his eyes and ears? Those are mentioned in most SOP’s.

And to me, his tail is dang close to 90 degrees.

 

[Ted Brown]

 

[CoopBoots]

My understanding of squirrel tail:

They sometimes carry their tails differently so I hesitate on some close ones. @Mrs. K I'm on the fence with yours, but I can show you my rooster that definitely has one:

On the other hand, here is a rooster that grew into an almost, and yes depending on mood it is too close for comfort. I think if I were really aiming for a preferred look, I'd need to breed a lower tail in. His heritage is Orpington x Leghorn, so I guess I'd have to choose which SOP to follow, but I don't think many prefer squirrel tails. I think it is a fault in most standards but hopeful someone who actually knows will chime in. Definitely a big nope in a proper Leghorn though:

 

[Mrs. K]

Ohhh, I see what you mean. And yes, I think mine has one, he carries it like that most of the time.

I find this very interesting. I was very impressed with the video that Ted Brown shared. I always knew that one should handle them, that feathers can hide a lot of sins, but specific area measurements was very interesting.

Mrs K