These are the comments and results of Day Thirty of the March Madness poultry judging. For previous pairings, instructions, and a copy of the bracket, please see our other "blog" posts. All of the participant comments are available on our FB page and previous posts here.
FINAL FOUR PAIRING: LFC30 vs Sunny
Breanna's Comments:
This is one of the most interesting choices and placements I've made. So far--in any competition--there has not been a matchup between quail and chickens. It also did not go the way I was expecting.
I personally would have placed the largefowl cochin first. She has the size, she has the shape and structure, she is representing her standard well and the uniform color makes it easier. I'd argue Sunny is better conditioned, though both obviously were pulled from well-kept breeding pens.
There's a few flaws with Sunny regarding her back/tail (I'd like a more gradual slope into the tail feathers) and feathers held a bit tighter. I'd like her stand to be more visible in the photo to show off her legset and bones that are covered up and therefore can't be judged here. The head is just a touch too small for my liking too, as the head can be a good indication of growth and potential. She's a good representation of a quail, but not perfect, especially as a layer hen. Not to mention her color is severely lacking for Italian overall.
I've talked a bit about the downfalls of the cochin in previous posts too, that go a bit more in-depth. But she just has more of that show-aspect, catches the eye, and fills the standard very well. She also has traits good in a breeding pen that will help further improve offspring too and create stronger growth, like the wide skull and good bottom line.
Top Participant Evaluations:
"Brahma male: excellent head and wings, depth and conditioning. The Cochin sags on the conditioning front. The Brahma should be holding his head higher to balance his tail and his coloring is a little uneven, but he is still a good bird and takes the win here. Franklin is an excellent example of Campbell type and coloring while Sunny has a weak head and coloring, so Franklin takes the win here."
-Jada Spiegel
Jada's update after realizing the pairings were swapped:
"Franklin and the Cochin are my two choices. Sunny has a better body than the Cochin but the Cochin has a better head. And Franklin just has it all when it comes to type and color."
For the heck of it, here is also an AI description of the ideal cochin and ideal quail:
Note: I did not input anything other than asking for an ideal description of an Italian Coturnix quail and a largefowl, black cochin according to posted American standards.
Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail:
The Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail is a small yet striking bird known for its unique coloration and productive qualities. It should have a compact, well-rounded body with a short neck, a broad chest, and a slightly rounded abdomen. The overall carriage should be upright and alert, reflecting the bird's active and inquisitive nature.
In terms of coloration, the Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail should exhibit a distinctive combination of warm browns, tans, and creams, arranged in intricate patterns of stripes, spots, and bars. The feathers should be densely packed and tightly overlapped, creating a smooth and uniform covering across the entire body.
The head of the Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail should be relatively small in proportion to the body, with a short, straight beak and large, expressive eyes. The legs and feet should be sturdy and well-developed, suited for both walking and scratching. Overall, the Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail should exude a sense of vigor and vitality, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and commercial breeders.
Ideal Black Largefowl Cochin:
The Ideal Black Largefowl Cochin is a magnificent and imposing bird prized for its impressive size and striking appearance. It should have a massive, rounded body with a deep breast, a broad back, and abundant feathering, giving it a majestic and dignified presence. The overall carriage should be upright and proud, with the bird holding itself with confidence and poise.
In terms of coloration, the Ideal Black Largefowl Cochin should have a rich, glossy black plumage that is uniform and free from any other colors or markings. The feathers should be dense and tightly packed, creating a smooth and seamless covering across the entire bird. The legs and feet should be strong and well-developed, with ample feathering extending down to the toes.
The head of the Ideal Black Largefowl Cochin should be relatively small in proportion to the body, with a short, broad beak and a well-developed crest of feathers. The eyes should be dark and alert, reflecting the bird's intelligence and awareness of its surroundings.
Overall, the Ideal Italian Coturnix Quail and the Ideal Black Largefowl Cochin both represent the pinnacle of their respective breeds, embodying the unique characteristics and standards established by breed enthusiasts and poultry organizations.
Breeder Comments:
See mine above
Judge's Evaluations:
"Sunny takes first here while LFC takes second." Judge Brian Decker
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