What does AOC mean?

[pebojuno]

Hi, I'm thinking of entering the next show in my area- it's not until Jan but I like to be prepared :lol:

The question is what doe AOC mean? I know it is Any Other Colour but I'm just wondering if, for example you could put a non- standard colour e.g. millefleur in pekins in an AOC class?

 

[ncotb]

Not quite sure about that, though have seen millefleur at shows. Probably best to check out the PCGB link http://www.poultryclub.org/home.htm as shows use their gudelines HTH

Youre going to give the welsh national a go then ? me too

 

[pebojuno]

Thought it might be you to answer :lol:
Yes I might try the national- start big! - Not sure what with yet- my pekins are more pet type than show. I have a very pretty millie which I might try anyway. I have some nice polands coming through too but not sure they'll be ready in time. Did you pen your birds up in show type pens at all before the county show to get them used to it?
I'll check out that link - thanks

 

[ncotb]

Um, no just give em a bath a few days before & kept them in indoor guineapig cages, most of mine dont mind being handled though. apart from the Appenzellers who still think they will be murdered :lol:

 

[pebojuno]

Mine wont like being confined much! Might see if we can knock something up to put them in for a couple of hours a day for a week or so before the show- They don't mind being handled though. Ooooh appenzellers- gorgeous!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

This is our third year showing so we are still beginners really, but as far as I am aware:-

AOC - Any other standard bred colour (there is normally a non-standard class for non standards. At large shows the individual breed usually has its own non-standard class, and at small shows there is normally a non-standard class for all breeds). We specialise in Orpingtons and in our case the AOC is any other Orpington which is not buff, because the buffs have their own class. My understanding is that if I were to enter a non-standard Orpington in the AOC class, it would usually be disqualified or passed over.

Pen Training. There will be many ways of approaching this but what we do is put them in a rabbit hutch with thick wood shavings or miscanthus about 2-3 weeks ahead of a show because they will have had little handling. I start by touching/stroking them every time I feed/water and also in the evenings (especially if there is nothing on the telly); when they are used to that I pick them up and handle them several times per day. I might try getting them to eat titbits from my hand at the same time. This is actually the most enjoyable part of the year for me, when I am developing a relationship with each show bird. After the show they go into quarantine for a week with extra vitamins, and after that into a more spacious pen. I repeat this for subsequent shows but just for a week. We always aim to shampoo by the Tuesday before the Show at the latest, with a foot scrub/bum wash (if necessary) the day before the show.

Hope this helps. I am sure people would love to see piccies of your prospective competitors!

 

[pebojuno]

Thanks for the advice Painted Poultry I'll have a look at the show schedule and see what I can fit in where My 11 and 5 year old want to try showing one or two of their favourites so I'll see if there is a class for them to enter too!

I'm sure my chickens will thoroughly enjoy your method of cage training Some of them enjoy being picked up already so I may have a head start with the chamois polands but there are a few who aren't so happy close up to people. I'll put pics on nearer the date as the polands are still young- may try a few of my different breeds- though some will have a LOT more competition than others :lol: