Rings and shows
Official ringing, diameter, age at fitting, judging: Elsanor's answers on hen leg rings and poultry shows.
5 questions
The ring identifies the bird uniquely (an engraved number) and certifies its year of birth. It is mandatory to show a bird at a competition. The official ring is fitted young, on the leg, and can no longer be removed once the bird is adult.
The diameter depends on the breed: it must let the adult bird live with its ring without discomfort or pain, while being small enough not to be removable once the bird is adult. The right diameter for each breed is shown on each breed's page.
Official rings, mandatory at competitions, are available from breed clubs. Each ring carries a unique number, and its colour changes every year on a 10-year cycle — which makes it possible to identify the bird's year of birth.
Ringing is done young, before the leg becomes too developed for the ring to pass. The age shown on each breed's page is indicative and can vary with rearing conditions: it is best to watch each bird's growth.
The colour of official rings follows a 10-year cycle: each year has its colour. This makes it possible to know a bird's year of birth at a glance, essential information at competitions and in selection.
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