1. Body Type and General Balance (20)

This is judged with the bird standing naturally in the coop. The body should suggest capacity rather than refinement. The bird should immediately convey the impression of usefulness rather than ornament. The ideal bird should appear:

• long rather than short

• broad across shoulders and back

• deep-bodied

• well balanced

• wide through the chest

• neither overly upright nor excessively low

Serious faults

• narrow body

• pinched shoulders

• shallow body

• short back

• excessive legginess

• excessive fineness

• cobby appearance

• obvious lack of capacity

2. Body Conformation (Handling) (25)

Muscle should be carried smoothly over the frame. Handling should reveal:

• broad, long keel

• full breast muscle

• well-sprung ribs

• long deep body

• firm but pliable flesh

• strong loin

• broad pelvis

• adequate body weight for age

The frame should be capable of producing an excellent carcass without sacrificing laying ability. The bird should not feel:

• soft with fat

• angular

• narrow

• bony

• coarse

3. Abdominal Capacity & Reproductive Development (15)

This distinguishes the dual-purpose bird from the specialist table bird. The abdomen should be broad, deep, soft, pliable and well-developed.

Pelvic bones should be fine, flexible and well separated in laying females. The distance between pelvic bones and keel should indicate ample reproductive capacity.

Males should display corresponding body depth without feminine looseness.

4. Constitution & Vigour (15)

Birds should handle as active, vigorous breeding stock. A dual-purpose bird lacking vigour cannot excel in either production trait. Skin should appear healthy. Feather bloom should indicate health. The bird should display:

• alertness

• bright eye

• strong carriage

• sound breathing

• firm handling

• good muscular tone

• freedom from weakness

5. Head, Comb and Utility Expression (10)

The head should indicate intelligence, activity, femininity in hens and masculinity in cocks. 

Comb should demonstrate good health, be well coloured, fine in texture and free from deformity. 

Face to be clean and smooth. Eyes prominent, bright and alert. Beak strong and correctly formed. 

The overall expression should indicate a productive bird.

6. Legs, Feet and Bone Quality (5)

Legs should be of medium length, set well apart and correctly aligned.

Bone should be medium fine yet strong.

Avoid coarse heavy bone or overly fine weak bone. 

Feet should be healthy and straight.

7. Feather Quality & Condition (5)

Plumage should be close fitting, clean, healthy and smooth.

Feather quality should indicate good nutrition, health and constitutional vigour.

Moulting birds should not necessarily be heavily penalised if otherwise in productive condition.

8. Breed Character & Carriage (5)

The bird should remain recognisably representative of its breed. Breed type should never be sacrificed for utility. Minor colour faults or minor exhibition defects should not outweigh obvious utility superiority. The bird should stand naturally with confidence and balance.

Conclusion

The ideal dual-purpose fowl is one in which productive capacity, constitutional vigour and breed character exist in proper balance. Such a bird should possess the bodily capacity to lay well, the muscular development to produce a quality table carcass, the constitution to remain healthy under practical conditions, and the breed characteristics necessary to perpetuate these qualities in future generations.

Sources:

National Poultry Institute (Washington, D.C.). 1922. How to raise poultry for profit.