The British Poultry Standards book has the complete Standards for all the pure breeds available in the UK and the 6th edition was published in 2008. Light breeds are the best layers, heavy breeds tend to be more docile. Of course, any chickens can be bred from, but it is important to at least maintain, if not improve, the Standardised pure breeds from a conservation point of view. The 7th edition is planned for 2027.

As of Friday 15th August 2025 all poultry gatherings in the UK have been banned by DEFRA at least until the end of 2025 due to the higher risk of avian influenza. However, egg shows are still allowed as long as they are not within an outbreak zone. Thus the National Egg Show will take place on Saturday 8th November 2025 at Lincolnshire Showground. The event will take place in the Epic Centre, the same venue that we had for the National Poultry & Egg Show in 2024. Classes for Dorking eggs will be organised: plate of one, plate of three, plate of six. The hall will be open for egg staging on the Friday evening and Saturday morning. The show will close on the Saturday evening.
In addition to egg classes, there will be classes for crafts and produce related to poultry. The Poultry Club says their AGM will be held during the show and breed clubs are encouraged to attend with their club stands, the Dorking Club is planning on attending but will have our AGM in December. PCGB also plans to host egg judging workshops and egg judging tests to promote skills and education within the Fancy.

AS OF MONDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2025 SHOWS ARE BANNED. This is due to the increased number of avian influenza outbreaks. We do not have a date for this to be lifted. Watch this space.

All being well, The National Championship Show is at Lincoln Showground on 8/9 November 2025, the Federation Show at Stafford Showground 20/21 December 2025.
Most breed clubs attend either or both of these shows. Other show listings can be found on www.poultryclub.org