Judging the Serama Serama are judged by table judging. The birds are individually judged and evaluated, standing free on a table in front of one or more judges. This is what sets the Serama apart from what most chicken breeders are used to, all other breeds are simply picked up then set back into their cages. Therefore the Serama must not only fit the standard in appearance, it must also have the correct behaviour and be easy to handle.
Size Size must not exceed the size limits for a given category. When a bird has been entered in a given category and it is found to weigh more than the standard weight for that category, that bird should be disqualified from that category and moved into the proper category.
Points The points are general guidelines which, by the number of points allotted, show the most important traits of the Serama standard. Type, temperament and tail set are the most important traits of the Serama, which set it apart from other breeds.
Temperament and Type These are the most important traits for any Serama intended for showing. These are the basis of what makes the serama a distinct and unique breed. Both of these factors are awarded the largest number of points in the point scale, thus they should in no way be ignored.
Temperament Temperament is of the utmost importance in the Serama. Temperament is based on both nature and nurture. The selection for calm and friendly temperament must be stressed in the breeding pen to increase this important trait in our breed each generation, for genetics and inheritance play a very large role in the temperament of each generation. This is nature. Further, young Serama should be brought to shows so that they become accustomed to the handling and crowds they will encounter at such shows. Your birds should be trained and handled for show at as young an age as possible. This is nurture. Aggressive birds that attack the handler should be disqualified and must not be used in the breeding pen. Wild, frightened birds which try to flee from the cage or the handler should also be disqualified. Only friendly calm birds should be used for breeding or showing.
