Many poultry shows, especially the ones associated with the summer Agricultural Shows, have classes for eggs variously described as 'decorated', 'displayed', or 'painted'. Are these descriptions, synonyms or do they imply different requirements? There is no Poultry Club standard or ruling yet (but soon to be sorted) on the matter of such eggs so judges are left to make their own decisions (the only one ruling there is states that in the absence of a standard such exhibitors cannot qualify for 'best egg exhibit show').

In the following I describe what I thought was required by the descriptions - I do consider them to be different and I suggest a possible points system for judging.

PAINTED EGGS - These are exactly as described, the egg shells painted with any of the usual media: oils, watercolours, inks or acrylics. The resulting picture can be then varnished or polished. The eggs are either blown or hard boiled. There is no other adornment whatsoever. Not beads for eyes, fluff for eye brows or card for feet. The eggs are best displayed on cardboard rings about 2cms deep.

Overall impression/artistic effect - 25 points
Originality/concept of subject matter - 25 points
Quality of painting/finish - 25 points
Use of colour and texture - 25 points

Total - 100 points

DECORATED EGGS - These eggs are often painted and invariably blown. The shells are adorned with a range of materials, beads, cardboard, metal and trimmings. The more elaborate are cut open to reveal a further decoration. These often have hinged doors or drawers and are supported on their own ornate stands. The decoration should not be so full or extreme as to obliterate the egg. The egg and its shape should clearly be seen, over-decoration would incur a penalty.

Overall impression/artistic effect - 20 points
Originality/concept of subject matter - 20 points
Quality of construction - 20 points
Use of colour - 20 points
Use of materials - 20 points

Total - 100 points

DISPLAYED EGGS - Unlike the previous descriptions a display involves several eggs, usually six, the eggs themselves being quite unadorned. The exhibit usually conveys a theme and consists of suitably chosen materials, cloth, flowers, bark or cardboard which serves to highlight the clutch of eggs within the arrangements. In the arrangement the matching and texture of the eggs affects the overall impression and so in this case I award some points for the quality of the eggs. Because they are the central focus of the display they must be seen clearly and not hidden from view by excessive display materials. Arrangements can include different colour eggs as long as the shape matches or, indeed, eggs from bantams, large fowl and ducks, if the contrast in size is helpful to the general effect. The eggs should be fresh not blown or boiled.

Overall impression/artistic effect - 30 points
Originality/concept of subject matter - 25 points
Use of materials - 25 points
Quality and matching of eggs - 25 points

Total - 100 points

Adapted from 'Decorated, Displayed, or Painted?', by Malcolm Thompson, in the Poultry Club Yearbook.