What are stubs in relation to poultry?

Stubs refer specifically to a short piece of a feather stem that remains on clean-legged birds after feather trimming or molting. In poultry, especially for show birds, the appearance of the legs and overall presentation is essential. Clean-legged birds, which lack feathers on their legs, may show stubs if the feathers are not fully removed or if there is still a small portion of the feather stem present. This detail is important for maintaining the ideal conformation and aesthetic purposes in poultry showmanship, as any remnants can detract from the overall grooming and presentation of the bird.

In this context, having a thorough understanding of the terms used in poultry, such as stubs, helps exhibitors ensure that their birds meet the standards set by show judges.