1st 4-H show........questions

[averytds]

Just 2, you're lucky. Ours requires 3.

The fair book and extension office left us with still far too many questions. One of our club leaders got us some extra info for the category DS wanted to enter. Dual-purpose pullets. Not sure where she got it from though and she has since moved away or I would ask for you.

The extra info said they had to be nearly identical if you wanted a chance at a ribbon. This was stressed repeatedly. Same size, age, coloring, etc. all to standards. Basically you weren't supposed to be able to easily tell which was which and they had to meet the standards for their breed. They had to be able to spot it and say "Now, that's a RIR." was the impression I got. Not "Could be a ___ or___, let's see." They also rate on egg laying, health and pen appearance. They are penned together.

This was for our club and fair, so not sure how much of a difference for yours. This weekend will be our first and I will be asking tons of questions for next year.

I would see if one of your club leaders can get you more info or hook you up with someone who knows more if you have time before this years fair. I would also go into this years as a probably won't place but will get tons of good advice/experience to be ready next year. HTH

 

[Lilandra]

when showing poultry cleanliness is everything. wash their feet and legs, use vasiline in small amounts to make them appear spotless/shinny clean. this also helps prevent and treats scaley mites. make sure toenails are free from mud and muck.
the next thing you need to be mindful of is what breed standard is. primarily, colored chickens can not have white feathers. black chickens need to be shinny, yellow coloring even, laced patterns even. if there is any variation to the coloring its a fault and you won't place as well. in a basic show the judge wants a full breast and strong legs (think fried chicken - what do you like to eat?)

when choosing birds - trios or pairs - make sure they are the same breed and have the same size and coloring.
broken feathers can count against you and moulting is understood but you can place lower if the bird is looking rough. rooster damage -plucked heads and worn backs are frowned upon.

when you get home, dust with pesticides and keep separate for a week or so in case you caught something at fair.

good luck and have fun!

let the kids learn from each other and do their own show and tell in the barn while doing shows. We show birds for FFA/4-H and my son has made a few friends in the barn his friends seem to have this contest amongst themselves on who can bring the most unique birds to fair. trophies and ribbons are nice to affirm their learning and skill but they get the most enjoyment out of the comments about the strange things they call chickens.