You don't need a cage at the show but you do need some sort of carrier to get the chicken(s) to the show. It can be a wire cage, or cardboard, or a dog carrier, or whatever.
The prize list should give a check in and check out time. At our fair, the birds arrive before the fair starts and cannot be removed until the evening of the last day. Birds are inspected for mites and health at checkin, so it's important that you arrive in the right window.
If she hasn't been taught the showmanship routine by a 4H leader, I'd skip it. It's kind of challenging especially for the young kids. If she is, in addition to the list she'll need to wear a uniform and she'll need a stick (bamboo is good) for directing the bird.
Chickens at our fair need to have some sort of id number (for example leg bands).
Bring:
- chicken food for your stay, in a non-glass container
- a feeder for the cage that won't tip over
- a waterer for the cage that won't tip over
- wire and tape, in case your containers tip over.
- additional shavings, if multi-day... usually initial bedding is provided
- a small shovel or cat litter pooper-scooper
- paper towels
- old toothbrush (for cleaning feet)
- baby oil (optional, for combs)
- a pen
I put all this stuff in some sort of plastic bucket or bin with a lid, and you can generally leave it under the cages.
At the fair, it's typical to have a sign on each cage with information like the breed and sort of an 'about this chicken' for the general public. It's not required, and it goes up after the judging is done.
Before the show:
- dust for mites a month out if you remember
- trim the beak and nails to remove sharp points
- bathe the chicken
Plan to check in on your birds (or have a friend do so) at least morning, noon, and night, to make sure that they have food and water.
When the judge is judging, it's appropriate to keep a distance.
Our chickens really like tiny bits of grape, so I use those, along with a clicker, to help tame them down and tolerate the showmanship handling.
