4-H Showmanship tips please?

[FlCountryGirl]

Hi all,

It's been a long time since I've shown chickens and I was wondering if anyone had any info as to what I need to practice with my birds or any knowledge I should acquire. I'm a senior in 4-H and I remembered how much I loved showing when I was younger. Thanks a ton!!

P.S. Will be showing a Blue Sumatra, Golden Laced Wyandotte and Salmon Faverolle.

 

[muddyhorse]

You need to know the standard for each breed and their background. where do they originate, egg color, what class they would show in and who they would show against. you also as a senior should know the parts of the bird and diseases. get your birds used to being handled. have fun

 

[spangledcornish]

there is a lot of good information on showmanship at the APA-ABA youth site under educational materials

 

[BGMatt]

Firstly, what spangledcornish said. After that, work with your handling a lot, especially as a senior every movement should be smooth and flawless, and the bird should be trained so that it never struggles and it stands posed on the table. Study the Standard of Perfection as much and as often as you can (not just your breed either, the entire standard is fair game for seniors). Make sure you know your nomenclature, at least 5-6 diseases, the more the merrier (mites,lice,etc are not diseases, they are parasites) their symptoms, and how to treat them. In the club I grew up in we were also expected to know the order of bleaching as well, and how to check to see if a bird is currently laying, how to inspect for parasites and what to do if we found them. Big things that made an impression when I was judging showmanship a lot were stand proud and confident, deliver answers in a confident strong manner, make sure your bird is flawlessly groomed and in excellent condition, if you don't know an answer do not guess, "I do not know, but I will look it up and get back to you" (and then actually doing that if possible) makes you look better than trying to make something up. All that being said, have fun. Showmanship is a blast, and if you look like you're dreading it and have to be there it shows.

Remember, no matter what else might happen on the showmanship table, just give it your best, you're a winner if you give it your best.

 

[FlCountryGirl]

Thanks everybody! I'll definetly look at the educational docs on APA. I'll also have to look for the standard of perfection. I know it so far for my breeds but others I'm not quite sure of aside from their class. Does anyone know a good source for diseases? Also is there any specific routine with handling the bird? Sorry for all the questions; the last time I showed I was seven.

 

[BGMatt]

The Chicken Health Handbook is the best thing for disease info. Specific routine varies by state. Here is Washington many many years ago when I was showing there was no routine, I know Oregon has one but not sure about other states. So you'll have to ask your leader or extension office about that. Otherwise I'd work on the basics, being able to show keel, wings, head, leg (and the associated nomenclature, or parts of those areas).

 

[FlCountryGirl]

Thank you! Preparing for next year and sure glad I started now lol. Do you know at what age chickens can be shown at fair? I'll make sure to order the SOP and the Chicken Health Handbook.

 

[BGMatt]

It would depend on if your local fair had any restrictions. I have found most large fowl the pullets are ready for show by 6-8 months and the cockerels are usually not too far behind depending on breed (Langshan, Cochin, Brahma, Other breeds with large size or large tails may not be showroom ready at that age). Bantams are going to be old enough to show at 6 months usually.

 

[FlCountryGirl]

Do you think a salmon faverolle pullet and golden laced wyandotte pullet would be ready? They'll be 11 months when I actually show them. Will look up our fair regulations soon.

 

[BGMatt]

certainly should be.