Arkansas folks speak up.........

[SkyBlueEgg]

Nice to see a strong Arkansas thread.

I have a a couple of comments on showing based on some of the messages I have read here.

First, the age to first show a bird depends a lot on the breed, sex, and particular characteristics of that particular bird. I primarily show Araucana which is a breed that needs a LOT of work in the breeding pens (breed improvement). I find that if I am showing pullets, right at 6-7 months is a perfect time for their first show. They look so good right at point of lay and have not pulled down yet from prolonged laying. The cockerels, of course, look better when they have had longer to mature. But, some cockerels will do better when they are younger if they have any issues with their combs. Older birds look best right after a molt. Of course, with Araucana you don't have to worry about perfect tail feathers!

Second, I have never brought home a disease from a show, and I have shown my Araucana from coast to coast and a lot of shows in between. I think if your flock is healthy and has good natural immunity you really don't need to worry too much. And you usually won't see people taking a sick bird to a show. The show committee/judges really stay on top of that. Besides, what is the point - sick birds don't win. Show birds as a whole are VERY healthy and vigorous.

For a list of upcoming shows, APA breeders, and Arkansas clubs you can go to: http://www.APA-Arkansas.com. I try to keep the site up to date and if anyone sees an error please email me and let me know.

And to Jen Scott - the Buckeye cockerel is doing great! I can't figure out why I did not grab a couple of pullets to go with him. I will have to remedy that.

See you all at Little Rock next weekend.

Ann Charles
APA State Representative

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
FYI: Ann put on an excellent show in Pine Bluff! She is also an excellent representative for the American Poultry Association.

Jen, you only half assimulated Ann. You need to get her a pullet at Little Rock! Her birds are pretty, but she needs a bird with a TAIL!

With LR being centrally located, I hope to meet everyone at the Spring Livestock Show in Little Rock! Our family will be in neon yellow shirts with Oak Grove Assembly of God on them. We are working on a matching Jim's Farm Stand shirt, but haven't got it yet.

 

[SkyBlueEgg]

Quote:
I think it was the second one (long hair). You're the one who told me that.

I know you had a lot of information going through your head Saturday.

The "Long Hair" judge was Steve Jones.

Collectively with Twisted Feather Farms (Steve was the breeding/chick raising half of the partnership) he has earned well over 3000 APA Master Exhibitor points (it only takes 100 to become a Master Exhibitor). He is also in the APA Hall of Fame and really does know (and has not forgotten) more about breeding and showing all breeds of poultry than just about any one I have met to date. If you start showing very much you will see a lot of Steve Jones. He is a very popular judge.

Ann

 

[SkyBlueEgg]

Quote:
Jim, I am hoping she will be able to bring me a couple of pullets to Little Rock and remedy that situation.

And, I DO have birds with tails. Don't forget my Jersey Giants, Blue Andalusians, Bourbon Red Turkeys, and dare I say Buckeyes? Plus one lonely little Buff Chantecler pullet.

Ann

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
Jim, I am hoping she will be able to bring me a couple of pullets to Little Rock and remedy that situation.

And, I DO have birds with tails. Don't forget my Jersey Giants, Blue Andalusians, Bourbon Red Turkeys, and dare I say Buckeyes? Plus one lonely little Buff Chantecler pullet.

Ann

Don't think I will have any pullets available this season. We had some losses. Two drowned in the storms this weekend. I thought they all got inside and these did not. We switched pens with Buck and now they go inside at night. We hatched about 12 a few weeks ago and am hoping for some pullets out of them. I may have an extra Buff chantecler male. We located some more chicks. They should arrive in about two weeks. Will let you know.

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Drew County 4-H Poultry Club to meet Tuesday, 6 pm

April 26th, 2010
What: Monthly meeting for the Drew County 4-H Poultry Club
When: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Oak Grove Assembly of God Church
Who: Youth between the ages of 5 and 19

The mission of 4-H is to provide opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior which will enable youth to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

Contact: Drew County Extension Office – 870-460-6270 or

Poultry Club Leader: Jim Hall 870-723-3724

Membership in the 4-H Poultry Club is open to all youth between the ages of 5 and 19 without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, or disability. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (large print, audiotapes, etc.) should notify the County Extension Office as soon as possible

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

We just had our NPIP Flock Inspection and passed!

 

[SkyBlueEgg]

Quote:
If you had not passed I would have been REALLY surprised!

It is SO much easier just to get them checked once a year.

Ann

 

[jenjscott]

On my way to the show this afternoon. Looking forward to seeing some more CHICKENS!

 

[HallFamilyFarm]

Quote:
Catherine decided to come, so we are leaving very, very early in the morning. That way after she looks at all the birds, she can go to the Mall!