Same here, I was lost! I dint know where to go, what to do, what to bring and so on. People are so nice and helpful, so dont be afraid to ask questions most will help you any way possible. I love showing. I have never cared about winning, I didnt even know what I had gotten myself into at the first show I attended. But I meant so many nice people. I am sure to talk to many of them every show I see them that. I even make arrangements to meet up with people. talking chicken is what I enjoy most. My dad usually goes to the shows with me, because he enjoys them. He gets lost in all the conversations and just stands their and listens.
You can feed and water your birds and remove poop. The only time you are not allowed to handle or mess with your birds is when the judge is on the aisle. Even if your birds are the only Brahmas they are only eligble for BV, a non-recognized variety can not be BB. BTW You can coop in early on the day of the show. Judging typically begins at 9am, so your birds need to be cooped and groomed by then. The first time I went to a show I had NO IDEA what to do. Believe me, everyone has been there and everyone is more than willing to help you in any way they can. Chicken shows are the greatest thing. After a while the winning and losing are not the main thing. You get to meet people who love Brahmas as much as you. You get to "talk chicken" all day. Some of my best friends are people I have met through showing. Try it, you will like it!!!
Tim
Yes checking in the night before is best. You will find the show secretary and everyone to be ready & able to help you get your birds cooped in. And I would recommend joining the local poultry club nearest you. When I joined my local club United Poultry Fanciers back in 97, I met Art Rieberbetween the monthly club meetings, poultry clinics put on by the club, and Art's mentoring, I went from clueless newbie to APA master exhibitor at warp speed lol ... I second Tim's advice, try it, you will Love It.
I read that you shouldn't have a full crop somewhere, but I was worried that you'd have to wait all night and all day to feed/water/clean your birds. Nice to know that you have until the judges show up in your aisle to at least give them some water and to make sure that there isn't a bunch of poo poo stuck to their foot feathers. I would be hesitant to harass them right before judging, but maybe late night/early morning clean up and check would be in order.
That helps. I don't know what BV, BB, etc are though so I'm in a little over my head here.
I read that you shouldn't have a full crop somewhere, but I was worried that you'd have to wait all night and all day to feed/water/clean your birds. Nice to know that you have until the judges show up in your aisle to at least give them some water and to make sure that there isn't a bunch of poo poo stuck to their foot feathers. I would be hesitant to harass them right before judging, but maybe late night/early morning clean up and check would be in order.
That helps. I don't know what BV, BB, etc are though so I'm in a little over my head here.
kind of the icing on the cake if you are a breeder who has spent sometimes years on their breeding program.
