Feather Legged Chickens

[ClickerChick]

I've been showing chickens for three years, and I'm planning on getting some porcelain d'Uccles next spring. When showing at the fair, dirty, broken, feathers doesn't look very good to the judge, especially since the chickens I'll be getting will be porcelain.

I'm already working on getting more grass in the chicken pen to minimize mud, any other tips on how to keep a feather legged chicken's foot feathers clean and unbroken?

Thanks!

 

[PoultryPower]

I've read that your supposed to put them on wire a couple weeks before the show.

 

[ClickerChick]

That's a good idea... Only one problem. We don't have wire! XD I'll see if I can figure something out. Thanks!

 

[PoultryPower]

I'd make sure it's a small gauge so that they don't get sores.
One thing we do when we're growing out a couple chicks is we use our rodent cages and just make wire floor inserts. You can make a frame out of pvc pipe and then stretch and zip tie the wire to the pipe. It's easy to remove and insert for cleaning.
We use this type of cage: http://www.superpetusa.com/product-list/my-first-home-large.htm

 

[ClickerChick]

Do you think I could just keep them locked in the hen house? It has a wood floor and plenty of ventilation.