Feeding Birds for Show

[VA from WV]

Can anyone explain the rationale behind feedstuffs for show birds?

Please note that this really is not a question about what product to feed show birds, as much as what considerations need to be make in feeding show birds to maintain optimal health, feather condition, and manage the stresses of confinement. I'm pulling several birds in the coming weeks to start evaluating and preparing them for our county fair and the information about chicken feed is as murky and convoluted as ever.

 

[VA from WV]

Bumped in the hope of getting an answer.

 

[NYREDS]

A few weeks prior to showing I start to suppliment with higher protein items eg: canned salmon, raw hamburger. cat food, etc. I think the salmon is particulsrly good because of the oils-seems to increase feather sheen.
I do this as part of the cage training process. I will put the birds into show cages & give them the high protein additions there. It orients them to the cage & associates someone approaching the cage [like the judge] with a positive expperience.