First Time Shower

[ShannaDee]

My daughter just joined 4H, and will be showing our chickens at the fair this summer. Unfortunately, there isn't really anyone in our group who specializes in chickens. I am looking to you all for help please . How do we get the birds ready for show? What are the steps that you all go through? The different products you use? Also where can I find guidelines for each breed of bird she is entering? This mom here is so nervous! I just don't want to do anything wrong to get her disqualified. Thank you so so much for your help everyone!!!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If you contact your extension office (which oversees the 4-H program) they can likely get you in touch with some other 4-Hers you may not know yet, parents who's kids have done the poultry project, local breeders and folks associated with the poultry project, etc who can offer you some hands on mentorship for this first year in the project. The leader for your daughter's club can also be a great resource even if there are no other members in that club who are doing the poultry project as they can help you network and find some mentors who will be able to help you and your daughter through the learning curve.

 

[paddock36]

What age is your daughter? Age depends on the amount of information they need to know. (Junior, Intermediate, or Senior is usually how they break it down for youth) Is she going to participate in showmanship or only showing the bird? If she is just showing the bird then she will need to look up the standard for her particular breed and try to get a bird as close as possible to the standard. Be careful with birds that do not have the correct color for their breed. Although they may look pretty if the color is not right they will not do well in the show. My son has been showing for five years now usually just at our local youth fair but he has competed in a couple other poultry shows too. One thing to remember is that it is still the opinion of the judge. We have had birds that one judge did not like and won with another.

These are a few that he won just this year.


Brown-red OEGB hen. Champion Game at this showand BV in another.
Blue Silkie Hen - She has one Champion Featherleg in another show.

 

[paddock36]

Also, the guideline you were asking about is the "Standard of Perfection". If you don't know someone with a book you could google it. As far as getting them ready, you most likely will need to bathe them at least a week before the show. About two months before if you are using a bird with hard feathers you will want to check for any broken wing feathers. If there are any just pull them out and the bird will have enough time to grow new ones. There is all kinds of things to do. If you want you can PM me and I will give you as much info as I can.