Hi Jacquij,
You've come to the right thread to learn more and there are many wonderful and helpful people on this forum with tons of experience. I also have a strong dog show background and I'm new to showing Poultry. I had the same questions you did about showing. In the world of dogs the AKC does sessions at the shows for those people interested in learning more and they also have brochures on getting into the sport. It isn't quite the same with Poultry. Everyone gave me sound advice, but I wanted details;
1. How do you get show premiums or entry info? There are several magazines - the Poultry Press and a free on-line magazine called Exhibition Poultry. I also found at least one on-line site that listed all the shows and tips for bathing, etc.
2. How soon are entries due? With dog shows they are always 2 1/2 weeks before the show date. With Poultry shows it's generally about three weeks but this can vary.
3. What do you need to enter and the cost? You will almost universally need a Pullorium test done on the birds you're showing. It's done by a certified "Tester" and is a blood test taken from the bird's wing. It could cost? One of the testers I know does all 4-H members free, another charged a dollar per bird, but I had to drive the birds to his house. Start looking early, since some people only do their own birds. I had a terrible time finding someone who would test my birds. I'm in WI and we also need a "premise ID" it's free from the State. I just did a search and a state site came up. They actually took my application over the phone. Cost to enter the shows could be $2.00 to $3.50 per bird (seems cheap compared to dog shows)
4. Yes, do go to a few shows without entering watch, ask questions and learn. Talk to Breeders and the Juniors are also very helpful. There are "Open" shows and "Junior shows" for children under 18 years - correct me if I'm wrong but they age out at 18. Both shows go on at the same time.
5. When you arrive at the show, report to the Show Secretary's table, pick up an Exhibitor's list, look up,your name and it will tell you your crate number. All your birds will have this number. For example your number might be 1234. So the coop card on the front of the cage would be for example: bearded Silkie white Pullet #1234. You must be cooped in at a certain time. Usually 8:30 or 9:00 am, when the judging begins. The Judge goes down the Aisles judges each bird and will sometimes write abbreviated comments on the card and placements - anywhere from 1st through 5th. At the end of the show you are cooped out - so you cannot remove your bird until this time. You will also need to take your coop card with the placement written on it to the secretary to get your ribbon (they usually give 1-4 placements.
I hope this helps
