How old does a chicken have to be in order to show it?

[ChickenPox]

My daughter REALLY wants to get into showing. We have some birds that are young, about 4.5 months....

I know that these birds are not filled out yet, but we don't have too many that I would even consider showing (as in no DQs for the breed I can see, even if thier type is bad!) They are hatchey birds, so we are not expecting to win anyway, but we didn't want to show up with something too young and be laughed out of the arena!

About how for in advance should we put the birds up to make sure thier feathers are in the best shape? We have Cochins and they HAD better foot feathering! Haha!

Any other tips for a newbie and her kiddo?

 

[paddock36]

I think it depends on the show. My boys showed in a local show for 4H last year and the birds had to be 6 months old.

 

[chickendales]

4 1\\2 month might be old enuff for some shows maters on the breed and size

 

[Illia]

At a simple 4H or County Fair type thing, 4 months is fine. . . However if you want to truly show, as in showing for the SOP - It depends on the breed, as each mature at different rates. The age to show them is the age that they fit the SOP best

So it can start anywhere from 6 months to a year old.