So those who show, how old is the minimum age you will show a bird? Is there an minimum age limit for most shows? I'll hopefully have a few silkie chicks at the time of the March shows, but don't want to do anything to harm them!
I think that it goes alot by the condition of the bird. I have entered numerous shows, and it goes by under a year old is a pullet/cockerel, over a year old is a hen/cock. I have entered birds under 6 months old on occasion, if they are in exceptional plumage or condition. I have a silkie right now that is being shown and she is a bit too young, but she is turning out quite nice. The other one I am bringing, I showed her at 5 months and she did quite well. Now at 7 months, she is exceptional. Sometimes I enter a bird not quite in adult feather if it is a bird that you normally do not see at shows just so people can view them.
I have found with my Silkies that at age 7 months they do well. One of My best birds is 6+ years and she is a show stoper still.
Since poultry is judged against the Standard of Perfection for their breed, the only requirement would be that they are feathered out with adult plumage.
Isnt there something about doing that blood test before you show and that cant be done untill 5 months?
I showed 2 at 5 months year before last and they placed but they looked a whole lot better at 7 months. Everyone I showed this year was 7 months and above and they looked better and placed a lot higher.
It's best to let your bird get through it's 1st molt....the feathers are usually better after the 1st molt..! Also the bird should be filled out......in other words, it should be at it's prefered weight, height and plumage according to the standard. The blood test does have to be done before a bird is allowed to enter the show area. Word of advice...if your bird tests positive not only will they confiscate that bird they will quarintine your whole farm/lot for up to one year. Make sure you keep a clean coop and run at all times. About 2 months before showing start feeding your birds rolled oats and sunflower seeds. This helps to give the feathers more of a shine which is more healthy looking.(and prettier)
