how tame do your show chickens have to be

[HenPenny]

Those that show dothey have to be tame? How much are they handled? Is that part of the judging?

 

[ParadiseFoundFarm]

I'm newer to showing but I have it from some one who has shown alot that the tamer bird, when all els is almost equal, will win out. The judges will hold the bird and examine all parts of it including spreading the wing, which can be uncomfortable for bot the judge and the bird if they are struggling. Judges are experienced people in handling birds - make it easy on them and, if for nothing else, you have done them a favor and made thier job easier.

 

[hoppy]

I was at a show this weekend that one bird was actually attacking the judge when she tried to take it out, she was able to catch it but i'm sure that really didn't make for a good entry. there were a few that really were spooky. a bird that is calm and more natural (but alert) will show better then one that is looking for an escape route.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Showing in what? Open, Junior handler, APA, 4-H?

The junior showmanship and 4-H classes, the birds must be well trained. Open APA, not so much (unless they are Runners), but you want your bird comfortable enough in a small cage that it doesn't freak out by being confined.

If you have chickens, they must be comfortable enough with being handled to allow you to bathe them.

Birds who are alert and calm show better. It's not so much that they get preference, but they are easier to see and evaluate. If the judge can get a really good look, they have a better chance of winning than a bird that the judge can't get a good look at.

 

[maybejoey]

I havent done any showing even though I have some really cool chickens but I would guess so.