How to Show Chickens

[MrPepers]

I've been interested in showing chickens but had a few questions:
1. How do you decide which one to show?
2. How do prepare them for show?
3. Is there a certain breed that would be easier to start out with?

I was thinking about starting with old english game fowl.

 

[chicks are life]

I would do females in oegb males you have to dubb and I can't do that personally.

 

[MrPepers]

Any advice on which ones I should start out with?

 

[EffietheSilkie]

Hi,
For showing it is best to pick whatever of your birds conforms best to there breed and variety, the judge doesn't care what type of chicken it is, they just care that it looks like what it's supposed to look like (but make sure it's a reconized breed). To prepare them its best to wash them with a mild soap and clip there nails, but you should at least clean them off with a wet towel. Also make sure they have a leg band.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions I have lots of experience showing so I should be able to help!

 

[EffietheSilkie]

Also are you doing showmanship with it or just judging? If your doing showmanship you may want a smaller bird so it's easier to work with.

 

[chicks are life]

I have never shown but have done quite alot of research.

I would do bantams Easier to handle showing or not.
You are going to have to get birds from a breeder.

You doing behavior showing or for looks?
You showing in a fair or an actual show?
I would go to shows and talk to people Mabey even buy birds there.
Make sure to buy healthy birds

Do a lot of research and talk to professionals


Preparing: (or what I have found looks of advice on Google)
6 weeks before show:
Pluck any tattered,torn,broken or improper feathers

3 days before show:
Wash with clean water
Wash with blue dawn dish soap
Wash with clean water if a white bird add this blue stuff forgot name.
Air dry.
Trim nails and beak with filer and dog clippers careful to avoid quick
Put vasaline on legs,combs and waddles.careful to avoid feathers.
(Again this is what I remember others have different methods and ideas)


Training birds:
Keep in cage were feathers can't get tatterd and keep next to radio so it gets used to noise.
Handle everyday in a way judges would so they are used to it.
Ex: Inspect wing under and top
Tail
Eyes
Back
Comb waddles
Legs
Claws
Nails
Belly
Under feathers
Etc...

Feed extra potein
Educate yourself!!!!!

 

[EffietheSilkie]

I agree with all that "chicks are life" said and all that's correct. But if you already have chickens that aren't from a breeder it's ok to use those, you may not place quite as high; but they are good for the experience. Especially for your first few shows so you can just figure out how it all works. And the training portion isn't absolutely necessary although you may want to at least hold them quite a bit so they aren't super freaked out. But if your just doing judging the judge doesn't mind if the bird is flapping. And for preparing do all that the post above said except clipping beak and plucking bad feathers, only do that if it appears nessscery.

 

[chicks are life]

X2

 

[MrPepers]

Thanks for all the great advice! Does anyone know any good books on the topic that I could read?