How to show chickens

[Peacocks 05]

I have wanted to show chickens and have gold duckwing Phoenix that I want to show along with golden sebrights and red pyle old English game. What will the judges be looking for in my birds? And how do I get the birds ready for the fair?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

First, you need a copy of the standard. If all your birds are bantams, you can get the ABA's Bantam Standard. If the Phoenix are largefowl, the APA's Standard of Perfection would be a better choice as it includes both largefowl and bantams (and waterfowl, turkeys, etc.) The standard for each breed and variety will tell you specifically what you are looking for in each bird. Sometimes it is difficult to compare the written word with an actual bird in hand if you do not have experience in looking at the bird from the point of view of the standard. If you can find an experienced breeder or exhibitor to go over your birds with you in person, that could be helpful.

You need to get them into condition, which means they need to be clean (bathed, nails and beaks neatly trimmed), comb and wattles oiled (the Old English males will need to be dubbed), their feathers need to be healthy and shiny, not dull or broken. A good diet as well as proper caging will promote good condition, although all birds go through molts that take them out of condition, and in my experience, all too often it is just when you want them to show well that they start losing feathers. Parasite free should go without saying.

 

[Peacocks 05]

Do you know anything about peacocks and showing? Is it the same thing as chickens?

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I have wanted to show chickens and have gold duckwing Phoenix that I want to show along with golden sebrights and red pyle old English game. What will the judges be looking for in my birds? And how do I get the birds ready for the fair?

Here is a link to the APA/ABA Youth Poultry Club that you may find useful. A great deal of educational info: http://www.apa-abayouthpoultryclub.org/educational_material.htm

With that in hand I would then look for local poultry folks in your area that show. You might trying calling your county Cooperate Extension office and asking to speak with their 4-H person. You might also try contacting the poultry superintendent of your local fair who may also be able to direct you.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Do we know if this is a kid? I didn't see anything that indicated that in the original post, so I assumed an adult.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Do you know anything about peacocks and showing? Is it the same thing as chickens?

Not all shows accept peacocks; you will have to ask the show superintendent or secretary.

 

[Peacocks 05]

Our county fair accepts all exotic animals. I was just wondering if showing peacocks are the same as showing chickens.