how to show?

[AprilWC]

What is it like showing chickens? What does it involve? Could someone please give me some details? Thank you.

 

[WallTenters]

I just saw no one posted and thought I'd say hi

. I'm looking forward to my first show. More of the work, as I've been told, is in the preparation of the bird. Bathing them, oiling legs and caring for combs, etc etc. It also varies based on your breed - some have to be dubbed and such.

Once you get to the show, you find your cage, put your food and water dishes in there, get your cage card on there and stick your bird in. You don't have to take the bird out for judging or anything - the judges walk down the isles and evaluate the birds in their cages, they will take them out if they want.

What breed were you thinking of showing?

 

[Pyncheon guy]

You usually get an entry form from the show via snail-mail...it will have lists of breed clubs that will be represented.....awards that will be given...and a list of judges.....and hotels/motels to stay at. Send in your fee...when you get to the show, they will have a table for info....here is where you get your exhibitor's number....most shows will have the rows marked as to the breed cages in that particular row(s). Find your breed...then find your number on the coop cards...make sure that you have the correct sex, age, variety, breed etc... that's marked on the card matching the bird(s) that you put in that particular cage.....each bird will have his own cage. Place your birds in their cages....give them food and water and any grooming that they may need.....and wait for the judging to begin...it does get exciting....like having a child at their first piano recital....

Hope this helps? Good Luck!

 

[AprilWC]

Thank you for the responses. I currently show rabbits so it sounds somewhat similar - in that the exhibitors don't have much to do with their animals compared to something like a dog show.


Well right now I have 2 OEGB hens and a pair of bantam Cochins. I'm not sure that any are showable. What is a good breed for newbies to start off with? Rabbits are posed to show off their conformation, are chickens trained to pose when they are shown? What sort of identification do chickens need?

 

[andalusn]

How do you handle bringing them home and now exposing the home flock to the show stock you too that are now exposed to the bird population at the show? Is this a concern? Do you quarantine for a period of time or do most folks keep their show birds permanently away from their home flock of layers?

 

[Vanessabuffsnsilkies]

Quote:
Quarantine at least 2 weeks before returning them to the flock. Longer if you can.