Is it worth showing for fun?

[wings]

We originally got our chickens just for eggs, but as they have fallen under my responsibility, I have found that they are FUN!!! I love picking them up, feeding them, and watching them.
I would like to expand my work with them to showing them. The thing is, I don't want to invest in getting them from breeders. I just want to do it for fun. (I used to love to go to the state fair and look at all the chickens!) Also, I'm a kid, so what do I have to do because I am not an adult?
So my question is: is there any place/way that I can show my RIR and Buckeye that I got from a friend as chicks just for the fun of it, without having to spend lots of time or money on it?
If so, does anyone have any ideas or tips for my project? Do I have to do anything special for my chickens if I want to show them? I would love any help!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

It sounds like you're a kid? If so there are 4H and FFA; youth divisions of County & State Fairs and Poultry Clubs. Many breeds are not too expensive to get a decent bird. You won't win at large shows in the Open Division, but you'll do okay and learn a lot before investing $$.

Showmanship can be done with any bird, but you do need to know how it compares to the standard for its breed, as well as general chicken knowledge. People show because they enjoy it--and if you enjoy your chickens, chances are you will enjoy showing them and spending time conversing with other "chicken" people at the shows.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Sometimes showing in 4-H shows or FFA shows...

I have judged production and broiler shows with the local 4-H's...but also judge by breed during the breed classes.

You'd just have to check with the local 4H...as in all honestly...a production bird should stand NO chance at all when compared to a bird that has been bred for conformation.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

All of our fowl are hatchary stock and I'm showing for the first time in June. I don't expect to win, just to give my girls a bit more meaning and enjoy myself. You wouldn't be alone in this, more people do it than you know.

Not *that old* either,

, so I totally get what you're saying.

I know in our County the fair isn't THAT big of a deal and it's mostly for young novist showers participating in 4-H, which I've recently joined. Our fair is mostly for kids, rather than adults.

I have a link somewhere about general show care for poultry. I'll see if I can get it for you. Looks pretty simple. I'm also not able to put much money into this 'project' and I'm the only family member showing this year. I'm on a strict budget myself.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Yes, some judges won't even place a production bird in an exhibition class--even if its the only one of its breed.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

You can usually purchase birds at poultry shows. Last years' breeders and birds that aren't quite up to the breeder's expectations can usually be purchased at pretty reasonable prices, and many breeders will sell to kids for less than to adults.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

And generally once you buy that person's birds...you can keep going back...and he'll give you even better prices!

Word of mouth is your friend!

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
And if you talk to some good breeders. tell em your getting started and are sure on the breed they may even slide you some free GOOD birds.. all of my OEGBs came to me that way. the sayings true-You'll receive better birds through friendship then you will buying

 

[Pumpkinpup]

Lots of local fairs in the fall include poultry shows where you can enter for very minimal fees. It's a ton of fun!

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Some shows are free i hear to enter, just free to enter-no "pot" for wins.