Junior Showmanship at Ohio Nationals

[OHWVKY]

My 6yo son has never done showmanship and is wanting to at the Ohio Nationals. Does anyone know what they will ask him? What he should wear? What should he practice?

It was suggested that they bring a different bird for showmanship because judging takes place at the same time. Should I worry about the quality of the bird if it's just for showmanship?
Thanks everyone!

 

[007Sean]

He should be dressed nice, not like he just came from the farm. They will ask him how he aquired the bird, how long he's been raising show quality birds, etc. The judge may even ask about the facilities the bird is kept in and what he knows about the breed he is showing, ie; the Standard of Perfection for his particular breed. He might even have a copy of the Standard with him, to show the judge, if the judge questions some particular trait about the breed. Sometimes they won't ask any questions but it's best to be prepared with a knowledgeable answer as it pertains to the breed he's showing. You also want to have a bird that is a great representive of the breed he's showing. I wouldn't take anything less.
I know he's only 6yrs. old but if he starts out right the first time and has a good showing, he will be "hooked" for life. HTH

 

[mgbantams]

He should wear a white button down shirt and jeans.

The judge will want to start by shaking your son's right hand, so your son needs to be able to hold his bird comfortably in his left hand, and switch hands if necisary. The judge will ask your son to identify the bird's breed and sex.
The judge will ask if the bird is a good example of its breed. Your son would have to tell the judge about any defects the bird may have.
At some point, the judge will ask for your son to put his bird in the cage. He has to put it in the bird in the cage headfirst, and remove it from the cage headfirst.
The judge may ask what he feeds his birds, or how he prepared his bird for the show.

I have found that all showmanship judges are different. Once your son does it the first time, he will have a better understanding of the process.
Your son should practice putting his bird in a cage and taking it out, switching hands, and he should study his bird's breed and learn all the body parts.

Good luck at the show

 

[BantamLover21]

I did showmanship at the Ohio National a few years ago, winning second in my age division my first year and first in my age division the next year.

The other posters have given you some good advice so far. I would make sure your son wears a white coat or at least a white long-sleeved shirt, along with a pair of nice jeans or even black pants. The quality of his bird doesn't matter, but it should be well-behaved and clean.

In his age class, the questions shouldn't be too hard. I would expect questions about the breed, variety, and gender of his bird and maybe how he cares for it. It wouldn't hurt to know some other breeds of poultry, common defects/DQs, and body parts as well.

Handling of the bird will probably be a major factor. Your son should be able to hold his bird securely and always put it into/take it out of a cage headfirst. Tell him to pose or at least attempt to pose his bird when it is in the cage. And, importantly, always close the cage door. Judges love to nick exhibitors in showmanship for not closing cage doors, as it is a safety concern.

Good luck!