Need to let off some steam about chickens at the fair

[Texokie1]

I thought the fair was supposed to be about fun.

Oh, it is. But at the same time, I understand the complaint. Unfortunately, the county fair is ONLY exposure some folks/kids get to agriculture. I think the 4-H leaders and the adult competitors have a responsibility to show as close to the ideal as they can...ya know?

 

[cassie]

I thought the fair was supposed to be about fun.

Where I come from, it is also meant to be educational, both for the exhibitor and for the fairgoer.

 

[cupman]

I thought the fair was supposed to be about fun.

I've got to agree with this. What's the big deal? Is it really worth getting upset about?

 

[cassie]

I've got to agree with this. What's the big deal? Is it really worth getting upset about?

Who is upset? However, ignorance on any level annoys me. And showing animals that do not come close to breed standard is ignorance. And there really isn't any excuse for it. Information is easy to come by, and finding decent stock isn't much harder. I think what concerns me the most in these instances is that it is a symptom of a much larger problem.

 

[cupman]

Wow.

 

[Mskayladog]

My girls showed collies for 4 H, all in fun the we got a new judge with a attitude that it was a (real) dog show. I will never forget the look on the kids faces and the one child who was dressed in shorts a Tee . The judge was all over her how dare you show in clothes like that. And him going around and telling the kids you dont have a such and such it's a mutt!
The kids ranged from 8-16 more then half were crying by the time the show was over. I gave that man a piece of my mind..it's frigging 4 H ..your not going to find a show clip or the standards you would find at a adult professional show.

 

[Bunnylady]

At least half of the 4-H rabbits at our local fair are actually mixed breeds that were re-homed by a rabbit rescue (one of the principle members of the rescue is also a 4-H leader). They looked at pictures of rabbit breeds, and entered these guys as whatever breed they thought they looked most like. There have been times when I have been tempted to get an English Spot just so they can see what one really looks like, but really, what's the point? To most fair goers, a rabbit is a rabbit is a rabbit, I'm sure the same applies to chickens. They might remember something as outrageous as a frizzled Polish, or the "chickens with fur," or "the really tiny chickens," but that the latter two are called Silkies and Seramas probably won't stay with them past the gate.

Some of the kids do show at bigger shows, and have better stock. Some of the kids that show at state level have some really class animals. For the rest? They have fun, and they have the experience of caring for their animals. It's been a learning experience for them, at least. Now, animals that are clearly in poor condition, that I do have an issue with - perhaps a bit more educating is in order.

 

[MamaBear46]

As a child I particapate heavily in horse 4h and some goat.......I showed and eventually learned "quality" in animals looked like but moreover I learned to care for the unwanted poor class animals....and my children may also show their mixed breed no class birds.... not because of the quality of their bird but because of the quality of the care give to each creature....That is what 4H is about..... the care given not the class of animal(human or beast)

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I think I will continue to stay away from animal shows an stick to car shows. At a car show, the guy in the peaces together Rambler is treated the same as the guy in the in the matching numbers Corvette. Both have every right to be proud of what they have an have every right to show it. Its supposed to be about what you have done with what you started with, an showing what you have.

 

[Spookwriter]

As a 4-H parent, the chickens and the rabbits and whatever other
animals are incidental along the way.

What I am investing in is my child, and other children, as I support
and encourge 4-H.

True enough that good stock is to be desired at times.

But at the same time, I've had some old cur dogs that made some
pretty awesome pets.

Spook