OHIO NATIONAL 2010 UPDATE - January 23rd

[Ryu]

Quote:
We are not going to Cross Roads in favor of the Ohio National show. I think Cross roads is a great idea and would love to go, but if I have to choose between supporting an annual show that I love and go to every year and a huge show that happens once in a blue moon...I've got to pick the annual show.

It's really easy to get excited about and idea like Crossroads, and I was too, until I realized what date it was and how it impacts the annual shows. If I can go to both, great. If I have to choose one, I choose Ohio!

 

[BamaChicken]

My choice is because of the Orp National. I think that is where it will be hosted in 2011.

 

[Hoosiermomma]

I can't wait for the show this year! My son and I attended the show last November and it was such a wonderful experience. The only thing I would like to change is that any Bycer's who are attending, have name tags that they can wear. I met quite a few but I'm sure there were plenty others that we passed and didn't even know who they were. Maybe Nifty has some connections with someone who could preprint some BYC 'My Name Is' name tags.

 

[lildinkem]

Quote:
2011 Orpington Nationals is here in Indy at our State Fairgrounds. That is what I've been told.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Can anyone who entered the exhibit give a few tips to a first timer? Some things that we might not think about having or doing? Do you have to worry about someone taking your bird? Do you have to be present all the time? Etc.

Something else I thought of. Do you bring own bedding?

 

[ZooMummzy]

Quote:
I agree with this. I wore my BYC sweatshirt but no one said anything to me and I didn't see anyone else with BYC clothing on either. I was pretty much there all day on Saturday. I know there was some discussion about BYC'ers wearing clothing or name tags prior to the show in November.... Would be really nice to meet others this year.

 

[Ryu]

Quote:
Well that's a whole 'nother reason. Attending your National for your breed is important.

I thought you were promoting the Crossroads on the Ohio National thread and that didn't sit well with me.

 

[Ryu]

Quote:
It's really pretty simple. The big thing is to not leave prepping the birds to the last minute. Depending on the breed, but usually about a 1-2 weeks before the show make sure they are clean (this might involve a bath), beaks and toenails trimmed, and thouroughly checked for mites ect.

Here's the website: http://www.ohionational.org/

Read the show rules. Entries are due in Oct. You can 'Coop in' at 11am on Friday Nov. 12th, your birds must be in the cages by 9am on Nov.13th. Birds are released after the last award is presented on the 14th, then you can coop out. There are big doors on one side, for lack of directions, the 'back side' of the building. If you have a lot of cages it's really easiest to pull up there and unload you birds then go find a parking spot. You should goto the front dest and check in. You get you exhibitor passes and an exhibitor list (guard it with your life, they will become very rare as the weekend progresses!--it lists all the exhibitors so if you need to get in touch with someone you have their info).

I bring a small show box with extra plastic cups, clothespins, a couple old wash rags, a little Ivory soap (for emergency cleanup), Pinks (a shine spray), a little olive oil or Burt's bees lipbalm for dry combs, some wet wipes (to clean me up!), extra pair of nail clippers and nail file, in case I need to do some trimming. I usually keep a sharpie, index cards, and a few paperclips so I can leave messages on cages on sale birds if the exhibitor/seller isn't around.

You don't have to be by your cages all the time, but you are expected to feed and water your birds. A cup for water is provided, and there are water jugs and a faucet to fill them in the show hall. Some exhibitors do not fed, or don't fed much the day of the show, so their Crop isn't distended. You can put the feed on the floor of the cage, or put up your own cup. There is 'Show Feed' provided, it is for the use of the exhibitors and you should feel free to use it. We usually bring a pail of our own food, but that's just our choice.

You can put your carrying cages and other items under your cages. It can get kind of crowded, but we haven't lost a dog crate or carrying box yet (knock on wood). You can also buy a little lock or zip tie your cage door shut, but the lock or tie have to be removed for the judging or your bird won't get judged.

Other than that, it's polite to stay out of the row when the judges are working. They usually rope the aisle off so it's pretty obvious.

If you have aquestion, just ask. Most exhibitors are more than willing to help out. Hope to see you there!

ETA: The cages have bedding in them. It's actually frowned on to bring your own. If you need more, or it gets wet or soiled there should be more near the show feed.

 

[lildinkem]

Quote:
Well that's a whole 'nother reason. Attending your National for your breed is important.

I thought you were promoting the Crossroads on the Ohio National thread and that didn't sit well with me.

I wish some of these shows would not be on the same weekends. It seems that our Local Show here in Lebanon was butting heads with another show here in Indiana. And I would have liked to have gone to that show too. And that seems to happen alot. I wish everyone would get on the same page and space apart these shows in a timely logical manner. More of the better exhibitors would be able to share the pleasure for us to see their great birds. And be able to purchase from more breeders too. The main reason I went to Lebanon was to pick up a breeding pair from one of the better Cochin breeders in the country. He could only go to one show. It would be great to have people like that attend both shows.

 

[Ryu]

Quote:
Well that's a whole 'nother reason. Attending your National for your breed is important.

I thought you were promoting the Crossroads on the Ohio National thread and that didn't sit well with me.

I wish some of these shows would not be on the same weekends. It seems that our Local Show here in Lebanon was butting heads with another show here in Indiana. And I would have liked to have gone to that show too. And that seems to happen alot. I wish everyone would get on the same page and space apart these shows in a timely logical manner. More of the better exhibitors would be able to share the pleasure for us to see their great birds. And be able to purchase from more breeders too. The main reason I went to Lebanon was to pick up a breeding pair from one of the better Cochin breeders in the country. He could only go to one show. It would be great to have people like that attend both shows.

I agree it would be optimal if they were spaced better. We did 3 shows in 6 weeks, and we and our birds were Done!

My home show needs a bigger venue, and we have been looking for 2 years. We just can't get our 'Date' in another spot so we end up staying where we are at. We had a nicer venue, but we would have moved the date to the weekend after another Iowa show. We thought we'd lose most of our exhibitors. It's very nearly impossible to move an annual show once it gets established.