PPBA Show in Stockton, CA in January?

[cherylcohen]

Need some advice from people that have shown before...

I understand that they use paper cups in for water and food. Is that true can you tell me how that whole thing works. Do I bring the food they like? water does it refilled?

Do people cover their cages at night? Or do they turn out the lights?

Are there roost in the cages?

 

[Laurieks]

Quote:
no roosts... I think lights are off... paper cups yes, and they fall down & birds are thirsty (I hated that I wasn't supposed to fix them for birds not my own, but I usually could find them)-some people bring water bottles but put remove them for judging (thinking back, that might have been just the silkies so they didn't have wet beards), but the supply sellers have great little plastic clip on cups for feed & water for about $1 each. Since I went in on Sat I don't know if they're ready to sell on Friday. I know King Feed is bringing their stuff in on Thursday (call them if you want to buy feed.... so they can add it.... they're not bringing as much as last year

) so I imagine the other sellers will as well. I bet if anyone can talk them into selling a bit early it would be one of us

I will be there Friday so could bring a lamp & take chicks then

During judging... the rows are roped off to minimize distraction. Most Judges are more than willing to talk about your birds, AFTER the judging is done. Some people completely disregarded the ropes, like they were only meant to keep out non exhibitors. Maybe they just didn't know. They are for all but the Judge & the Clerk.

 

[HarmonyOaks]

There are paper/plastic cups available free, but many people bring their own. I use the kind that clamp through kennel doors, they hold 20oz. If you are showing bantams, you will want something smaller, I have heard that yogurt cups or Jello pudding cups work well, and fit nicely into the clips on the cages, the bantam cages are considerably smaller than the LF cages. Naturally waterfowl will need something larger yet, unless you have Calls.

You will need to feed and water your own stock. Again, there will be feed there, or you can bring your own. Access into cages is limited to people with lanyards (as an exhibitor you will get one when you check in).

Something you may not have considered is your birds will housed near others who may be carrying bugs. It is a good idea to spray, dust or daub them as you coop out, just as a preventative for bringing home undesired guests. A person who has mentored me in my chicken exhibition revival swears by Adams Flea and Tick (she likes its smell). I prefer to use Eprinex, which also counts as my mid-winter worming. Just treat your birds as you load them up for the ride home. This would apply to any birds you might purchase in the sale barn too!

There are no roosts in the cages, and I do not believe they are allowed, and unless you have a double sized cage, there isnt enough room. Reading the rules, drapes and backdrops are not allowed (judges need an unobstructed view going down the row). That said, there will be instances where cocks and even hens will try and fence fight with their neighbors. I observed many a cardboard box broken down and slipped between birds to stop this last year. I plan on bringing some poster board just incase. I assume it will be permitted once judging is complete.

Those spectators arriving on Sunday, remember the cages must be empty prior to 12noon. If you are travelling any distance to get there, you might want to keep this in mind so you are not disappointed, especially if you can make the shows in Fresno or in Fortuna that are held in mid-February.

Happy chicken washing everyone!

PS- Rumor has it the sale barn is open for sales on Friday afternoon

. Bring Cash. 4-Hers have a table set up and are designated by many of the sellers to act as the custodians for their birds-- the kids will take the cash, and help you crate or examine any birds you are interested in. Sellers pay for them to do this.

 

[dmiravalle]

We always bring our own food and water, yes water. We have had issues with dietary changes in the past. I always bring from home what they are used too, doesn't matter what animal I am showing....

 

[jeremy]

Quote:

I have to work Friday!

 

[K9Carrie]

Just have to say...Thanks so much for all the information!!!

I am not near as nervous as I was, it helps to know what to expect and this post sure has helped.

Cheryl, did you get any helpful hints on cage training for your kids? Can someone tell me if the judge handles them much, or is there anything I can do pretending I am judging them just so they are more accustom to it? I am looking at starting my Calls tomorrow....so if anyone has any additional helpful hints, I am all ears!!

 

[cherylcohen]

THANK YOU OH WISE ONES!!!

I started cage training yesterday. Just put them in with newspaper then alfalfa and food and water. After the bathing today I plan to put clean shavings in the bottom instead. I put them up on tables so that they become accustomed to that.

The funniest thing though...(excuse me if I already posted this)

I have the 2 SPPR girls in each of their cages and Ziggy the Roo just paces in front of their cages. He's really starting to take ownership of them...cute

 

[cherylcohen]

Just re-reading the show book. They say the birds must be banded with numbers. I have the girls banded with those colored ring bands but no numbers. Do I need to purchase some with numbers?

 

[HarmonyOaks]

Yes you need bands with numbers, many feed stores carry them. You write the numbers on the coop card at check in. The judge only knows the birds id number not the owner, etc.

Yes, your birds get handled. There wings are expanded, they are held on their back, they are held up in the air. Check out youtube... there is a 4-Her who did some good videos a few years ago on preparing birds to show, and how it is done.

Cheryl and anyone here can always call me... I might not have an answer, but I know where to find them! LOL

my number was posted earlier in this thread, but it is 209.480.6347; just keep in mind I am recovering from pneumonia, so my voice is all wacked up, email is better, but I am pretty good at picking up any phone calls. A few errands and some dogs to wash today... can't take clean birds and dirty mutts.

 

[dmiravalle]

Quote:
Sorry your sick, that just bites!! Sounds like you are doing better!! As for leg bands, we band ours with the plastic number bands for a show, then take them off after. They do have a tendency to get caught and you have to be careful on young birds they don't get to tight. It is not like leg bands for parrots, learned that our first year.