Quote:
#1 on this thought.
It's been a beef of mine for awhile. The 4-H judging system is set up to easily accommodate this approach as all project entries are to be judged and awarded ribbons based on their own merits first, unfortunately the judges don't necessarily follow. If/when my kids are no longer showing poultry in 4-H, should I ever be asked to judge, I plan to judge that way with an emphasis on health, followed by condition. The two things I feel are the most important and in control of the child, no matter where their stock is obtained from or what's available in their area.
My thought on awards are
Purple-healthy, well conditioned, to standard
Blue-healthy, well conditioned, but with standards issues
Red-healthy, but with conditioning and/or standards issues
White-health issues and condition/standards issues
With the Grand and Reserve chosen from amongst the purple ribbon winners.
We separate the birds we plan to show at least 8wks beforehand and remove any broken feathers. We handle them every day so they're used to it. We feed well and for each bird year round, so diet depends upon the bird in question. A judge we met with at a poultry clinic recently advised including a bottle of flea/tick spray for dogs in your show kit, just in case. We've not had a problem at show, but we also bathe and pedicure 3 days before and keep the entered birds inside in cages on frequently cleaned litter. We use VetRX on their combs, wattles and for some legs/feet. I know as a tester I've encountered birds at show with mites and we did bring some home from one of our shows. We quarantine for at least 2 weeks after and give vitamins/electrolytes in their water for a few days after and antibiotics after shows that sick birds were present at. We also inspect thoroughly after our return, so we were able to spot and take care of the mites right away.
The judges and exhibitors I've spoken with afterward always remember and have something unfavorable to say about any dirty, obviously sick or infested birds, so try not to be amongst them. If something does happen, take care of it right away or if that's not possible, remove your bird. You may not leave the show famous, but should be able to leave without being infamous.
We take our own feed and water to all but one show, even if food and water will be available. One show is 4 hours away and lasts almost 2 wks, so that's the one we don't bring things for. We always bring health papers, treats, baby wipes (feet cleaning and touch-ups), a slicker brush for the Silkies, nail files, nail clippers, VetRX, an assortment of zip ties, a small dust pan or kitty litter scooper and brush and a trial size bottle of hand sanitizer to every show. Other things depends upon the show and birds taken.
