Showing Chickens? Need starter tips...

[flippinggoldfis]

I've owned chickens since I was a little girl growing up on a farm, and now I have chickens of my own. They are, of course, farmyard mixes raised by my own hens, incubated "barnyard mutt" eggs, and hatchery chickens. I'm interested in how to get started with Heritage bred chickens and showing poultry. So, how do I start? I know that I need to find a breeder and the type of chicken that I'm interested in first. But after that, is there anything I need to know about raising a show-quality chicken (do they have to have special living quarters other than my normal chicken coop)? Do they eat plain layer pellets or some sort of special food? How old do they ideally have to be to show? What traits do judges look for? What show breeds are easiest for beginners? Any advice appreciated.

 

[HappyHensFarmWV]

http://ssgf.uk/exhibitors/beginners-guide-to-showing-poultry/

 

[HappyHensFarmWV]

That's a UK version, but lots of good advice..there is a BYC member with a website that has lots of good show info but I can't find it to save my life..if/when I do, I'll share the link too

 

[HappyHensFarmWV]

The one thing I disagree with in the link I shared is the method for bathing..I don't like dumping anything over my birds..I fill a tub and bath that way..I don't know what breeds you have, but I keep my feather legged breeds on white sand or cat litter (also a white sand/clay) and not wood chips or wire..
Practice putting them in and out of a crate, bc a judge will handle them most likely when you are not around. Weigh your birds before you go to the show and make sure their weight is to the SOP, bc a judge will know as soon as they pick up your bird(s).
I try to keep my birds out of the direct sun so their feathers don't get bleached out, done people don't let their show birds free range, but I let mine out every evening..I like for them to still be as close to normal chickens as they can.