Showing Geese at Fair Questions

[Oregon Blues]

At the fair here, the geese are on the ground with a moderately roomy pen. I take a kitty litter box and fill it with water so the goose can get in and get wet.

The guy next to me had those black rubber feed tubs, made for feeding horses and cattle, and he filled those with water for his geese.

I also tie a smaller, narrow container of water to the fence. The goose can drink, but she can't tip it, and can't get her body in it to get it dirty.

Fairs differ, but security at my local fair is tight. Nobody has birds stolen, but it would be a possible risk. I can't guarantee it won't happen.

 

[Haunted55]

I don't think there is any testing to be done. At least none that I have been told about but this does raise a very good question. Can they catch something there and if so what can I do to head any problems off? Someone here told me they put a line of VetRX down the beak or bill of their birds. Should they have vitamins before hand to build up their systems? This is my first year with any type of water fowl. I basicaly have hit the ground running and am learning from experience and kind folks like yourself. As for the rest of it, yeah, I think I've got it now. Anything here, replicate it for them there as much as I can. Thanks so much for everything.

 

[Haunted55]

At the fair here, the geese are on the ground with a moderately roomy pen. I take a kitty litter box and fill it with water so the goose can get in and get wet.

The guy next to me had those black rubber feed tubs, made for feeding horses and cattle, and he filled those with water for his geese.

I also tie a smaller, narrow container of water to the fence. The goose can drink, but she can't tip it, and can't get her body in it to get it dirty.

Fairs differ, but security at my local fair is tight. Nobody has birds stolen, but it would be a possible risk. I can't guarantee it won't happen.

I have a couple of those big rubber tubs and will bring them for them to use. From what I was told the pens here will be close to what you're describing but until I see it I don't know for sure. Would the flat backed buckets work for their water or would I be better off with something else?

I've been told the security is tight here as well and I know the family in charge of the exhibition during the day. I trust them, very much. As for the birds being stolen...realistically thinking about it, it would be doubtful. I got them in May from a local farm store. They're nothing special, except to me. To me they're the smartest, most beautiful ducks and geese in the world, lol. Thanks so very much for your reply and assurances. This is their first and probably only sleep over and I'm being foolish most likely.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Everyone is supposed to dust for lice before the show, and at most shows, each bird is inspected for bugs and signs of disease before it is admitted.

At some shows, your birds are either NPIP, or they get blood tested (for free) before they are admitted. That is not at every show. It should be in your premium list (entry forms)

When you pick your birds up to take them home, dust them for lice before you put them into your carrier. That way, there is no way to accidentally take lice or mites home to your birds at home.

At my local fair, the fair personnel go around and spray for mites midway through the show. That may not happen at every show and every fair.

The 4-H kids are on patrol all the time the fair is open to make sure birds are safe and everybody has water. If the kids aren't sweeping the floor, non-stop, they are walking around with watering cans and watering birds. Again, that may not be happening at every show.

 

[Narragansett]

Welcome. If I think of anything else I will post. Ohio know what will the water source be? Even a cement mixing pan for daily bathing is better than nothing for them while there.

Bad idea. They will make a mess of their pen if allowed bathing water, especially if you put sod in the pen, which is also not required. It's only a few days. They will be fine with an appropriate sized coop cup. No exhibitor in his right mind gives his geese bathing water while on dispaly at a show.Try going to an APA sanctioned show and see how the exhibitors there do it. These are the people who know what they are doing, who stand little to gain by not giving their birds proper care. Geese are exhibited at APA shows almost every weekend, and they get by perfectly well without the bother of treats or other unnecessary extras.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

These birds are for display not showing Narragansett, but thanks for being quick to try and make me feel like an idiot and all.

 

[Narragansett]

Yes, I get it. Except for in the big ag states in the midwest, few fairs are worthy of true exhibition quality birds. Still, being "only" on display to the public, I would imagine that most owners would want to have some pride in showing off their animals so that they look clean and attractive, not wet and dirty as they will be if your advice is followed. Plus, the public does not understand the difference between quality exhibition type poultry and backyard birds that are simply on display at a fair. Presenting them in less than favorable condition affects the public's perception of the fancy in general.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

gees thanks, ill just crawl back into my shack now where we do things wrongly

 

[Narragansett]

Simply go to a show and see how the goose exhibitors there present their birds, so that they stay attractive looking and clean. You won't find sod in any cage. You won't find bathing water except occasionally by an inexperienced novice. None of the long term breeders have it, and their birds are usally very attractive. It's just the way it is. Don't take my word for it, go see for yourself.

 

[Haunted55]

Everyone is supposed to dust for lice before the show, and at most shows, each bird is inspected for bugs and signs of disease before it is admitted.

At some shows, your birds are either NPIP, or they get blood tested (for free) before they are admitted. That is not at every show. It should be in your premium list (entry forms)

When you pick your birds up to take them home, dust them for lice before you put them into your carrier. That way, there is no way to accidentally take lice or mites home to your birds at home.

At my local fair, the fair personnel go around and spray for mites midway through the show. That may not happen at every show and every fair.

The 4-H kids are on patrol all the time the fair is open to make sure birds are safe and everybody has water. If the kids aren't sweeping the floor, non-stop, they are walking around with watering cans and watering birds. Again, that may not be happening at every show.

I never thought of lice. Thanks for that!!! I've got the powder so will be sure to get that done. This is going to be interesting to say the least.