Showing-How to get my hens to look their best? And other Q's

[Honey1]

My husband and I have been talking about entering a couple of our birds in the Fowl Fest show in Frankenmuth this year.
This would be our first experience with a poultry show, and I hoping those with more experience could give me some pointers.

I'd like to take a couple of hens. My Sumatra hen looks in really good condition, but My Houdan hen was in with a roo for a few weeks and her tail feathers look rather "ruffled". Is there any way to fix this, or if I pluck the damaged feathers, will they grow back in time? The show is the first week in October.

I'm kind of assuming that they will need to be bathed before the show too. If so, what do you wash them with? Is there a certain soap that is best to use? Is there any other "grooming" that should be done?

The show rules state that I will need to have a Pullorum test done on my birds prior to the show. How do I go about having this done?

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[Honey1]

I hate to bump this up, but I could really use some pointers. Anyone?

 

[SunshineSteedFarm]

I am not the most experienced about showing on here. But I have done my research

I will try my very best to help.

My Houdan hen was in with a roo for a few weeks and her tail feathers look rather "ruffled". Is there any way to fix this, or if I pluck the damaged feathers, will they grow back in time?

My hens feathers are also not in their best condition. I have heard and read, it takes 4-6 weeks for feathers to come back in.

If so, what do you wash them with? Is there a certain soap that is best to use? Is there any other "grooming" that should be done?

Yes, you will need to wash them.Usually 2-3 days before a show to let the natural oils come back in. Also, use a gentle shampoo for the washing. And as for other grooming, use Vaseline or Neosporin to shine up their combs, wattles, legs, and feet. Also make sure to trim your chicken's beak if it is a bit long. Be careful not to hit the quick though. Also trim the toenails, if they are too long.


The show rules state that I will need to have a Pullorum test done on my birds prior to the show. How do I go about having this done?

With the shows that I have been reading about, they have the Pullorum testing available at the show. But I guess it all depends on the show.

I hope I helped!

Good luck showing!

 

[muzzles&nuzzles]

I think that some people keep their birds inside so they can't roll in the dirt etc. I also think that keeping the bird seperate and well fed and having super clean bedding will help. Won't the birds molt before Oct? I think that is when that show is. I thought about taking some silkies but I can't get mine up to par by then. I would wash the birds now and deworm etc. and keep them seperate from the others. October in MI can be cold and although you will want to wash them again I would wash them now really good because our temps are warmer now. Does that make any sense? I washed birds today so I am tired. LOL

Someone will probably come along and correct me and I hope they do so you can get better info.

When exactly is that show? If don't have to work I may go.

Oh, what soap? I used dish soap on feet but my birds are white, I have used horse or dog whitening shampoo and I may have used baby soap around the eyes. Usually dog or horse shampoo. I blow dry them and fluff their feathers as I dry. I have also combed them. LOL I have never washed a standard bird. Thank GOD!

 

[Pathfinders]

I've written some articles about how to show and prepare for a show that might be of help to you. See them here:

How to Show Your Chickens

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Showing.html

How to wash a chicken:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4512807_wash-a-chicken.html

Conditioning & Prepping for Shows

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Prepping.html

Hope these help!

Best,

 

[salty]

I had the test done thru the Dept of Ag in my state. It takes about a week to get the results.

 

[Honey1]

Thank you all so much for your help. That's exactly what I needed to know!