Showing Silkies

[ChicksNherps]

I have to put a disclaimer here, that we haven't been able to show any birds yet. Each time we want to... someone in our family is sick or something gets in the way. Having said that, I have tried to make note of useful articles and will try to attach some here.

On one of the BYC silkie threads, Hawkeye previously posted some good info for show prep and it might be possible for you to do an advanced search to find some of her info. One thing that has been recommended is to bring Oxine and Adams Flea/Tick spray for when you coop in and out. Spray the cage with Oxine (without the activator) and the shavings with Adams, when the shavings are dry, then put the birds in the coop. At the end of the show, spray the birds again with flea/tick.

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Articles.html ---- Conditioning and Prepping for Shows, How to Wash a Chicken for a Show, How to Trim a Chicken's Beak, Making Sense of Cage Card Markings

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/oxine.htm ---- Uses of Oxine

http://posc.tamu.edu/files/2012/08/mp-10661.pdf ---- Conditioning for the Show Room, Put Them in Training (3 steps to coop training), Dressing, etc

http://www.poultrycongress.com/info.html ---- Info for Visitors and New Exhibitors, How to Enter a Show (testing, paperwork etc)

http://www.poultrycongress.com/how_to_read_a_coop_tag.pdf ---- How to Read a Coop Tag...and Sample Entry Form


I don't think is any harm in adding Red Cell 2x weekly. Your blue bird is looking just lovely! I think you are going to have lots of fun at the Poultry Congress.

This is great thank you for posting! It's nice to be able to have showing tips available in one place.

 

[Sanna]

I have to put a disclaimer here, that we haven't been able to show any birds yet. Each time we want to... someone in our family is sick or something gets in the way. Having said that, I have tried to make note of useful articles and will try to attach some here.

On one of the BYC silkie threads, Hawkeye previously posted some good info for show prep and it might be possible for you to do an advanced search to find some of her info. One thing that has been recommended is to bring Oxine and Adams Flea/Tick spray for when you coop in and out. Spray the cage with Oxine (without the activator) and the shavings with Adams, when the shavings are dry, then put the birds in the coop. At the end of the show, spray the birds again with flea/tick.

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Articles.html ---- Conditioning and Prepping for Shows, How to Wash a Chicken for a Show, How to Trim a Chicken's Beak, Making Sense of Cage Card Markings

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/oxine.htm ---- Uses of Oxine

http://posc.tamu.edu/files/2012/08/mp-10661.pdf ---- Conditioning for the Show Room, Put Them in Training (3 steps to coop training), Dressing, etc

http://www.poultrycongress.com/info.html ---- Info for Visitors and New Exhibitors, How to Enter a Show (testing, paperwork etc)

http://www.poultrycongress.com/how_to_read_a_coop_tag.pdf ---- How to Read a Coop Tag...and Sample Entry Form


I don't think is any harm in adding Red Cell 2x weekly. Your blue bird is looking just lovely! I think you are going to have lots of fun at the Poultry Congress.

Excellent! I love the PDF file with the conditioning and how to train your bird. I am printing all 15 pages of it!

That's exactly what I needed for my first show. Thank you!
And all kinds of other useful things in there too.

 

[Sanna]

I think I just printed 50-60 pages worth of stuff.

I'm afraid to count all the pages. lol

 

[littlecritters]

Here are some more resources:
http://www.apa-abayouthpoultryclub.org/educational_material.htm


Filling out your First Entry Form
How a Showroom is Laid Out
Sample Judging Score Sheet
Poultry Showroom Basics
The Show-What You Should Know
Trios Display
How a Poultry Show Works in North America
Preparing your Bird for a Show-problems

 

[ChicksNherps]

I bought some sparkle spray, gonna have to test it out on icelynn tonight!

 

[Sanna]

I don't remember if anyone mentioned anything about this subject and I am feeling too lazy to go back and read everything..

How do you guys remove the wax on the feathering before shows? I'm assuming you would do such a thing? I just gave two of my pullets a practise run bath today and discovered a whole bunch of weathers with wax. Lots of wax coated feathers on their heads, some on the cushion, back etc..
I think I remember someone recomending a slicker brush for cats and dogs to brush the feathers. I did try this with the girls, it seems to pull the wax when brushed gently. Any other tricks I could try?

 

[ChicksNherps]

I don't remember if anyone mentioned anything about this subject and I am feeling too lazy to go back and read everything..

How do you guys remove the wax on the feathering before shows? I'm assuming you would do such a thing? I just gave two of my pullets a practise run bath today and discovered a whole bunch of weathers with wax. Lots of wax coated feathers on their heads, some on the cushion, back etc..
I think I remember someone recomending a slicker brush for cats and dogs to brush the feathers. I did try this with the girls, it seems to pull the wax when brushed gently. Any other tricks I could try?

Dawn dish soap. Cuts through the wax. Also a rinse after the bath with a little apple cider vinegar mixed in, it cuts through any soak or grease left over. Then blow dry and slicker gently without pulling on the feathers. You can also use your fingers when they are dry and gently twist the wax in your fingers, it usually falls right off.

 

[Sanna]

Dawn dish soap. Cuts through the wax. Also a rinse after the bath with a little apple cider vinegar mixed in, it cuts through any soak or grease left over. Then blow dry and slicker gently without pulling on the feathers. You can also use your fingers when they are dry and gently twist the wax in your fingers, it usually falls right off.

I'll have to write this down so I don't forget. Thanks!

 

[beauty2thebirds]

I love the flock fuel, and it really seems to make them shine even more.
I am going to show next month in California. My first show ever, so I need some advice if anyone reads this.
first question is..... Is a male considered a Cockerelle until the age of 1 year or sooner?
Second..... Under Variety. I have an AOV (blue partridge) is that what I write on the form, or just leave it as AOV?
3rd. Should I band my birds with a number, or is it necessary?

Here are the boys going with me, and I would love to hear what you think. I'm a bit nervous. I don't want to appear stupid, but I won't learn a dang thing if I don't try

Everyone needs a bath also.











This last picture is a crummy picture, but you can see his feet, lol.

So I am ready for any and all input and comments

 

[Sanna]

I love the flock fuel, and it really seems to make them shine even more.
I am going to show next month in California. My first show ever, so I need some advice if anyone reads this.
first question is..... Is a male considered a Cockerelle until the age of 1 year or sooner?
Second..... Under Variety. I have an AOV (blue partridge) is that what I write on the form, or just leave it as AOV?
3rd. Should I band my birds with a number, or is it necessary?

Here are the boys going with me, and I would love to hear what you think. I'm a bit nervous. I don't want to appear stupid, but I won't learn a dang thing if I don't try

Everyone needs a bath also.











This last picture is a crummy picture, but you can see his feet, lol.

So I am ready for any and all input and comments

What is the flock fuel you speak of?

I'm planning on my first show in April, so we're both in the same boat. I do believe you would add the blue partridge after AOV under variety.
As far as I can remember, a cockerel is under a year old. I think you have the option of showing them in the cock division if you choose to do so before they turn 1. Someone who knows for a fact, please correct me if I'm wrong!
And I don't think they have to be banded.