Yeah, each kid should pick out a bird that they like the most and is EASY to handle. A bird that will be calm enough to pull out their wings so they can name the feathers and hold out feet, etc. It can be water fowl, poultry, it doesn't matter. They just need to know everything possible about that bird and breed; what they are used for, what the standard calls for, the parts of that particular bird, feather names, (like primary, secondary and axial feathers on wings, saddle, hackles, etc,) If it's a duck-- like a Call, then they need to know specifics for the breed like they were used for calling in game and their beaks are supposed to be really short, color, etc.. Also know the origin of the bird and if there is anything interesting about them in history. Like Silkies were first spotted by Marco Polo in Asia and he wrote about them and they gained popularity because he described them as having "fur". Each breed will have specifics about them and the more you know, the more impressed the judge will be. So that kind of thing. Have the kids stick with the same bird or breed for that year so they don't get confused and they really gain an understanding of what they are working with. We had kids show ducks, chickens and pigeons for Showmanship.
The smaller the bird, the easier for them to handle. It should be fun, not stressful, so what they don't learn, just don't worry about it. So long as they smile, act happy to be there and try their best, they will do great!
