Thinking about getting into showing

[Pringle_Sussex]

I just

going to the Ekka and other shows just to see the chickens in the competitions... I've always thought about getting into that.. i'd actually liked to (when i finish school) and i don't know much about showing....

So if any show person who is kind enough to tell me what happends with the shows and maybe give me some hints i'd really appreciate it!?!

*is looking for a show person to hug*

 

[Omeletta]

I don't know a thing, but I sure would like too, as well! I remember going to fall fairs as a kid, like where you enter jams, jellies pies and junk, as well as the ag part with cows, pigs, chickens, sheep and other stuff. I wouldn't mind getting something like that started in my area! Hope someone gets bag to you, but in the mean-time, I'll give you a quick hug!

 

[Pringle_Sussex]

Quote:

aww thanx... see now there is 2 people... anyone care to share some information about showing? like what is required to do it?

 

[robin416]

If you have a local poultry club get involved with them, there is a wealth of information to be had.

In all states the birds must be NPIP certified before they are even allowed in to the show hall. In Texas there are some really serious hoops to jump through regarding innoculations.

Most put their birds in conditioning cages. That is to prevent other birds from pecking feathers. If your birds are feather foots its also to prevent broken foot feathers. You handle the birds regularly during that time to get them accustomed to being handled by the judges.

The birds are bathed, some use different topicals to put on the combs and wattles to make the color more rich. Some use enhancements on the feathers to make the color pop.

I've got something around here, somewhere that outlines some of what is done before hand. I'll see if I can find it. I don't show even though I have some birds that would do pretty well. I get tripped up on that conditioning cage thing.

 

[Chickemee]

I have always wanted to enter my birds in shows too. But I thought you could be any age to enter an animal? Well good luck on finding answers!

 

[robin416]

I think the youngest age is 7. From that up to 16, I think, in our area the birds are part of the Junior Show. The older exhibitors birds go in to the Open Show.

Depending on the Show the birds are placed in show cages either the night before or the morning of the show. Most shows require that all birds remain in their cages until all judging is complete and the Champion is announced. The judges are the only ones, other than the owner, who is allowed to touch your bird.

I'll try to post a link to a show catalogue I have later this morning.