This Can't Be Real...

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Congratulations.
Now I'm probably going to make myself extremely unpopular.
So, those chickens you've taken to the show, they now go into full quarantine conditions I assume, or do you cull them after showing?

Thankyou!

No don't worry it's just a question, a one people have asked before too so your not the only one.

My birds are quarantined for as long as I see fit but not as long as I would for new birds from different premises. Each of my birds get a full check over when I get home from a show. They also get a vitamin/mineral boost too in their water.
The most common thing picked up from shows is lice. However, that's not a major worry of mine. I powder all my birds before, during and after shows. I don't find removing lice difficult if it's kept on top of anyways.
All shows I have attended there has been a vet checking over birds so if any illness is spotted there the bird will be removed.
If I was to get to a show and noticed a bird near mine or just in the show in general that wasn't well, I'd say something.
At shows, I don't let anyone touch my birds, or put birds together. If someone wants to see my birds there and touch them, I'll ask them to at least use sanitizer beforehand just as a precaution of they've been with other birds.
I know some people that will quarantine for much longer than I do and that's perfectly fine, I guess the longer the better. Just everyone's personal choice with their flocks I guess.

As for culling, I don't cull my birds unless they had an incurable illness/injury or were at risk of infecting the rest of my flock. If my birds don't win a show, that doesn't mean they won't produce show winning chicks.
If I no longer wanted to keep one for breeding, I'd sell it as a pet. Silkies are in quite high demand as pets and I could easily find them a new loving home if needed.
Some people do choose to cull if a bird doesn't win but they are usually on a very serious level of showing. I just do it for fun. If they don't win, they don't win. They're still just as special to me

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Thanks so much. I picked up some whitening shampoo last weekend and am quite excited to give it a try. My babies are looking a bit yellow. Plus they got muddy in the rain and got juice from some grapes dripped on their heads...

I have a lot of different kinds. Right now I have 5 Silkie Broilers (don't worry, I'd never eat them), 3 Silver Spangled Hamburgs, 1 Rhode Island Red, 1 Australorp, 1 Silver Phoenix, 1 Self-Blue Cochin Bantam and 1 Barred Holland. I also have some little chicks in the brooder in my bedroom. 4 Self-Blue Cochin Bantams and 2 White Cochin Bantams.

And I'm in the process of adding some additional breeds: Barnevelder, Black Sumatra, Egyptian Fayoumi, and Blue Laced Red Wyandotte Bantam (BBS). They'll be arriving later this month and next month.

It means Sultan in Hungarian, right? That is my boss' son's name. So not that weird to me. I'm so used to hearing it.

That's nice that he's gentle with the girls. I guess him gobbling down all the food instead of giving it to the ladies is the tradeoff. XD He does sound kind of effeminate. I like it. And I love his comb/wattles too. I've seen some walnut combs that look like a cancerous growth, they're so huge and nodular looking. His is very aesthetically pleasing. Has he won any contests?

Do all of your silkies enjoy the bathing process? And any tips for a first bath? I don't want my precious Princess Poof to hate me afterwords.

Do you just keep silkies, or do you have other birds too?

Awesome! I did notice a difference when using whitening shampoo instead of just baby shampoo alone.

The best one I had for messing their crests was sweetcorn on the cob! What an absolute mess

I wouldn't use the toothbrush method on hard feathered birds though, just Silkies.

As for Zoltans name, I have no idea what it means! We got the name from the Dude Where's My Car film I just thought it suited him.

Oh wow you have quite a big range of breeds! Some nice ones too.

My own flock is my Silkies and I have Quail too.

We do have other poultry to buy generally speaking it's my mams flock. They're all at our house but I keep mine seperate with me showing/breeding them.

All together though we have Silkies, Quails, Brahmas, Belgium Bantams, Bovans Goldlines, Barred, Black & Blue Rocks, Light Sussex, Runner Ducks and Runner Duck crosses!

We have a range of parrots/parakeets and softbills to as well as a golden pheasant.

I know what you mean about his comb. I like his comb too, I think it's a nice reasonable size. Not too in your face! He's just a greedy Cockerel! But I still couldn't part with him.
I did enter him into a contest a while back but he was still to young at the time. He stood no chance against the mature males. Maybe again in the future.

As for the first wash, I'd say make sure the water is just warm. You don't want to shock your princess! Use a jug too the first time instead of a hose. Or wait till the end before putting on the hose, use a lower power setting. Same for the hair dryer

 

[Shadrach]

Not that you should care, but you've just gone up in my estimation just by being prepared to discuss the subject.. There are a few here who show chickens who don't even seem aware of the risk they expose their chickens to at these shows or just don't care.
There are some who should know better, a lot better given their apparent expertise.
I mentioned to sumi on another thread that the people I used to know in the UK culled their chickens after a show if they didn't win because the risk of introducing Mareks in particular into the flock was very high.
If you have say half a dozen show fowl and your base breeding stock the logistics and expense get considerable.
These shows also had vet inspections but a visual inspection won't reveal many of the more unpleasant conditions.
The winning contestants lived in permanent quarantine and would have a member of the opposite sex introduced to them in the quarantine compound. The hens sat and reared chicks in this compound. The chickens taken to shows were never allowed to join the flock which may have taken many many generations to get to the required standard.
I can't agree with your outlook or methodology but I can see you are at least aware of the risks and that at least is a step in the right direction.

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Congratulations!

Thankyou!

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Not that you should care, but you've just gone up in my estimation just by being prepared to discuss the subject.. There are a few here who show chickens who don't even seem aware of the risk they expose their chickens to at these shows or just don't care.
There are some who should know better, a lot better given their apparent expertise.
I mentioned to sumi on another thread that the people I used to know in the UK culled their chickens after a show if they didn't win because the risk of introducing Mareks in particular into the flock was very high.
If you have say half a dozen show fowl and your base breeding stock the logistics and expense get considerable.
These shows also had vet inspections but a visual inspection won't reveal many of the more unpleasant conditions.
The winning contestants lived in permanent quarantine and would have a member of the opposite sex introduced to them in the quarantine compound. The hens sat and reared chicks in this compound. The chickens taken to shows were never allowed to join the flock which may have taken many many generations to get to the required standard.
I can't agree with your outlook or methodology but I can see you are at least aware of the risks and that at least is a step in the right direction.

I'm always happy to discuss things. I don't mind!

It is true about the risk of more worrying diseases like Mareks being brought into shows. Sadly it can happen and it's not noticable on a visual inspection. One infected bird at a show could potentially wipe out the whole lot there and peoples flocks at home.

It can and has happened to people before. I know it's a risk of showing but I'm on such a small scale that I can't afford to cull birds either after a show and I don't have enough space to quarantine all my birds permanently. It would probably be more economical for me to get rid of all at once and start again.

I'm aware of the risks and know what can happen. It's a risk of showing all animals and livestock. People take sick animals to shows regardless and it's unfortunate it happens.

I take each show as it comes and if something was to happen, I'm prepared for what each outcome could be.

 

[AmyJane725]

Awesome! I did notice a difference when using whitening shampoo instead of just baby shampoo alone.

The best one I had for messing their crests was sweetcorn on the cob! What an absolute mess

I wouldn't use the toothbrush method on hard feathered birds though, just Silkies.

As for Zoltans name, I have no idea what it means! We got the name from the Dude Where's My Car film I just thought it suited him.

Oh wow you have quite a big range of breeds! Some nice ones too.

My own flock is my Silkies and I have Quail too.

We do have other poultry to buy generally speaking it's my mams flock. They're all at our house but I keep mine seperate with me showing/breeding them.

All together though we have Silkies, Quails, Brahmas, Belgium Bantams, Bovans Goldlines, Barred, Black & Blue Rocks, Light Sussex, Runner Ducks and Runner Duck crosses!

We have a range of parrots/parakeets and softbills to as well as a golden pheasant.

I know what you mean about his comb. I like his comb too, I think it's a nice reasonable size. Not too in your face! He's just a greedy Cockerel! But I still couldn't part with him.
I did enter him into a contest a while back but he was still to young at the time. He stood no chance against the mature males. Maybe again in the future.

As for the first wash, I'd say make sure the water is just warm. You don't want to shock your princess! Use a jug too the first time instead of a hose. Or wait till the end before putting on the hose, use a lower power setting. Same for the hair dryer

I got some that is for horses and dogs. Hopefully it should be fine. Got good review on Amazon. That bluing stuff makes all the difference I guess.

I think eating corn on the cob in general is a mess. Even for humans. Juice everywhere.

It's my general understanding that a person shouldn't really water bathe hard feathered birds. The dust bathing is supposed to keep them clean enough. Do you agree with that?

I got a baby brush (really soft/fine bristles) it probably won't be stiff enough to do anything, but I thought it might feel nice for her feet/legs at least. Does the toothbrush run through the feathers pretty easily? I know brushing my hair wet is impossible. I have to wait for it to dry first.

Oh, well now you know, and you can sound all fancy if someone asks Yes, my bird is so majestic I had to give him a name that suited him.

I really love and appreciate all the variety that chickens have. So many different looks and personalities. Didn't want to limit myself to just a few. They're all getting along fine, so I guess it's working.

How many silkies have you got total? Do you show them all, or are some just pets/"rejected" show stock? Do the silkies and quail live together, or do quail require different housing arrangements?

The only other animal I have besides my chickens is my hamster Sugar Plum. I'd love more animals though.

Oh, I didn't realize he was still a cockerel. I thought he was a rooster. I wonder if his looks will change significantly as he grows up.

The water will be warm on every wash, don't you worry. I'd never put my precious baby into cold water. (I wanted to wash her in the bathtub, but mom said no ) I have 4 plastic tubs that are gonna be filled with warm water. Some with soap and some without. I read one person puts vinegar into the water to help balance out the pH after the shampoo. And then rinses that off after. Do you have an opinion on that one way or another? And on the hair dryer, should I do low heat, low wind, or both? The air should be warm at least, right?

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Not that you should care, but you've just gone up in my estimation just by being prepared to discuss the subject.. There are a few here who show chickens who don't even seem aware of the risk they expose their chickens to at these shows or just don't care.
There are some who should know better, a lot better given their apparent expertise.
I mentioned to sumi on another thread that the people I used to know in the UK culled their chickens after a show if they didn't win because the risk of introducing Mareks in particular into the flock was very high.
If you have say half a dozen show fowl and your base breeding stock the logistics and expense get considerable.
These shows also had vet inspections but a visual inspection won't reveal many of the more unpleasant conditions.
The winning contestants lived in permanent quarantine and would have a member of the opposite sex introduced to them in the quarantine compound. The hens sat and reared chicks in this compound. The chickens taken to shows were never allowed to join the flock which may have taken many many generations to get to the required standard.
I can't agree with your outlook or methodology but I can see you are at least aware of the risks and that at least is a step in the right direction.

I forgot to say in my last post that I'm happy that you actually show concern for people showing birds, or just owning them in general.

It makes a nice change! I'm happy that many people on this site also take great care into their birds.

At shows I've been to, I've seen some people taking birds there without any clue of what can happen and the risks. Also, some have very little clue of the birds they are taking there in the first place.

I'm dedicated to my birds. They are my only hobby and they mean a lot to me. Of course, I could do things differently/better I'm improving all the time. I learn something new almost everyday about my birds. I try my best to keep them happy and in good health.

It made me so happy to get complimented by the chief judge on how well kept my birds are. That made me happier than winning the rosettes.

I'm not as serious as some people. I attend 2 shows a year, 3 if I can get a specific day off work. I'll never get the chance to attend championship shows that have birds packed everywhere.

Maybe I'll visit one but I doubt my birds would be taken with me

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

I got some that is for horses and dogs. Hopefully it should be fine. Got good review on Amazon. That bluing stuff makes all the difference I guess.

I think eating corn on the cob in general is a mess. Even for humans. Juice everywhere.

It's my general understanding that a person shouldn't really water bathe hard feathered birds. The dust bathing is supposed to keep them clean enough. Do you agree with that?

I got a baby brush (really soft/fine bristles) it probably won't be stiff enough to do anything, but I thought it might feel nice for her feet/legs at least. Does the toothbrush run through the feathers pretty easily? I know brushing my hair wet is impossible. I have to wait for it to dry first.

Oh, well now you know, and you can sound all fancy if someone asks Yes, my bird is so majestic I had to give him a name that suited him.

I really love and appreciate all the variety that chickens have. So many different looks and personalities. Didn't want to limit myself to just a few. They're all getting along fine, so I guess it's working.

How many silkies have you got total? Do you show them all, or are some just pets/"rejected" show stock? Do the silkies and quail live together, or do quail require different housing arrangements?

The only other animal I have besides my chickens is my hamster Sugar Plum. I'd love more animals though.

Oh, I didn't realize he was still a cockerel. I thought he was a rooster. I wonder if his looks will change significantly as he grows up.

The water will be warm on every wash, don't you worry. I'd never put my precious baby into cold water. (I wanted to wash her in the bathtub, but mom said no ) I have 4 plastic tubs that are gonna be filled with warm water. Some with soap and some without. I read one person puts vinegar into the water to help balance out the pH after the shampoo. And then rinses that off after. Do you have an opinion on that one way or another? And on the hair dryer, should I do low heat, low wind, or both? The air should be warm at least, right?

Yes that's correct, hard feathered birds should manage to keep their feathers clean from dust bathing. Some people will still wash them if showing but I've never shown our hard feathered birds so I wouldn't know what works best. I'd say only ever wash them if they need a soak for a heath reason.

The finer the bristles the better, you don't want a brush that's going to grab at the feathers, you could risk pulling some out. The brushing is just for a general fluff up! The toothbrush works fine for me when washing to get the soap through the feathers. Again, you don't want a super rough toothbrush. Just as long as it brushes in the soap and brushes away dirt.

Haha princess is male?

I only have 7 Silkies. I have 3 pure white, 1 partridge, 1 gold, 1 blue and 1 cuckoo.

All except for the cuckoo are kept together. My cuckoo isn't an accepted showing colour plus she doesn't like my other Silkies.

My Quail are kept seperate. I only have 2 now which are a pair. I think my chickens would eat them! Their only purpose is being a pet but I do get an egg everyday.

Aw I love the name, sugar plum!

Yes he's around 8-9 months now! He hasn't changed much in the last couple of months. He has filled out more but other than that, still no change.

I have heard about the vinegar too but I've never used it myself so I am not sure. You could try I guess!
As for the dryer, start on low heat and low wind. Then once they're used to it, up the wind a notch. I'd keep the heat low as it can burn them.

 

[007Sean]

I attended a show today...

This happened

PomPom got second place:
View attachment 1837976

Flump got first place, won best in show soft feather bantam and also won overall show reserve champion:
View attachment 1837977
View attachment 1837979
View attachment 1837980
(Ignore the number card on her cage here, they fell off and got mixed at the end of the show).

I have no words but this has seriously made me so happy!​

Congratulations ya done gud!

 

[Fur-N-Fowl]

Congratulations ya done gud!

Thankyou very much!