Tips on showing hens

[ChickenGrass]

Hi
I am going to be showing my two
Barbu D'Anver hens this Saturday
In my local agri show
I'm just wondering does anyone have
Any tips on showing them
Ps.i washed them today
Any tips are appreciated :yiipchick

 

[ChickenGrass]

Anyone..........echo echo

 

[CochinLover1]

Washing your hens is good before show and definitely good you did them a couple of days in advance. In that time period your hens will be able to get their sheen back. Now, as for tips in showing hens. Hens aren't as flashy as roosters so make sure before you walk in the show ring you fluff their feathers a little bit and make sure you check their wings. A certified judge gave me advice in what judges look for in all chickens is symmetry. check both wings and make sure they have the same markings on each wing. If they don't, then that might hurt your scoring a bit depending on the amount of difference. width of the body is good also. Using your hand reach your hand over the back to feel the width. Usually the wider is a good quality in most birds and is a sign of a pure breed and a healthy hen. Check for clear eyes, no runny nose, and scrub the feet with maybe a toothbrush. A good way to brighten up the legs, wattles, and combs is to get a Q-tip and dip it in an olive oil and rub it on the feet, comb, and wattles. Don't put too much on because that will result in an oily bird. So a little bit goes a long way. You can also take a wash cloth and put warm water on it and ring it out really good so its then damp. You can put a TEENY TINY bit of oil on that and GENTLY brush over your chickens which would bring out natural sheen ( FYI this is NOT cheating at ALL. Lots of good show peppers do this method including myself. its just a way of bringing out your birds color and sheen.) You can also use this for roosters because they have much more sheen. Check for any feathers that stand out with a deducting color. Pluck it. And check for broken feathers. If you can smooth it down and fix the broken feather, great, if not, pluck it. Take it from a grand champion and reserve champion owner. Good luck!

 

[ChickenGrass]

Ok thanks for the tips
It's not a show ring it's just the birds are in cages
Thank you

 

[ChickenGrass]

Thanks for the help
I got a second in true bantam

 

[CochinLover1]

Congratulations! I'm happy you did well.

 

[ChickenGrass]

Thank you