To show... Or not to show? Lots of questions

[KinderKorner]

Alright while scanning the web I found that there is going to be a poultry show less than an hour away from me! This is big. I live in the middle of no where. I've been wanting to show for a while. But couldn't find any to go to.

It's March 20. Do I even have enough time to get ready and stuff?

Should I risk my birds getting sick or something?

It sounds like a lot of fun, and I feel I could do well. Plus it would be a good learning experience.

The entire thing confuzes me. But basicly I have to get my flock NPIP tested right? Someone gave me the number of a person near me that did it. But I lost it. How do I find a tester?

Also how do the shows work. I mean like really break it down and tell me simply cause frankly I'm still a little confuzed? It last three days.

I'm really needing some help. lol.

Thanks for anyone willing to respond.

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Good questions! Inquiring minds want to know....

 

[KinderKorner]

I found the number.

I think I sort of know how it works. But I would love someone to explain it to me.

You have to get whatever birds your taking tested.

Then you fill out entry forms and send them and money.

You get there on the first day and get everything settled in.

Then the next day is judging and you just sit back and watch.

Then the next day they judge again and then you go home.

Sounds pretty easy.

I suppose you just leave your birds there?

We would probably drive home everyday. It's about an hour drive.

 

[poltroon]

There is some variation from show to show. My daughter has been going to fairly local shows, and no testing is required. Birds are inspected before they allowed on the premises. Read the instructions for the show carefully to determine what testing is required, entry deadlines, when your chickens need to arrive and when you can take them home. If it's part of a fair, you may need to pay admission in addition to entry fees. You'll need to bring feed, and food and water dishes for each chicken. You'll need to be able to get to the show at least twice a day to check on your animals, or make arrangements with someone else to share that duty.

Here are some good articles here:

http://www.pathfindersfarm.com/Articles.html

 

[KinderKorner]

To prepare you make sure there is no mites, keep feather condition good, bath. About trimming the toe nails. Do you just trim them flat? The breeder I got my silkies from did and it lookd kind of funny. Wouldn't pointy be more natural looking?

I had way too much caffine, and feeling rather hyper with the thrill of possibly showing.

 

[laceynoelle]

ive never had my birds get sick at the shows. Here all we have to do is register the chickens, they need a leg band, then give them a medicine dust bath for mites and little surface crawlies like that, which they really shouldnt have anyway if they are dusting. Then you show up with the papers in the check in time, find your cage, put your bird in it, and come back every morning to feel them. Its really a LOT of fun. you should go through with it, esp. if you live out in the middle of no where and might not get another good chance like this.

 

[KinderKorner]

It also says double cooping is avalible for large fowl. It cost twice as much.

If I do LF do I have to have double cooping? Or can they use the normal?

Thanks for all the answers!

hehe I can't wait. Hope I can go through with it.

 

[KinderKorner]

Oh no I just looked at the calender and I have a goat due to kid the day your suppose to coop your birds in. Maybe I could make both. I hope so. Darn

 

[Ms.FuzzyButts]

Where in Southern Illinois are you?

 

[KinderKorner]

About an hour and half south of saint louis. I am right on the MO/IL border.