What is involved in showing ducks?

[MallardDuckling]

You don't need to be in a group to show.

I've seen Runners shown both in a large, open cage and also in a regular cage, but I THINK (correct me if I'm wrong) before they are judged they are put into the large, open pen so the judge can see their movement - something they are judged on that other breeds are not.

IMHO, I would go to a couple shows before attempting to show something. Hang out in the section where your breed is, be a sponge. Learn from what you hear, take notes, meet folks who seem to be like-minded to you, ask where they'll be showing next, etc. You'll quickly learn what to expect this way.

I've never shown ducks, but I have shown chickens, and (also IMHO) it's important to respect the judges by making sure that your bird is conditioned and cleaned up (no mites, no dirty feet, vents, or beaks, etc.). Also, GET AN SOP. Study it, keep it on hand and compare your birds to the SOP - take the very best of what you have. And - have fun!

Where can you get an SOP?
I've been looking up my breeds standards and it refers to this and I've been trying to hunt one down to buy one. Do they sell them in feed shops? Or is it strictly online?

 

[mominoz]

I went o my first show this year. I now get Poultry press, I also did a search online and foud a few websites where they list them. Seems many are local, low tech kind of thing.
Often or always your birds need to be tested at the show, or you need to be NPIP certified, pretty much a problem in chickens. The show i went to I doun out about here in the Shows, chickenstocks section, I sent for info , got a sheet and went. i used Dog Kennels I found used and one new. And I even used a Laundry hamper, bongeed down for one of my Runners.Tall and had air holes. I got there, they tested birds at the door for .50 each. Good for 90 days.and tagged them. They showed me where My reserved cages with bedding were and I put my birds there. I had to bring my own feed and water dishes and feed. I was a bit concerned that the cages were open bottom on shavings, but it was in a barn overhang. Not truly predator proof, but they did ok.I thought the cage closures were really flimsy, but I am protective

.I did win a plaque at that show. I felt pretty clueless, and had to ask people when i got there. Like "close the coop" was a judging tag, so your name didn't show...I didnt' figure that out till the after the judging. You fold the tag over....duh

 

[Oregon Blues]

My experience is that if you ask for help, it is freely given. So you can ask where to go, where to sign in, where your cages are.

Rules should be in a pamphlet with the entry form.

Treat your duck for lice and mites about a week before the show. There will be an inspection at sign in, and it is embarrassing to have wildlife discovered on your birds.

ducks are self bathing. However, they must be well fed and well cared for so that their feathers are in great condition and not broken or frayed.

I take water and feed from home because I don't want any tummy upsets. I take bedding, but have never used it; bedding has always been provided.

Ducks go into their cages, and except for runner ducks, that's the end of it. The judge looks at them in the cages. he might handle them to turn them or pose them, but rarely takes them out of the cage. They stay there after judging until the close of the show. They are on display to the public.

There are more than one type of show. There is the regular exhibition where birds are judged in the cage and there is showmanship, where the handler is judged on how well he can present his bird on the table. Showmanship is usually a youth class.

In some states, birds must be NPIP or else they are blood tested on the spot before they enter the building. It will tell you in the entry information that you receive. Each state has different rules,