What Suplies Do YOU Take to a Show

[GracefulBantams]

I realize there are probably a hundred or more things one "could" take to a poultry show to help get your birds looking their best. But, what I want to know is what YOU take with you. There is no right or wrong answer, I am just seeing if/what I need to add to my little box of supplies

Thanks!

 

[Pathfinders]

I wrote a whole article about this, see it here:

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

But here's my list (easy for me to remember, I was just at a show today!):

- Your NPIP form, and health certificates if needed.
- Food (or scratch) and water for all your birds. It sometimes helps them to drink if you start adding ACV to their water several weeks before the show, so if you run out of your own water you can add some ACV to the water at the show and the birds will recognize the taste.
- An extra water jug and or watering can.
- Your own water cups (caveat, DO NOT mark them with your name anywhere but on the bottom, this is a no-no in the showroom.)
- Extra shavings, just in case (if you have room.)
- Some Baby Oil, VetRX, or Vaseline, for putting around eyes and beaks to make them shine (not too much!)
- Q-Tips to use for the Baby Oil
- Small plastic cups (I like to reuse the small cups applesauce comes in) to hold the baby oil.
- Some folks use Pink Spray, or Show Sheen to spray their birds with.
- A silk cloth to get the birds shiny and dust-free.
- Paper towels, you never know if you'll need some.
- Baby wipes to remove any last minute stains, or a small bucket and a washcloth.
- A mister bottle in case you can't get at a sink if you need one.
- Nail clippers.
- Nail file.
- Blood stop.
- A small stool to sit on (makes it easier to prep the birds if you can sit down.)
- Clear acetate to put between your cages and another birds (to prevent fighting.)
- Bulldog clips to hold the acetate to the cages.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

My birds aren't on shavings, so their nails and beaks wear down themselves.

I bring:
chair
Pink Spray (Olive Oil Spray)
washcloth
wipes without alcohol
VetRx (in case of high dust)
Baby oil
Adams Flea and Tick

 

[Sooner]

Why the Adams flea & tick? Is it a spray on or what?

 

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
Good idea. You never know when you'll pick up mites from the bird in the next cage. Not a bad idea to give everyone a quick spray around the vent when cooping out (if you have time.)

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I take the flea spray to spray around the vent, like what Pathfinders described for, but I also spray on the legs and feet. The next door neighbor to my bird may have an awful case of leg mites. I want to protect mine before it happens!

AFTER the show, I ALWAYS dust and spray my birds.

 

[pips&peeps]

In addition to most of the items on Pathfinders list, I bring:

tea tree oil for legs
extra numbered leg bands
spray bottle of oxine solution
zip ties
cage locks
antibiotic ointment

I bought a handy little tool box at Home Depot that I pack everything in.

 

[Pathfinders]

This is a great thread! I do bring zip ties and cage locks too, especially at the biggest shows.

And I put diluted Oxine in a small bottle with a dropper and then put a drop or two into water to prevent illness.

I should go check my "show prep kit" to see if there's anything else I forgot.

Thanks everyone, I am compiling a list and will update my webpage with it.

 

[GracefulBantams]

Tahnks for all the input! I have already noticed a few more things I'll be adding to my show kit!
One question, is Pink Spray (a.k.a. Show Sheen) really comperable to Olive Oil spray??

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I prefer Pink Spray because it smells better, but Olive Oil spray is used for the exact same purpose as Pink Spray.


ETA: Use the Olive Oil spray that is purchased in the hair care area. Do NOT get Pam or any of the actual cooking sprays.