Where is the learning in showing? Exhibitors? Judges?

[Cloverleaf Farm]

wow Bob, your avatar is AMAZING!!!

 

[poltroon]

I would agree with the OP that it has been hard to find information and to dig in. Even just three years later, it is better than when my daughter started, with a lot more online references and places to connect to information. Poultry Press is not easy to find until you lever yourself in somehow. Most of the rules at poultry shows seem to be unwritten... which, I will admit, is not unlike other kinds of showing. There are not as many books out about showing chickens as there are about say, showing horses. And, with horses, there's usually some kind of instructor to lead you through at your first show.

California is a big state, and there don't seem to be any directories of California breeders anywhere. They may be here, but they're all quiet.

4H is out there if you have kids, but if you don't have kids, that's of no help.

 

[Smoky73]

I am sure that there are a lot of good replies given at this thread but I do not want to read them all. First off, if you feel the judges are not forthcoming with info such as the rabbit shows you describe, that is the way poultry shows are. Each species judges differently, and rabbit judges are trained much differently than poultry judges.
If you want answers to your questions, ASK them! However, as noted by other people, Poultry judges have a lot of differnt breeds to judge and usually MANY birds, so they will not be able to discuss things with the exhibitors till after all the judging is OVER. MOST of the time, judges are willing to answer questions unless they have to fly out or leave right away after the show for scheduling issues. Plus, also keep in mind that while judges are supposed to be "unbiased" to different breed, there are some who totally HATE some breeds (Have had this happen) and will place them all poorly. Saw a judge one time who totally refused to handle the silkies in a featherleg class so another judge had to judge them. Judges in poultry are often rushed, and they can miss things and mistakes occur.


The best thing to do is ask other exhibitors about the breed your curious about or if you are showing, ask others who show the same thing. I know I NEVER have a shortage of people asking questions to me at a show and no question is too stupid to ask. Heck, I even gave a AI demonstration last weekend to a few ladies from here. I give all the answers I can, it is good to spread around what you know to get others int he hobby.

 

[TK Poultry]

I agree with the OP, its harder to learn in poultry than it is in say goats (I showed goats for a while so I will draw my parallels from that). I find if you approach a judge then you will get the answers you are looking for. I have found that if you don't approach people you will never learn anything! I just had to get that through my head. I'm very shy and I don't like that nervous feeling talking to new people some people call it snobby but I'm just shy and nervous. But I had to overcome that to get anywhere and I have learned more by just emailing and speaking with people than anything it has been invaluable. Your best resource is places like this. Use it to your best ability. Poultry shows are just like a face to face BYC! It took awhile to realize for me but I finally got there

 

[Mrs. Turbo]

I agree with BOB....you need to find a master breeder, or one that does well and knows what they are talking about, that is willing to answer your questions. I don't know about you, but I learn more from hands on than reading from a book. You can also find other exhibitors that have been showing for a while. Show that you are interested and most of them are willing to help you out. Then there are some that are way too competitive and way to serious to help anyone.

 

[greathorse]

In my opinion it is also the responsibility of the person showing to do some work to do some reading and to have some idea what they have in terms of stock. If you have a hatchery stock bird that is showing against some very nice breeder stock I think the answer to the question is obvious. I judge a fair number of horse shows and I am sometimes in shock at the horses hauled to a show and after the show the person wants to know the faults. Many times it is just obvious and barely merits comment.

I agree judges should share when asked if they have the time, but please have some idea what you put in the pen.


ETA: If you havent compared your birds to the standard in my opinion they should still be in your yard

 

[kswaterfowl]

You need to find as many books as you can and read as much as you can. When we first started we had an EXCELLENT 4-H leader, and I learned a lot from him, his knowledge was so great. There are MANY excellent books that would be advantageous to those starting.

 

[NYREDS]

Quote:
Not sure what "Poultry Press is not easy to find until you lever yourself in somehow" means. Poultry Press is a subscription publication with a website. All you have to do is subscribe & you'll find it in your mailbox every month.
As to most of the rules at poultry shows being unwrittem that's simply not true. Both the APA & the ABA have published show rules. Organizations that sponsor shows send out entry materials to prospective exhibitors & any local rules are included therein.

 

[Brody's Broodello]

Quote:

I completely agree! I showed rabbits for years(won Reserve Of Breed at an ARBA Convention) Can honestly say I love showing chickens more than the buns! People are always willing to talk and mentor, and as far as judges, can add tons to the first name friends list. They are always willing to help, after judgeing, and if you ask there are always a few in the crowd showing that would be willing to help. The next time you go to a show, ask at the secretary's table, and they will be glad to point out someone who can answer your questions. But if you enjoy the rabbit showing so much more, than maybe poultry shows are not for you.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
http://www.poultrypress.com/
Go to the above link and click the " click here to subscribe" tab, fill out the information form and pay the $26.00 a year and it will be in you mail box. No "having to lever yourself in somehow".

Chris