Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[lougarbard]

I have recently been to a couple of local shows and it has definatley got me thinking that I could do that!

With the pekins I think.

Does anyone already show? do you have any advice?

Thanks.

[Space Chick]

I dont show, but I do go to a lot of shows

 

Read up on your breed standards, and get your chickens used to a cage would be my tips.

 

Experienced showers will reply soon no doubt

[Redwing]

I show my barred Wyandotte bantams

 

Start local as a you say, voucher shows are ideal for gaining experience

 

Read up on the standards for your chosen breed, dont clip wings as the bird will most likely never be placed, check comb, eyes, legs and feather patterns are all correct

 

learn to bathe a bird properly and try to keep the birds clean after bathing

 

The Pekin classes are some of the most competative (along with Old English Game bantams, Belgian bantams and Wyandotte bantams) you either love that or hate that!

 

Pekins are tricky as the feathers on their feet really need to be as undamaged and clean as possible, show breeders will keep these indoors (shed/stable) and have them on deep shavings to prevent damage

 

Get the chook used to being in a cage (a dog crate is ideal) and give it treats so it approached anyone that comes near, judges like to see a friendly and alert bird

 

Keep the chook free of lice and mites, present it clean and pen trained on the day and you'll be just fine

 

I highly recommend Dave Scrivener's book on Exhibition Poultry, its an excellent recource, a little complex in places but lots of info for the beginner too

 

If yu need more info on entering for a show. preparation or what t do on the day just let me know

[hardfeather]

I show OEG bantams around the south of england and I would fully recommend showing but be warned once you start you wont want to stop

 

read up on your standards to see how your birds compare and try and work towards the standards.

 

Just make sure your birds are spotless on the day, the judge will appreciate it if you have taken the time to prepare your birds and you will get a lot further

 

hope this helps

[Redwing]

I show OEG bantams around the south of england and I would fully recommend showing but be warned once you start you wont want to stop

 

 

Good point. I forgot to mention how addictive it is

[sparkysmum]

I have shown my lavendar araucana & sablepoots. However please make sure that any birds you show are healthy & resistant to any of the nasty poultry viruses.At larger shows there can be > 1000 birds and in this sort of environment viruses spread like wildfire