Here you can find out more about Showing chickens in showmanship and in the coop show.
Showmanship:
Poultry Showmanship
Showmanship is a wonderful activity offered only to youth 18 and under. To sum it up briefly, Showmanship is the act of showing off your bird to its absolute best. Your bird must be clean, in good condition, and well-trained, and you must know everything about your bird, the breed, as well as, other breeds and information from the Standard of Perfection. It is recommended that showmen be a member of a club, such as 4H, FFA, or Grange, but showing as an "independent" is accepted as well. There are 5 major steps to poultry showmanship (and a few minor steps that usually fall under, or occur, in another step): Walking the Bird, Appearance, Knowledge, Examination, and Caging. There is no order in which these steps appear; the judge will ask you to perform each one as needed. Each step will be covered in detail below.
WALKING THE BIRD
Somewhere in the show room, there will be a table on which to walk your bird. Obviously, your bird must be trained to obey you at this step more than any other step. I recommend using a collapsible pointer (they look like car antennas!) and adjust it proportionately to the size of your bird. You can use dowels and sticks too, however, these just don't look as professional.
Start by training your bird to stay put on a table. There's nothing worse than having your bird fly off the table during the show. I set up a 6 foot table in my garage and covered it with an old carpet remnant. Entice you bird with his
favorite treat and lead him around the table. Grab him if he looks like he is preparing to fly off. After a few tries, he'll get the idea. Now begin training your bird to follow your instructions using the pointer. Tapping the inner side of the hackle will make your bird turn, and tapping the outer side of the saddle/cushion will make your bird move forward. Start training your bird to this method by tapping "fairly" hard. Eventually, the bird will become agitated at the tapping and move away from it. Reward your bird at the end of the table. (I use Gaines Burger dog food -- the kind that looks like small little worms.) I open the plastic wrapper they come in and transfer it to an airtight container. I keep it handy at all times. My birds love them! So, back to training. The "hard tapping" technique applies to turning as well. When your bird starts to obey with minimal tapping, tap lighter and lighter. Patience is the key here, and your bird will respond to the positive reward system.
APPEARANCE
You must be clean and tidy for showmanship!
KNOWLEDGE
This is the part where most people lose points. The judge will ask you a series of questions derived from the American Standard of Perfection (this is the poultry exhibitor's Bible). Purchase the Standard and read it for 10-20 minutes each day. Talk to breeders, judges, and fellow showmen. It's amazing how much you can learn just by talking! Create study guides, get together with poultry friends and have a study party, or make flash cards. It's important that you know this material!
EXAMINATION
Examination is probably the most important part of showmanship. You must have control of your bird and stay calm. There are 9 steps to Examination and they must be done in a specific order. Basically, you move from the head downward. Some judges will ask you to explain what you are doing as you carry out the examine. Other judges will ask the entire group to conduct the exam in unison. Still other judges will have you conduct the examine one at a time. Expect anything. Be prepared!
You have now completed the examination. Return the bird to its normal position. Remember that you can take as long as you need. It's better to be thorough and be the last person finished than rush through the examination. Make sure that the judge acknowledges all of your measurements.
CAGING
Caging is very simple. When the judge calls upon you to cage your bird, acknowledge the judge with a nod, walk over to the cage, turn and face the judge and wait. The judge will nod thus giving you a cue to place your bird in the cage. Open, place, pose, lock, wait. When the judge tells you to remove your bird, take it out and wait until you are told to return.
Moody's Bantams.
Showmanship is a wonderful activity offered only to youth 18 and under. To sum it up briefly, Showmanship is the act of showing off your bird to its absolute best. Your bird must be clean, in good condition, and well-trained, and you must know everything about your bird, the breed, as well as, other breeds and information from the Standard of Perfection. It is recommended that showmen be a member of a club, such as 4H, FFA, or Grange, but showing as an "independent" is accepted as well. There are 5 major steps to poultry showmanship (and a few minor steps that usually fall under, or occur, in another step): Walking the Bird, Appearance, Knowledge, Examination, and Caging. There is no order in which these steps appear; the judge will ask you to perform each one as needed. Each step will be covered in detail below.
WALKING THE BIRD
Somewhere in the show room, there will be a table on which to walk your bird. Obviously, your bird must be trained to obey you at this step more than any other step. I recommend using a collapsible pointer (they look like car antennas!) and adjust it proportionately to the size of your bird. You can use dowels and sticks too, however, these just don't look as professional.
Start by training your bird to stay put on a table. There's nothing worse than having your bird fly off the table during the show. I set up a 6 foot table in my garage and covered it with an old carpet remnant. Entice you bird with his
favorite treat and lead him around the table. Grab him if he looks like he is preparing to fly off. After a few tries, he'll get the idea. Now begin training your bird to follow your instructions using the pointer. Tapping the inner side of the hackle will make your bird turn, and tapping the outer side of the saddle/cushion will make your bird move forward. Start training your bird to this method by tapping "fairly" hard. Eventually, the bird will become agitated at the tapping and move away from it. Reward your bird at the end of the table. (I use Gaines Burger dog food -- the kind that looks like small little worms.) I open the plastic wrapper they come in and transfer it to an airtight container. I keep it handy at all times. My birds love them! So, back to training. The "hard tapping" technique applies to turning as well. When your bird starts to obey with minimal tapping, tap lighter and lighter. Patience is the key here, and your bird will respond to the positive reward system.
- Stay patient! Remember, your bird has a brain no bigger than a pea, he won't learn right away!
- If your bird just won't work because he's too agitated or having a bad day, put him back in his coop for a while. Let him relax and start again.
- Tame your bird by wrapping him in a towel and bringing him in your house for an hour or two. Stay calm. He needs to get used to you; to feel comforrtable around you. Or, take a cushion into the coop, bring a book, your homework, or something, and just sit in the coop for an hour each day for about a week. It is imperative that your bird becomes accustomed to you.
APPEARANCE
You must be clean and tidy for showmanship!
- If you're a member of a club, wear the club's official dress (i.e. FFA: white shirt, white pants, FFA jacket, tie/scarf, boots, belt)! If showing independent, wear white pants, a nice, simple shirt (preferably button-up and white), a belt, and boots. Nothing flashy! Don't wear brightly colored belts with studs the size of a quarter. Simple leather belts are best for Showmanship.
- Do NOT get dirty! You'll be marked down! Stay in clothes that can get dirty and then change before your class. They make you wear white for a reason... to test whether or not you can stay clean in them. Also, minimal to no jewelry. Hair should be clean and neat, ideally pulled away from face in a ponytail or pigtails.
- Remember every part of your uniform. Each piece is important. 4-H members have a tie/scarf, white button-up shirt, hat, white pants, belt, and boots. FFA members have a jacket, tie/scarf, white button-up shirt, white pants, belt, and boots. Independents need a white button-up shirt, white pants, belt, and boots; a hat and tie/scarf are optional.
KNOWLEDGE
This is the part where most people lose points. The judge will ask you a series of questions derived from the American Standard of Perfection (this is the poultry exhibitor's Bible). Purchase the Standard and read it for 10-20 minutes each day. Talk to breeders, judges, and fellow showmen. It's amazing how much you can learn just by talking! Create study guides, get together with poultry friends and have a study party, or make flash cards. It's important that you know this material!
EXAMINATION
Examination is probably the most important part of showmanship. You must have control of your bird and stay calm. There are 9 steps to Examination and they must be done in a specific order. Basically, you move from the head downward. Some judges will ask you to explain what you are doing as you carry out the examine. Other judges will ask the entire group to conduct the exam in unison. Still other judges will have you conduct the examine one at a time. Expect anything. Be prepared!
- HEAD - Point the bird towards yourself and examine the head. Check that everything is symmetrical, the proper color, part, and size, and check for any possible parasites, such as lice.
- WINGS - Starting with the bird's right wing, carefully grab at the wrist and the wing will unfold with a gentle tug. Make sure that all 10 primaries are there, check the axil feather, check for wing mites, check for proper color and size. Let go of the wing and smooth it out. Repeat for the other wing.
- UNDERCOLOR - Undercolor refers to the color of the fluff underneath the feathers and of the skin. Slide your finger under the hackle feathers (base of neck), gently lift up, blow at the fluff, and smooth the feathers when done. Your are checking for proper color of skin and fluff and mites. Do the same for the saddle/cushion feathers (base of tail).
- WIDTH OF BODY - The width of the body is an indicator of the birds reproductivity. The wider the hips, the better the layer or breeder. Place your thumb and pointer finger in both arm pits - or wing pits - and run your hand down the body. Show the judge your measurement.
- BREAST - This step can be difficult. It requires you to hold the bird upside down while maintaining complete control. Turn the bird towards you, turn the bird upside down, carefully grab the hocks with one hand while supporting the breast with your other hand, let the bird slide slowly into a comfortable position. When you feel your bird is ready, take your supportive hand and feel the keel bone (otherwise known as the breast bone, it is long and skinny). Check for breaks and smoothness. Show the judge the length of the keel using your thumb and index finger.
- VENT - The vent is the "exit" of the bird. You won't be checking the bum itself but more the area around it. Slip the bird under your arm so that the vent is facing outward. Lift the tail, blow on the fluff, and check for mites, cleanliness, and signs of illness. Keep the bird under your arm for the next 2 steps.
- DEPTH OF ABDOMEN - In order to preform this step, you must know the position of 3 bones. You are looking for the end of the keel bone and the 2 pubic bones. You already can find the keel, and the pubic bones are relatively obvious. Just above the vent on both sides, there are two flexible points; these are the pubic bones. In a horizontal position, place as many fingers as possible between the end of the keel and the pubic bones. Show the judge how many fingers fit by holding your hand sideways. You are again checking the reproductivity of the bird. A "deep" or "wide" bird is a good layer and breeder.
- WIDTH BETWEEN PUBIC BONES - Finding the 2 pubic bones once more, fit as many fingers between them as possible. Show the judge your measurement by holding your hand up to down. This is an indicator of the productivity of the bird. In hens, the egg must be able to fit between these bones, hence the importance of flexability and width. In cocks, it's important that they be wide so that they pass this trait on to their female offspring.
- FEET AND LEGS - Check the back of the legs first, and then the front. Your are checking for cleanliness, stubs, scaly leg mites, condition, color, etc.
You have now completed the examination. Return the bird to its normal position. Remember that you can take as long as you need. It's better to be thorough and be the last person finished than rush through the examination. Make sure that the judge acknowledges all of your measurements.
CAGING
Caging is very simple. When the judge calls upon you to cage your bird, acknowledge the judge with a nod, walk over to the cage, turn and face the judge and wait. The judge will nod thus giving you a cue to place your bird in the cage. Open, place, pose, lock, wait. When the judge tells you to remove your bird, take it out and wait until you are told to return.
- Remember to carry your bird to the cage (and back from the cage) by tucking its head or tail under your arm. Make sure that your bird can be seen by the judge.
- When you cage your bird, always cage it and uncage it head first.
- When the bird is in the cage, pose it with its profile facing the judge.
Moody's Bantams.
Coop Show:
PREPARATION FOR THE COOP SHOW:
Good preparation enhances your birds, but there is no substitute for good breeding, feeding and management. It can be time-consuming but should not be rushed, as it is better to take a small team of well prepared birds rather than a large number of poorly prepared ones. Show preparation could well be the difference between a bird with potential and a 'Champion'. Every Fancier has his own methods and techniques for preparing their birds, so I will only provide a general guide which should be a good basis:
All birds need to be pen trained before a show so that they are relaxed on the day. A bird could look a million $'s in the yard, but when its caught the night before, and whacked in the show, they usually sulk and tighten up their feathers. It may also cover the judge in wood shavings when he attempt's to get the bird out of the pen. (very embarrassing for the owner)
Pen training requires the birds being put into a small pen, similar to that at the shows. When penned they need to be handled and fed often which is all part of the training. If possible find a stick (similar to what the judges use) and train the bird to display itself by directing it with the stick. Don't be afraid to talk to the birds either, it seems to naturally calm them down.
Before the show:
* Make sure the legs are not dry and scaly. If they are, rub with vaseline, Olive oil or baby
oil. Sometimes the old scales can be rubbed off using your thumb nail.
* Dirt under the scales of the legs can be removed carefully using a tooth pick.
* Beaks and nails can be trimmed with nail clippers, but make sure you don't cut the blood
nerve.
One week to three days before the show most birds need to be washed, especially birds that have an abundance of plumage or are light in colour. All birds benefit from a wash, but for some dark coloured and hard-feather breeds, its not as critical. Heres how you go about washing your birds:
* Washing consists of 3 tubs which all contain warm water.
Tub 1. contains pure soap or normal hair shampoo.
Tub 2. is the first rinse.
Tub 3. is the final rinse.
feathers with persistent dirt can be scrubbed along the feathers in the first tub (note: don't scrub against the feathers as it may damage the plumage).
The birds can be dried first by using a towel to soak off the excess water, then by using a hair drier. Make sure the bird is NOT dried out fully, as it may make some of the feathers twist. Instead dry it to about 80-90%, then let them finish drying outside in the sun if its warm. Otherwise let them dry
off in front of a heater (making sure they cant get too close as to burn themselves).
The last piece of preparation is to use a rag dipped in oil (baby or olive) to rub on the legs, comb, face and ear lobes to enhance the birds brightness. This can be done the night before or in the morning before the show, but be sure NOT to apply excess oil as to give the bird an oily appearance.
It is important when preparing your bird's that you don't 'fake' its appearance which is a serious disqualification and judges are likely to pick-up. Faking includes colouring plumage and ear lobes or replacing sickle feathers.
NOTE: 'faking' is different from enhancing the birds natural qualities.
SHOW DAY:
To be able to exhibit birds in a show, you will have received a show schedule prior to the show, and filled in an entry form appropriately. This is usually returned to the show secretary a couple of weeks before the show.
Now that your birds have been properly prepared, its just a matter of transporting them to the show and doing a few final touch-ups. Good sturdy cardboard boxes make adequate carry boxes to get your birds to the show. Make sure you add a few ventilation holes, and dry litter to soak up any droppings that may occur.
Arrive at the show in plenty of time too pen your birds. Make sure they have not stepped in droppings, which can easily be washed or wiped off with a rag. Once you have penned your birds, you can relax and talk to other fanciers. After judging you may wish to ask the judge questions.
With enthusiasm and a little luck, you will be on the road to success....
(http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Shows/AndyVardy/showing.html)
Good preparation enhances your birds, but there is no substitute for good breeding, feeding and management. It can be time-consuming but should not be rushed, as it is better to take a small team of well prepared birds rather than a large number of poorly prepared ones. Show preparation could well be the difference between a bird with potential and a 'Champion'. Every Fancier has his own methods and techniques for preparing their birds, so I will only provide a general guide which should be a good basis:
All birds need to be pen trained before a show so that they are relaxed on the day. A bird could look a million $'s in the yard, but when its caught the night before, and whacked in the show, they usually sulk and tighten up their feathers. It may also cover the judge in wood shavings when he attempt's to get the bird out of the pen. (very embarrassing for the owner)
Pen training requires the birds being put into a small pen, similar to that at the shows. When penned they need to be handled and fed often which is all part of the training. If possible find a stick (similar to what the judges use) and train the bird to display itself by directing it with the stick. Don't be afraid to talk to the birds either, it seems to naturally calm them down.
Before the show:
* Make sure the legs are not dry and scaly. If they are, rub with vaseline, Olive oil or baby
oil. Sometimes the old scales can be rubbed off using your thumb nail.
* Dirt under the scales of the legs can be removed carefully using a tooth pick.
* Beaks and nails can be trimmed with nail clippers, but make sure you don't cut the blood
nerve.
One week to three days before the show most birds need to be washed, especially birds that have an abundance of plumage or are light in colour. All birds benefit from a wash, but for some dark coloured and hard-feather breeds, its not as critical. Heres how you go about washing your birds:
* Washing consists of 3 tubs which all contain warm water.
Tub 1. contains pure soap or normal hair shampoo.
Tub 2. is the first rinse.
Tub 3. is the final rinse.
feathers with persistent dirt can be scrubbed along the feathers in the first tub (note: don't scrub against the feathers as it may damage the plumage).
The birds can be dried first by using a towel to soak off the excess water, then by using a hair drier. Make sure the bird is NOT dried out fully, as it may make some of the feathers twist. Instead dry it to about 80-90%, then let them finish drying outside in the sun if its warm. Otherwise let them dry
off in front of a heater (making sure they cant get too close as to burn themselves).
The last piece of preparation is to use a rag dipped in oil (baby or olive) to rub on the legs, comb, face and ear lobes to enhance the birds brightness. This can be done the night before or in the morning before the show, but be sure NOT to apply excess oil as to give the bird an oily appearance.
It is important when preparing your bird's that you don't 'fake' its appearance which is a serious disqualification and judges are likely to pick-up. Faking includes colouring plumage and ear lobes or replacing sickle feathers.
NOTE: 'faking' is different from enhancing the birds natural qualities.
SHOW DAY:
To be able to exhibit birds in a show, you will have received a show schedule prior to the show, and filled in an entry form appropriately. This is usually returned to the show secretary a couple of weeks before the show.
Now that your birds have been properly prepared, its just a matter of transporting them to the show and doing a few final touch-ups. Good sturdy cardboard boxes make adequate carry boxes to get your birds to the show. Make sure you add a few ventilation holes, and dry litter to soak up any droppings that may occur.
Arrive at the show in plenty of time too pen your birds. Make sure they have not stepped in droppings, which can easily be washed or wiped off with a rag. Once you have penned your birds, you can relax and talk to other fanciers. After judging you may wish to ask the judge questions.
With enthusiasm and a little luck, you will be on the road to success....
(http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Shows/AndyVardy/showing.html)