Glenn Drowns - Showing Poultry

DUCK PAIR. Though often overlooked, ducks make an excellent poultry project.

Deciding where to show can be challenging in some areas of the country and easier in others. Nearly every county fair in the United States has a place for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) showing, and many also have open class (non-4-H, non-FFA members) shows in conjunction with these youth events. State fairs are also an option for many and the competition will be stiff, and the divisions and classes large.

Other show options are the ones that are sanctioned by the American Poultry Association (APA) or American Bantam Association (ABA) and are put on annually or semiannually by area fancy poultry clubs. (Fancy in this sense does not mean ornamental, but different breeds that are not typically used by large commercial operations.) With regional, state, and (often) national meets for specific breeds, these are great opportunities to see, literally, the best of the best. These shows are routinely advertised in poultry publications and promoted in the magazine/newspaper The Poultry Press, which has been reporting on show results for well over 100 years.

Dont expect top results the first time you exhibit at an APA- or ABA-sanctioned show. This is where the pros show their birds. And dont be discouraged if you do not do well; just consider it a learning experience and start preparing for the next year.

As early as possible, find out the requirements for the particular show youll be in, as these can vary among states and even among counties in the same state, whether the show is 4-H, sponsored by a poultry club, or professional. For example, limitations on the age of the birds will vary from show to show. In some cases, the birds must all be hatched during a specific time frame, and you will need to provide verification of that. Other shows will require specific breeds, and non-listed breeds will not be allowed.

A key issue is the number of birds allowed per entry. Many 4-H fairs require pairs, or pens of three; others will allow single-bird entries. Here you must follow show guidelines. You may have an outstanding male or female bird, but the contest may require that you show either a pair or a trio or, in some cases, a pen of three of the same sex.

For many years, interest in showing was low and most shows did not have a maximum number of entries an individual could enter. Increased interest has led to limits for many shows. Before you raise 50 birds of top show quality, check the maximum entry limits. Most fairs have an entry fee, which can be as small as 25 cents or as steep as $3 plus per entry. All of this information can be found in the show entry guidelines and, in many cases, on a website.

Entry forms are usually self-explanatory. They require information such as band numbers, gender, and whether your bird is in the pullet/cockerel grouping or the hen/rooster grouping.