TRAINING YOUR BIRDS FOR SHOWING

topender · **Joined:** Sun May 29, 2011 9:54 am **Posts:** 30

I agree with all the positive comments re info on showing chickens. Does anyone have advice on preparing turkeys for showing? I've never seen turkey judging, so I don't know what's expected, especially with respect to handling them. For example, are breeders supposed to take the turkeys out of their show cages for judging? I would like to enter some of my turkeys in this year's Show.

oozcorpse · **Joined:** Sun Nov 04, 2007 8:15 am **Posts:** 2715

make sure they are clean - use a beach towel wrapped around them firmly to get them into their transport cage so they dont damage wings and do same to get them out and into their cages at the show - some judges judge on site alone others handle the birds some make them walk in an enclosed area supervised by several stewards as well as handling = either way you will NOT be allowed near the birds to handle them on the judges behalf = you will have to stay at a small distance (at least 3-5mts) and observe SILENTLY

topender · **Joined:** Sun May 29, 2011 9:54 am **Posts:** 30

Thanks Soozorps. I'm looking forward to this next stage of poultry farming. All advice gratefully received. It sounds like quieter turkeys would be a much better experience for a judge!
What do you recommend as transport cages to a show? I'm told that the exhibition cages are provided.

Retrobreeds · **Joined:** Sun May 26, 2013 11:45 am **Posts:** 1

Trust me most judges will not handle turkeys if they dont have too they are a pain to judge and rarely cooperate

pigmini · **Joined:** Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:39 pm **Posts:** 1

sooz wrote:

make sure they are clean - use a beach towel wrapped around them firmly to get them into their transport cage so they dont damage wings and do same to get them out and into their cages at the show - some judges judge on site alone others handle the birds some make them walk in an enclosed area supervised by several stewards as well as handling = either way you will NOT be allowed near the birds to handle them on the judges behalf = you will have to stay at a small distance (at least 3-5mts) and observe SILENTLY

Do you leave the towel on during transport?

Raf · **Posted:** Thu Dec 05, 2013 4:11 pm

I think you would no reason why not

Raf

jp · **Joined:** Sat Jun 06, 2015 5:57 pm **Posts:** 77

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Not true I handle my fowls for judges and have done for 20 year

sue55 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2019 8:09 am

What ever happened to the Troll? is she dead or something? maybe off trolling others?

Katy · **Posted:** Mon Oct 14, 2024 2:14 pm

Yeh good question but with a name like 'oozcorps' I think that's a good think as it sound a bit stiff

Andrew James · **Posted:** Mon Dec 02, 2024 11:39 am

Roy P wrote:

Instructions
Things You'll Need:
Nail Clippers (human or avian)
Nail File or Emery Board
Silk Cloth
Soft Rag
Hairspray or feather conditioner
Petroleum Jelly or Light Natural Oil

1 Thoroughly bathe the chicken, paying special attention to the legs and feet. The legs should be free from mites and the feet and toes should have no dirt whatsoever. This is especially important for feather-footed breeds.

2 When the bird is dry, trim the beak with either nail clippers or a beak trimmer designed for birds. Do not trim the beak short. Only remove the excess length on the upper beak so that it meets evenly with the lower beak. File any rough edges off with a nail file.

3 Trim the toenails with the nail clippers or avian nail clippers. Again, they should not be trimmed short enough to bleed, only to remove the overgrown ends. Long toenails make a bird look neglected and sloppy, and can also be grounds for disqualification.

4 Polish the chicken's feathers with a silk cloth to get the maximum sheen. Rub in the direction of feather growth until a sheen appears.

5 Apply hairspray to the feathers to set them and give them a finishing touch, and also to repel dirt. Do not spray the bird directly. Spray a soft cloth, and then pass the cloth over the bird to coat the feathers. Aqua Net hairspray works well. Poultry supply houses also sell feather dressings especially for shows.

6 Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly or a natural oil such as olive oil to the legs, comb, wattles and earlobes to make them stand out and to give them a healthy glow. Buff lightly with a soft cloth.

7 Keep the bird clean until show time. If necessary, apply another coat of hair spray to smooth the feathers just before placing the bird in the show cage.

Read more: How to Groom a Chicken For a Poultry Show | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5964075_groom-c ... z1EXqy2490

This is so good information Roy than657

one day I want to get some quality fowls and maybe show some one day maybe in 15-20 years

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