Chickens that are bred and raised for the purpose of being shown in poultry shows are known as show chickens. There are many different breeds and varieties of chickens that can be shown competitively. The specific traits and characteristics that make a good show chicken can vary depending on the breed and the type of show. However, in general, show chickens are bred and selected for their adherence to the Standard of Perfection for their breed as established by the American Poultry Association (APA) or the American Bantam Association (ABA).
Breeds Commonly Seen in Poultry Shows
While there are hundreds of recognized chicken breeds, some of the most common breeds seen in poultry shows include:
- Plymouth Rock
- Rhode Island Red
- Wyandotte
- Leghorn
- Cochin
- Orpington
- Silkie
- Brahma
- Australorp
- Cornish
- Polish
- Hamburg
- Sultan
- Modern Game
- Old English Game
- Araucana
- Ameraucana
- Delaware
- New Hampshire
- Marans
These breeds stand out for their popularity among poultry enthusiasts and breeders and for conforming well to the breed standards. However, many other breeds and varieties are exhibited in shows. The specific breeds and types of birds entered into a show will depend on the show’s rules and regulations.
Show Chicken Conformation
The most important trait of a good show chicken is excellent conformation to the breed standard. This means that the chicken’s physical appearance closely matches the ideal description for its breed in size, shape, colors, comb type, plumage condition, and more as outlined in the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection or the American Bantam Association’s Bantam Standard.
Here are some key areas of conformation judges evaluate:
- Comb and Wattles – The comb and wattles should match the description for the breed. The comb should be straight, firmly attached, and free of side sprigs or other defects. Wattles should be smooth and well-rounded.
- Head – The head should be proportional to the body, clean, and free of wrinkles and creases.
- Eyes – Eyes should be large, bright, and prominent. The eye color varies by breed.
- Beak – The beak should be properly shaped, meet correctly, and be free of crossing or twisting.
- Neck – The neck should be medium in length, nicely arched, and blend smoothly into the hackle feathers.
- Back – A long, broad, and straight back that slightly slopes upwards from tail to head is ideal.
- Wings – Wings should be large, neat, and held tightly against the body.
- Tail – The tail should be fully feathered and carried at the proper angle for the breed. Sickles, coverts, and main tail feathers should be intact.
- Legs and Toes – Legs should be straight and widely set. Toes should be properly numbered with no extra or missing toes.
- Plumage – Feathers should be abundant, smooth, and neat. No torn feathers or missing plumage.
- Conditioning – The chicken should be healthy and alert. Comb and wattles should be bright red. The bird should be properly preened and clean.
By selecting birds that excel in these areas compared to the breed standard description, breeders can produce show-quality flocks.
Disqualifications in Show Chickens
While excellent conformation is vital for show chickens, they must also completely avoid any defects or faults that would lead to disqualification. Some disqualifications that will render a chicken ineligible for competition include:
- Missing or extra toes
- Crooked or otherwise deformed beak
- Crooked back
- Crooked or slipped wing
- Squirrel tail
- Wry or crooked tail
- Blindness in one or both eyes
- Deafness
- Misshapen or unmatched comb or wattles
- Signs of disease
- External parasites
- Stubs
- Feather plucking
- Broken bones
- Evidence of dyeing, plucking, or other fakery
By culling any birds with disqualifiable defects from their breeding pool, show chicken breeders can focus on only the best specimen. Proper breeding, incubation, hatching, rearing, nutrition, and preparation is required to minimize any potential disqualifications.
Temperament
In addition to their physical appearance, a show chicken must have a proper temperament to be shown successfully. Aggressive, noisy, restless, or flighty chickens will not show well. Judges must be able to handle and examine each bird, so calm docile birds with excellent temperaments are desired.
Breed can factor into temperament. In general, heavier chicken breeds tend to be calmer than active lighter breeds. But within any breed, behavior and temperament can be improved through proper socialization, training, and care.
Some tips for promoting good temperaments in show chickens include:
- Regular gentle handling from a young age
- Avoiding overcrowding to minimize stress
- Positive reinforcement with treats during training
- Getting accustomed to being placed in crates or cages
- Exposure to crowds, noises, and people
- Keeping to a routine prior to shows
Putting in this effort makes show chickens much easier to transport and handle at competitions.
Selecting and Preparing Show Chickens
Here is an overview of the process of selecting and preparing chickens for exhibition:
Choosing Candidates
It starts with acquiring chickens from breeds recognized by the APA and ABA that excel in meeting the standard description for their variety. Chicks and juvenile birds are examined for potential disqualifications. Only the top specimens showing promise in conformation are kept as show bird candidates.
Daily Care
Proper feeding and housing is essential for show chickens. They need a balanced diet with sufficient protein and nutrients. Keeping their enclosure clean, predator-proof, and equipped with adequate food, water, perches, and nest boxes supports health. Regular exercise in a run is also beneficial.
Training and Socialization
Early and frequent handling, examination, mock judging, and training prepares show chickens for the exhibition experience. Exposure to sounds, objects, and activities they will encounter in shows keeps them calm.
Improving Appearance
Various techniques can refine the chicken’s appearance. Trimming feather ends that detract from color or clean lines may be done. Bathing with a mild soap removes stains and oils from feathers. Preening feathers into alignment enhances the look prior to judging. Use of cosmetic products is restricted.
Transport
Show chickens travel to competitions in well-ventilated and protected crates. Providing water and feed during transport and minimizing stress is important. They may require health checks or vaccinations before entering certain exhibitions.
Show Chicken Classes and Categories
Chickens are divided into specific classes and categories at competitions. The class refers to the bird’s age, and the category denotes the breed and sex. Some common show classes include:
- Cockerel – Male chicken less than 1 year old
- Pullet – Female chicken less than 1 year old
- Cock – Male chicken over 1 year old
- Hen – Female chicken over 1 year old
The categories are very specific and separate chickens by breed, variety, and sex. For example, a category may be “Black Cochin Bantam Cockerel” or “Light Brahma Large Fowl Hen.”
Shows also group entries into divisions:
- Standard – Full-sized chicken breeds
- Bantam – Miniature chicken breeds
- Feather Leg – Breeds with heavily feathered legs and feet
Within each category, the judge will rank the entries and award prizes and accolades to the top finishers. The ultimate prize is Best of Show, given to the single most exceptional chicken entry in the entire exhibition.
Housing for Show Chickens
Proper housing for show chickens is important to keep them in excellent health, condition, and appearance. Their coop and run area should meet the following requirements:
- Predator-proof with hardware cloth enclosing any openings
- Thick bedding material such as pine shavings on the floor
- Perches at various heights made of rounded wood for grip
- Nest boxes for hens to lay eggs in privacy
- Ventilation to prevent moisture buildup
- Windows or lighting to allow daylight
- Easy access for cleaning and egg collection
- Ample space – minimum 2-3 sq ft per bird inside and 8-10 sq ft per bird in outdoor runs
The coop should be kept clean through frequent changing of bedding material and removal of droppings. Providing roosts and boxes at varying heights caters to different sized breeds. Nest box curtains, low light levels, and seclusion help reduce stressed hens from egg eating or cannibalism.
Show chickens should not be overcrowded. They need adequate room to move around freely both indoors and outside. Overcrowding causes stress, feather picking, injuries, and poor development.
While show chickens are pampered, they still need an environment resembling their natural habitat. This includes opportunities to perch, dust bathe, forage, and engage in behaviors that encourage normal development and feathering.
Nutrition and Feed for Show Chickens
Feeding show chickens a proper diet is crucial for proper growth and health. Their feed should have:
- 16-20% protein content from sources like soybean meal and fish meal
- 2.5-4% calcium from oyster shell or limestone
- Vitamins E, A, D3, and B12
- Vegetable oil, flax, or fatty acids for sheen
- Antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E to prevent rancidity
They need free access to clean, fresh water at all times. The following guides when and how much to feed show chickens:
Age | Daily Feed Amount |
---|---|
Chicks | Feed starter crumble ad libitum for first 8 weeks |
2-6 months | Free choice grower pellets |
Over 6 months | Free choice layer pellets |
Supplements can enhance sheen and growth. Probiotics improve gut health while oils increase feather luster. Grit aids digestion and calcium supports bone and egg development.
Avoiding obesity is crucial, as excess fat distorts conformation. Feeding measured amounts split into multiple small meals prevents overeating. Providing opportunities for exercise and foraging is beneficial.
Common Health Problems in Show Chickens
Some common health issues seen in show chickens include:
Respiratory Diseases
Show birds are prone to respiratory illnesses like infectious bronchitis, coryza, and mycoplasmosis due to stress and close quarters. Symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and nasal discharge necessitate treatment.
Parasites
Mites, lice, fleas, and worms can thrive in crowded conditions. They irritate the skin and feathers and must be controlled with sprays, dusts, or dewormers.
Marek’s Disease
This contagious viral disease impacts the nervous system. Though chickens are vaccinated, it requires diligent biosecurity practices to exclude.
Fowl Pox
Lesions on the skin, legs, and mouth characterize this viral disease. Isolating and vaccinating affected birds is needed.
Pecking Issues
The close proximity of show chickens can lead to problematic pecking habits. Providing adequate space, enrichment, and nutrition helps prevent issues like vent, feather, and toe pecking developing.
Catching health issues early allows for treatment before chickens become seriously ill or need removal from the show string. Nutrition, cleanliness, and biosecurity are essential preventative measures.
Challenges of Raising Show Chickens
While raising show-quality chickens can be rewarding, there are some challenges involved as well:
- Time commitment – Show chickens need extensive daily care and preparation. Spending long hours training, grooming, and transporting birds for shows requires dedication.
- Housing requirements – Show birds need ample well-outfitted space kept clean and disinfected, increasing labor and costs.
- Biosecurity measures – Strict protocols must be followed to exclude disease and prevent contagion between birds or from other sites.
- Costs – Quality feed, birds from proven lines, veterinary expenses, entry fees, and travel to shows can be pricey.
- Genetics and chance – Even expertly bred chickens may fail to develop correctly or meet standards due to bad luck.
- Training challenges – Some birds are naturally anxious or aggressive despite extensive conditioning efforts.
- Stress – The pressure and commotion of exhibitions are stressful to chickens unaccustomed to crowds and handling.
However, the satisfaction of breeding and showing outstanding chickens makes the efforts worthwhile for many experienced poultry exhibitors.
Tips for Success in Showing Chickens
Here are some tips for successfully showing chickens in competitions:
- Obtain stock from reputable show breeders with excellent bloodlines.
- Study the standards extensively for each breed and variety you raise.
- Consult experienced mentors for guidance on rearing, grooming, training, and handling techniques.
- Provide proper nutrition tailored to each bird’s needs.
- Practice regular manipulations like foot inspections from a young age.
- Accustom birds to transport crates and travel.
- Keep detailed records on each bird’s wins, losses, and traits.
- Learn proper show ring etiquette and presentation.
- Have needed supplies on hand like feed, grooming tools, and documentation.
- Cull non-competitive birds from your show string.
Success begins with starting with quality stock, and continues with dedicated preparation according to established best practices. Learning what judges look for and excelling in presenting your birds advantages them in competition. Continually evaluating and improving your program based on show outcomes helps perfect your showing skills over time.
Costs Associated with Raising Show Chickens
While any chicken hobbyist must account for expenses, those involved in competitive show chicken exhibition incur some unique costs:
- Acquisition fees – Prices for show quality juvenile and adult birds from elite bloodlines range from $50 to over $500 depending on rarity.
- Feed – Show bird feed formulas are more expensive than standard feed, costing $15 to $30 for a 50 lb bag.
- Supplements – Oils, vitamins, minerals and other additives average $10 to $30 monthly.
- Health care – Veterinary visits, vaccines, and medications cost $50 to $300 annually.
- Entry fees – Poultry shows charge an entry fee per bird averaging $5 to $15.
- Caging and supplies – Custom cages, feeders, perches and grooming supplies can run $500 and up.
- Transportation – Fuel and potential lodging for far shows averages $200 to $2000 depending on distance.
With special housing requirements and intensive labor inputs, show chickens have high maintenance. Winning prizes and earnings from breeding stock sales help defray costs long-term.
Rules and Regulations for Poultry Shows
Those participating in poultry shows must adhere to certain rules and regulations. While specific requirements vary, common policies include:
- Entry forms must be accurately completed and submitted by designated deadlines.
- There are class and category limitations on allowable entries.
- Submission of proof of disease testing or vaccinations is mandated.
- Judging times must be strictly followed.
- Handling of birds other than your own entries is forbidden.
- Sick birds are barred from exhibition.
- Use of unnatural products or alterations is prohibited.
- Washing areas after use and keeping cages sanitary is required.
- Exhibitors must follow all biosecurity procedures.
- Prizes and payments must be accepted according to show guidelines.
- Removal of entries before designated release time is not allowed.
Additionally, the show’s sanctioning organization sets standards for bird eligibility. Rules help maintain fairness, organization, and disease control at shows.
Organizations and Associations Involved in Showing Chickens
There are various poultry organizations that play a role in exhibiting chickens and other birds at competitions:
- American Poultry Association (APA) – Sets breed standards and approves judges.
- American Bantam Association (ABA) – Governs bantam breeds and judges.
- 4-H – Youth can exhibit poultry at county fairs and 4-H shows.
- Future Farmers of America (FFA) – School agriculture program hosting poultry exhibitions.
- Specialty breed clubs – Organize shows focused on specific breeds.
- State and county fairs – Host annual shows open to public entries.
These groups sanction shows, provide oversight, make rules, train judges, and promote interest in exhibiting competitive poultry. Membership allows enthusiasts to support these organizations.
Benefits and Rewards of Showing Chickens
What motivates poultry enthusiasts to get involved with showing chickens? There are many benefits and rewards!
- Test and perfect breeding skills by winning recognition
- Contribute to improving breeds by selectively breeding
- Develop expertise in poultry husbandry and management
- Promote interest in backyard and hobby poultry
- Earn prestige and status by winning titles and awards
- Gain social connections within the poultry fancy
- Learn from judges’ feedback on your birds
- Profit from sales of breeding stock and hatching eggs
- Mentor and share knowledge with others
- Take pride in your well-bred, beautifully presented birds
From satisfying personal goals to benefiting the greater poultry community, exhibiting show chickens offers ample rewards to dedicated breeders and fanciers.
Conclusion
Successfully raising and showing chickens takes extensive knowledge, skill, patience, and dedication. The birds must be carefully selected, bred, reared, and conditioned according to established standards for their breed, variety, age, and sex class. Preparing show chickens is labor intensive but rewarding. While challenging, exhibitors can take pride in their well-bred birds achieving recognition in the show ring.