The wonderful world of poultry shows is in full swing

Time to have a go!’ says Grant Brereton who explains how to get the best from your first entry

- 

If you’ve seen my last couple of articles in The Country Smallholder, I’ve focused a lot on urging readers to have a go at showing their much-treasured chickens. Although it’s an engaging and rewarding experience, it can still be quite nervy when dipping your toe into the water. But what I would say is that, now more than ever, show societies will really appreciate any enthusiasm that comes in the form of entries at their events. Showing is a fantastic way to learn about the breed(s) you keep, and to be in amongst like-minded individuals. The last five years have been devastating for the show scene and pure breed numbers, so support is very much needed.

Remember also, that it’s not only newcomers who get nervous about showing. Recent chats with ‘seasoned exhibitors’ suggest that a few years without shows - and the normality of it all - will take a bit of getting used to. You might feel nervous that your chickens don’t fully conform to their breed’s standard, but then a respected and decorated exhibitor has the [perceived] pressure of showing stock to the same standard they did in the past. It’s not necessarily easy, particularly for those who keep and show large chickens, because the big shows are now earlier in the year for their comeback events, and it’s difficult to have youngsters mature enough in time.

SIGNIFICANT SHOWS FOR POULTRY ENTHUSIASTS