P4148

4-H Poultry Chain Project Showmanship Walk-Through

What to Wear

There is no required dress code, but appearance is important:

• Wear clean clothes and shoes.
• Bring extra clothes and shoes to set up your pen and a different set to show.
• Dress neatly and avoid distracting attire.
• A white shirt and dark pants are typical show style.
• Many exhibitors wear white lab coats for showmanship, but this is optional.
• Keep long hair pulled back.
• Avoid chewing gum.

Check-In and Time Slot

• Sign up for a time slot at the registration desk when you arrive.
• Bring your bird to the showmanship arena when it is your turn.
• Place your bird in the cage (provided by the show staff) for the judge.
• Wait to be prompted.

Entering the Ring

• When prompted, remove your bird from the cage and approach the judge confidently.
• Judging begins the moment you approach your bird.
• Always move calmly and gently. The bird should feel secure in your hands.

Your Presentation

• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Maintain eye contact with the judge.
• Present information about your bird, including:
  • breed, variety, and class.
  • comb type.
  • feather condition and coloration.
  • body parts (head to toe).
  • egg color.
  • skin color.
  • temperament.
  • feeding and management practices.
  • any other facts about your bird and its breed.
• Keep your presentation under 5 minutes.

Example Presentation Questions

Expect the judge to ask questions such as:

• “Can you show me the wings of your bird?”
• “What breed is this hen?”
• “Can you point to the bird’s keel? What does it do?”
• “What do you feed your bird and why?”

Note: These are only example questions; each judge will ask different questions.

Callback Round

Some judges may have a callback round for the top contenders to compete. The judge will give you a callback card if you qualify for the callback round.

Not all judges have a callback round; don’t fret if you don’t receive a callback card. If you receive a callback card, come back to the showmanship arena at the time indicated on the card.

The callback round will include more advanced questions than the preliminary showmanship round. These challenging questions will test your knowledge on:

• breed standards.
• poultry health and anatomy.
• management practices.
• industry knowledge.
• decision-making skills.

Example Callback Round Questions

• “What class and variety is your bird according to APA Standard?”
• “What disqualifications would remove this breed from competition?”
• “Can you name two other breeds in the same class as yours?”
• “What are the signs of internal parasites, and how do you treat them?”
• “Describe the respiratory system of a bird and one disease that affects it.”
• “Why is biosecurity important, and how do you practice it at home?”
• “What would you do if one of your birds started limping today?”
• “Name two differences between commercial egg production and backyard flocks.”
• “If you had to select a pen of birds for someone else, what three things would you look for first?”

Note: These are only example questions; each judge will ask different questions.

Publication 4148 (POD-10-25)

By Tannah Christensen, Extension Instructor, Poultry Science.