Ameraucana Breeders Club

The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club => Exhibiting & Promoting => Topic started by: Stephan Roaque on July 10, 2020, 10:55:33 PM

Title: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Stephan Roaque on July 10, 2020, 10:55:33 PM
We are getting ready for our County Fair here in a couple weeks. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting the best look and/or shine out of your birds for shows?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Don on July 10, 2020, 11:39:28 PM
Steve there are numerous threads in the forum that discuss several individual approaches to show conditioning and prep, and there should be one in the breeder's handbook in your membership package. In addition take a look at some of the various articles available at the PSC site on the link below. They are very simple but will give you a place to start and then practice what works for you. And feel free to ask questions. Even when you are at the shows most people are happy to answer questions about their birds and how they get ready for the shows. The washing routine with three buckets of water has been used for generations. The soaps and other additives vary per color and personal taste. Just give it a try and see what tweeks work best for you, your variety and your family. 
     https://www.poultryshowcentral.com/Fancy_101.html

In one of the older handbooks there was an article written about cage training and posing birds written by member Patty Pickard several years ago. This is a similar article she wrote for her waterfowl to give you an idea of her zeal for the hobby. Her site also has a couple articles on housing. Cage training can take place in any number of cages so don't feel like you have to buy actual show cages. But feeding treats to make the birds helps a lot, and encourages them to come forward when a person approaches. One other aspect with AMs is to keep the birds separate with wood dividers so they can't pick beards. Many males in breeding groups will be devoid of beards and muffs because of this habit.   
    http://www.faithvalleywaterfowl.com/art_of_cage_training.html
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Lindsay Helton on July 11, 2020, 12:09:38 AM
We are getting ready for our County Fair here in a couple weeks. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting the best look and/or shine out of your birds for shows?  Thanks!

The folks in charge of the APA Education and Training website are working on gathering show prep articles. Sharing this link to have on hand for the future as it will gradually fill with more articles. Feel free to send me a PM with any specific questions you have regarding conditioning or show prep.

http://apaeducationandtraining.org/
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Birdcrazy on July 11, 2020, 12:55:06 AM
Stephan, I like to use Blue Ribbon Show Shampoo on my birds. I give a bath 4-5 days before the show. Start with a tub with shampoo, then rinse by dipping in 3 more successive tubs of water. I found that 10 gal totes filled about 3/4 full works well for LF. Start with the first tote filled with shampoo and warm water. Then dip the bird in the second tote of warm water, then the 3rd tote of warm water, then finally the 4th tote of warm water. Then I use a bath towel to dry the bird off. Put the bird in a clean cage and let it preen itself. They recommend not to use a hair dryer as this will sometimes curl and misshape feathers. You can do several birds and when the water starts to get fairly dirty, just start over with new shampoo and rinse totes. On show day just a touch up with a damp rag if needed. I get my Blue Ribbon Shampoo from Smith Poultry And Gamebird Supply out of Bucyrus KS.(just south of Kansas City, Kansas). They also travel and sell at various poultry shows. Good luck at your County Fair!!!!!!
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Stephan Roaque on July 14, 2020, 10:43:40 AM
Thanks all to the replies. I’m more looking for what you all do. We have used the 3 bucket route for a few years now. Just wanted to get some extra tips or tricks that may help us. I will look at the links and ask questions as they come along. So again thanks!
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Lindsay Helton on January 21, 2021, 01:41:34 PM
Stephan, I like to use Blue Ribbon Show Shampoo on my birds. I give a bath 4-5 days before the show. Start with a tub with shampoo, then rinse by dipping in 3 more successive tubs of water. I found that 10 gal totes filled about 3/4 full works well for LF. Start with the first tote filled with shampoo and warm water. Then dip the bird in the second tote of warm water, then the 3rd tote of warm water, then finally the 4th tote of warm water. Then I use a bath towel to dry the bird off. Put the bird in a clean cage and let it preen itself. They recommend not to use a hair dryer as this will sometimes curl and misshape feathers. You can do several birds and when the water starts to get fairly dirty, just start over with new shampoo and rinse totes. On show day just a touch up with a damp rag if needed. I get my Blue Ribbon Shampoo from Smith Poultry And Gamebird Supply out of Bucyrus KS.(just south of Kansas City, Kansas). They also travel and sell at various poultry shows. Good luck at your County Fair!!!!!!

Gordon, is this still where you get your show shampoo? A member is on the lookout for the Blue Ribbon shampoo.
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Birdcrazy on January 21, 2021, 02:23:42 PM
Yes Lindsay, this is where I buy my Blue Ribbon Show Shampoo. They always seem to have it in stock. I last purchased some in October, just before our North Central District Meet. Their catalog is on their website. If I remember right they quit printing a hard copy last summer due to fluctuating prices. If your party has trouble finding the website just give John or Terry Smith a call at 913-879-2587 - 7:30 A. M. - 3 P. M  CST  Monday-Friday.       

 

 Minimum order $10.00
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Birdcrazy on January 21, 2021, 02:48:47 PM
The Blue Ribbon Shampoo is in their catalog. Click on Disinfectants, wormers, pesticides, and live traps in the left hand column. Blue Ribbon Show Shampoo is about 1/3 down the page. 8oz $10.00.
Title: Re: Bird prep and what not
Post by: Lindsay Helton on January 21, 2021, 04:25:49 PM
Thank you Gordon!