FAQs
Poultry project frequently asked questions.
Who do I contact if I need help with my project?
Start with your county UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Agent. He or she has the contacts/information you need to be successful in your project. Never be afraid to ask questions or for help!
What is showmanship?
Your ability to handle your bird and your poultry knowledge is the focus of showmanship. You'll interact one-on-one with an experienced poultry judge demonstrating the steps of showmanship, breed knowledge, and general poultry knowledge. Attitude, appearance, speaking ability, care, management skills, and willingness to follow instructions are all on stage.
Showmanship classes are divided by 4-H age divisions:
- Cloverbud – 5-7 years old
- Junior – 8-10 years old
- Intermediate – 11-13 years old
- Senior – 14-18 years old
How will I learn how to show my birds?
Participate in the Poultry Perfection Workshop. We’ll teach you how to wash and show your birds. Then, you need to practice your showmanship skills at home. The more your work with your bird, the calmer it will likely be at the show.
We’ll also teach you how to wash and groom your bird for the show.
What should I wear for showmanship?
Dress nicely and neatly for the show. Wear a 4-H shirt or a white or green shirt tucked in. Wear pants and closed toed shoes.
How will my birds be judged?
Breed characteristics are based on the American Standard of Perfection published by the American Poultry Association. These should be used as guidelines. Perfection is not expected of youth projects.
Birds should be free of defects such as these:
- Deformed beak - beak does not line up or is broken
- Deformed or odd number of toes
- Red eyes
- Crooked neck or back
- Broken or missing feathers
- Intact comb free of scars or blemishes
What is a Skill-A-Thon?
This is a hands-on contest for you to show off what you have learned throughout your project. There may be questions on identifying breeds of chickens, how to set up a brooder, types of combs and how to choose the correct feed. You’ll learn this information during your project and at the Poultry Perfection Workshop.
What do I need to bring on show day?
- Baby wipes
- Olive oil or mineral oil
- Q-tips
You’ll put your bird in an assigned cage with a waterer provided. Per the judge, birds will not be fed. Right before judging, gently clean its head and feet with wipes. You can also apply mineral oil or olive oil with a Q-tip to its comb, wattle and beak. Rub oil onto its legs and feet for extra shine.