Training your fowl can be one of the most important parts in preparing a bird for a show, and although a lot of judges may not admit it to it, they may look differently upon birds which are flighty and jump all over the pavilion compared to a bird which comes to the front of the cage calmly to be examined by the judge.

Training your birds can start from when they are one day old. This is just a simple case of handling them every now and than so that they get used to being around humans and realize there is nothing to fear (that is unless they end up on the chopping block). Training does not have to start at this age but can make it easier in the long run. If they were not handled at day olds which can quiet often be impossible when you breed hundreds of chickens a year, than another little trick is to hand feed them every now and than allowing them to come up to you and just gently being stroked on their head and down their backs. Some may even allow you to pick them up but not always and his should not be done if it causes discomfort to them.

The next step in training your birds is when they are older and about a month away from being entered into a show. For a pullet this could be 9 months of age and up and a cockerel closer to 11 months and over. For this step you will need some training pens a similar size to the pens that they will be exhibited in at the show.

The birds are placed into their own individual cages with food and water. They may panic at first but after a few hours or so should come down considerably although every bird is different and will settle down in their own time. Make sure the cages are in a safe place free from drafts, vermin such as rats and mice, predators and also the weather. The cages would be best situated at a height at which they can be easily removed without to much effort once again similar to at the show. The cages need to be dry and also have a good amount of sunlight in the morning although this may not be a great idea for white birds which get sun stained easily. Make sure there is a good amount of wood shavings or similar on the cage floor and that it is cleaned regularly.

After a couple of days after when they have settled in slowly walk up to the cage and remove them as though you were the judge. Practice spreading their wings so that they are used to it when the judge comes around on the day.

If it is a breed other than the Pekin than you may wish to use a judging stick but this will not be discussed here as a judging stick should never be used on a Pekin.

Treats can also be given to the birds when you walk up to the cage to encourage them to come over.

While all this is happening over the few weeks they are in the cages prior to the show they should be kept clean with regular washes.

Feeding is also important at this time to keep them in condition a good feeding program should be in place for this to give them their required vitamins and minerals etc.

If the birds start to look as though they may have been cooped up for too long than they can be let out onto a nice fresh patch of grass for a few minutes a day so long as they are closely watched. And also remember not to let two roosters out at once.

If this guide is followed then reasonable success can be hoped for, although this will not make up for the birds overall exhibition quality e.g. type and colouring.

By Mark Pollard