The Show - some tips

Showing Birds

It's good if you get prepared well ahead of time. Some time prior to the show, select the birds you wish to show, make sure they stand up correctly, high and proud of themselves, place them in cages in small groups with a show cage attached, in which you feed the seed, to get them used to the smaller show cage.

Getting a bird in condition is imortant. Keeping the birds calm will avoid some of the wear and tear on the feathers. Bathing is an important part of feather conditioning and spraying with water daily will help here. The best time to spray them is the late morning so they have plenty of time to dry off before roosting for the night. Before the show stop misting altogether allowing the feathers to tighten up and the natural oil to build up, adding a sheen and better look.

Also, before the show, check the nails. If they are getting long cut them early so that a new point will develop. Judges may subtract points for nails that look unatural.

Some exhibitors cage place the birds in the show cage a day or two before the show to get the birds used to it. Activity and noise near the birds will acclimatize them to the show environment, some exhibitors even load the birds into cages and drive them around in car to get them used to disturbance.

If the bird needs it, use a stick or wand to teach them to perch properly, some younger birds like to sit on the floor and Judges will not spend much time waiting for them to perch.

Show cages.

The rules for showing most cage birds, have specific cage requirements. Your birds will present itself much better in a clean show cage of correct design. The show cage should have the entire cage floor covered to a depth of about 2 cm with seed mix. Some classes allow seed cups. Make sure the water vessel is clean and placed where required close to the perch. The Federation year book has precise descriptions for each kind of bird. Make sure the cages are clean and well painted, shoddy cages reflect poorly on the birds.

You will have received a schedule that has all the categories in it. For each type of bird, age is taken into consideration. If you bird is closed banded with the band year the same as the show year, it is a "CYCR" bird (current year closed ring). If it has no dated leg band, or has a date earlier than the present year, it is "Any Age"". Look for the number that corresponds to your type of bird and put the number and description on your entry form.

On arrival at the show you will need to bench the birds. The show stewards will take the birds after they have been checked in at the door. The show steward arranges the birds on a bench prior to the judge's arrival.

Judges look for...

There is a standard for each variety of bird published in the Federation year book. The birds are judged against this.

The judges will also be looking for size, shape, and color, also the general condition plays a part as well as perfect, fully developed plumage. Damaged or missing feathers are considered faults, also a sign of an incomplete molt, no matter how small they are.

Birds must perch in a confident and proud manner. They must also give every impression of being lively and active without fluttering nervously around the cage. Pairs must be chosen so that they compliment each other and must be of the same variety. Make sure the bands of all show birds are sparkling clean.

And good luck with your efforts.