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How to Succeed at Showmanship
Showmanship Tips
by Alice Stanford
August 7, 2001
Get Started
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Make sure your bird is clean and in good condition
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Use a bird that is calm and doesn't flap while being handled
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Look nice. It is not necessary to have a lab coat, but look presentable (hair tied back, long sleeves, no jeans with holes).
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Smile, even if you hate it. Wearing a smile may not seem important, but it shows the judge that you are interested in what you are doing and that you want to be in showmanship.
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Look the judge in the eye. Don't look at your feet. Looking the judge in the eye shows him/her that you are confident and that you know what you are doing.
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Take your bird in and out of the coop headfirst.
Things to Know
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Your bird's strengths and weaknesses
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What you feed your bird.
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Parts of your bird.
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The uses and history of your bird's breed.
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The classes of birds.
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What other breeds look like.
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Defects.
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Disqualifications.
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Parasites, diseases.
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Know terms (listed near the front of the APA Standard of Perfection).
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Know other colors the breed comes in.
Killer Questions
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Where is your bird's uropygial gland (oil gland)?
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Who is judging the junior show?
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How can you tell whether your bird is male or female?
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How can you tell if your bird is laying?
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Name two parasites your bird could get.
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How often does a bird lay an egg?
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List all the comb types.
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Where is the axial feather on your bird?
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For what is your breed of bird used?
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Name a breed that is allowed to have vulture hocks.
Brown Egg
Blue Egg