Junior Chicken Showmanship 101: How to Handle and Present a Speckled Sussex

A poultry showmanship class looks quiet compared to a cattle ring, but it is one of the most demanding classes in the barn. You stand at a table with a live bird, and a judge asks you to show how well you know that bird: how to hold it, how to examine it and how to name its parts. A well-handled Speckled Sussex is calm and easy to examine. A poorly handled one flaps, scratches and makes everyone's job harder. Handling is a skill, and the good news is that you can build it at home.

This guide covers the basics of junior poultry showmanship. Procedures vary among shows, states and judges, so check your fair book and ask your leader. If you want to find poultry showmanship clinics near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

What Judges Look For

As in other species, poultry showmanship judges the exhibitor, not the bird. Judges watch whether you handle the bird calmly and safely, examine it in a logical order, know the names of its parts, present it so the judge can see it and answer questions. Neatness matters too. Programs including FFA and 4-H teach these skills.

Prepare the Bird

• Handle often. A bird that is used to being picked up stays calmer. Sussex are generally known as calm, friendly birds, but every bird is different.
• Clean the bird. Clean legs, comb and feathers show care. See our guide to washing and conditioning a Speckled Sussex.
• Check health. A bird with signs of illness or parasites should not be shown. The Merck Veterinary Manual poultry section describes common problems.
• Trim nails if needed. Sharp toenails scratch handlers.

Picking Up the Bird

Approach calmly from the front or side, not from above. Many exhibitors scoop the bird from the pen or coop with one hand under the breast and the other hand holding the legs, then settle it into a secure hold. Keep wings against the body so the bird cannot flap. Never grab a bird by the wings or tail. Practice until you can lift and hold the bird smoothly, in one motion.

Holding the Bird

One common hold is to tuck the bird's body under your arm or hold it against your side, with one hand supporting the breast and legs, and the other hand free for examining. Another is to hold the bird with its legs between your fingers and its body resting along your forearm. Your leader can show you the method that works for your show. Whatever you use, keep the bird supported and calm. A firm but gentle grip keeps it from panicking.

Presenting on the Table

1. Walk to the table and greet the judge.
2. Place or hold the bird so its head is toward the judge.
3. Follow the judge's request, which may be to hold the bird up, turn it, or show specific parts.
4. Let the bird stand on the table if asked, and steady it with a light touch.
5. Keep your hands calm and your movements smooth.

Examining Your Bird

Judges often ask exhibitors to show certain features. Be ready to point out and name:

• Head parts. Comb, wattles, earlobes, eyes and beak.
• Wing. Spread gently to show feathers and condition.
• Back, saddle and tail. Check for straightness and any defects.
• Breast and keel. The breastbone should be straight.
• Legs and feet. Shanks, toes and spurs, and check for scaly leg mites or injuries.
• Vent and skin. Check for cleanliness and signs of parasites.

The eXtension poultry pages and University of Minnesota Extension poultry have anatomy diagrams.

Know Your Bird and Your Breed

Expect questions: What breed is this? What variety? How old is she? What do you feed? How do you house her? What is the breed class? Prepare short, honest answers. For a Speckled Sussex you can explain that she is an English class breed with a mahogany ground color, black bar and white tips, a dual-purpose bird that lays brown eggs. Our breed history and color guides on this site cover the details.

Practice at Home

1. Practice picking up and holding the bird daily, a few minutes at a time.
2. Practice examining each body part in order.
3. Name each part out loud.
4. Have someone play judge and ask questions.
5. Practice on a table, not just in the pen.
6. Practice staying calm if the bird flaps.

If the Bird Misbehaves

Birds flap, squawk and sometimes escape. Stay calm, secure the bird gently and continue. If a bird gets loose, tell the ring steward and follow instructions. Judges understand and watch how you react. Never hit or throw a bird.

Biosecurity and Hygiene

Poultry can carry germs that affect people and other birds. Wash your hands after handling birds, and follow show rules on health and sanitation. The CDC's backyard poultry guidance explains how to reduce the risk of illness from poultry.

Common Mistakes

• Holding the bird by the wings or tail. Support the body.
• Not knowing the parts. Learn the names.
• Rushing. Slow, smooth movements work better.
• Losing composure. Stay calm.
• Not preparing for questions. Practice answers.

Farm.fm's page on broiler chickens explains a different side of the poultry world, and for a laugh, see farm.fm's piece on county blue ribbons and red ink.