Washing and Conditioning a Speckled Sussex for Show

A good show bird starts long before the show. The best Speckled Sussex on the table are healthy, calm, clean and in full feather, and that takes planning. Washing is the visible part of the process, but conditioning is the larger job: good feed, clean housing, parasite control and handling practice in the weeks beforehand.

This guide covers the timeline for conditioning, how to wash and dry a bird, the finishing touches and what to bring on show day. Show rules and classes differ, so read your show's rules and check the American Poultry Association's standards. If you are looking for poultry shows near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

Start With a Good Bird

Conditioning cannot fix a bird that does not match the breed standard. Study the Standard of Perfection for Sussex, available through the American Poultry Association, and learn what judges look for in body shape, color and condition. For Speckled Sussex, color matters: rich mahogany with black bars and white tips, even distribution and a clean, glossy look. Choose birds that are healthy, free of defects and handle calmly.

Weeks Ahead: Feed and Housing

Feed a good-quality ration appropriate for the bird's age and purpose, with enough protein for feather quality. Many exhibitors add a little extra protein or supplements during conditioning, but check with a vet or poultry specialist, and avoid sudden diet changes. Keep birds in clean, dry housing out of mud and droppings, so feathers stay clean. Some exhibitors keep show birds in a separate pen with clean bedding for the last couple of weeks.

Check Health and Parasites

Inspect birds for lice, mites and any signs of illness. Check around the vent, under the wings and along the feather shafts. Treat parasites well ahead of the show, following label instructions, since many shows will turn away birds with visible parasites or disease. Check feet and legs for scaly leg mite, which causes raised, crusty scales. Clean, smooth legs and feet make a good impression. The eXtension poultry community and extension offices provide parasite management guidance.

Handling Practice

A calm bird shows better. Spend a few minutes each day handling your bird, picking it up, holding it as a judge would and setting it in a show cage. Practice walking it on a table or in a pen and getting it used to being touched on the wings, legs and comb. Birds that are used to handling relax in the show setting.

Washing Step by Step

Many exhibitors wash their birds a few days before the show, giving feathers time to recover and the bird time to preen. Some wash earlier. The basic process:

1. Set up three tubs of warm, not hot, water: one for soaping, one for rinsing and one for a final rinse. Keep the room warm and free of drafts.
2. Gently lower the bird into the first tub and wet the feathers, keeping the head above water.
3. Use a mild shampoo, such as a gentle dish soap or a poultry-specific shampoo, working in the direction of the feathers.
4. Rinse thoroughly in the second and third tubs until water runs clear, since soap residue dulls feathers.
5. Wrap the bird in a towel and pat dry, taking care not to rub feathers the wrong way.
6. Dry in a warm, clean, draft-free area, using a low-heat blow dryer if you are experienced and the bird is calm, and keep the bird warm until fully dry.

Never leave a wet bird in a cold place, since chilling can make the bird sick.

Finishing Touches

• Feet and legs. Gently clean with a soft brush and lukewarm water, and apply a little mineral oil or petroleum jelly if your show allows it.
• Comb and wattles. Wipe clean, and check your show's rules on any treatments.
• Beak and nails. Trim overgrown nails and file sharp beak tips carefully if needed.
• Feathers. Remove only broken or damaged feathers, if rules allow, and do not pull out others, which could harm the bird.

Rules vary, and some shows prohibit coloring, oils or altering the bird's appearance in any way. Be honest and follow the rules.

Travel Tips

Use clean, secure carriers with good ventilation and clean bedding. Do not overcrowd. Keep carriers out of direct sun and away from drafts, and bring water and feed. Some shows require health testing or certificates, such as pullorum-typhoid testing or state health papers, so check your state department of agriculture and the show requirements well in advance.

Biosecurity at Shows

Shows gather birds from many places, which raises disease risk. Clean and disinfect cages and equipment, avoid contact with other people's birds, wash your hands and keep show birds separate from your home flock for a couple of weeks after returning, according to your vet's advice. The USDA APHIS livestock and poultry disease pages provide information on avian health and reporting.

Common Mistakes

• Washing too late. Give feathers time to settle.
• Leaving soap in. Rinse thoroughly.
• Skipping parasite checks. Birds with mites may be disqualified.
• Chilling a wet bird. Keep it warm until dry.
• Not practicing handling. A nervous bird shows poorly.
• Breaking the rules. Follow show regulations.

After the Show

Whatever the result, go over what the judge said. Judges often explain what they saw, and you can learn what to fix in your breeding and management. For a laugh at what county shows can look like, farm.fm has a humor piece on the County Livestock Exhibition that any exhibitor will recognize.