How do Judges figure out which bird looks the best?
Putting your bird(s) into a poultry exhibit can be very exciting! We know how much work you have put into preparing and taking care of your bird(s), and now you have come to the final step- being judged against other birds to decide who looks the very best.
Judges are highly experienced experts who have spent many years learning about poultry and waterfowl. If you talk with any of them, they could probably tell you how they started raising & showing birds just like you when they were your age.
Part of what they have learned includes memorizing the American Poultry Association and American Bantam Association Standards of Perfection. The American Poultry Association is the oldest agricultural club in the United States. Their Standards of Perfection book includes lists of what a perfect bird from each breed should look like. Judges use their experience and what they have learned to compare birds and identify the ones that are the most perfect and have been well cared for.
Even a “perfect” bird may not do well if it is dirty, has broken feathers, or has minor injuries. A bird that is almost perfect but is clean, healthy, well-fed, and cared for can score higher because it looks and behaves better. The judges take all of this into consideration before they assign prizes & awards.
If you would like to learn more about the levels, ribbons, and prizes that your bird could win, take a peek at the "Participation Tips" section. We have pictures of past winners, breed trivia, and our awards chart that you can explore.
Judges are highly experienced experts who have spent many years learning about poultry and waterfowl. If you talk with any of them, they could probably tell you how they started raising & showing birds just like you when they were your age.
Part of what they have learned includes memorizing the American Poultry Association and American Bantam Association Standards of Perfection. The American Poultry Association is the oldest agricultural club in the United States. Their Standards of Perfection book includes lists of what a perfect bird from each breed should look like. Judges use their experience and what they have learned to compare birds and identify the ones that are the most perfect and have been well cared for.
Even a “perfect” bird may not do well if it is dirty, has broken feathers, or has minor injuries. A bird that is almost perfect but is clean, healthy, well-fed, and cared for can score higher because it looks and behaves better. The judges take all of this into consideration before they assign prizes & awards.
If you would like to learn more about the levels, ribbons, and prizes that your bird could win, take a peek at the "Participation Tips" section. We have pictures of past winners, breed trivia, and our awards chart that you can explore.
How Do Showmanship Judges Choose the Best
Show Guy or Show Gal?
Showmanship is a competition, but judges at youth shows are there to help you learn and grow. They want to see how well you care for your bird, how confidently you speak to adults and groups, and how much you understand and respect your bird and others like it.
Judges use a scorecard to keep track of how you are doing. The scorecard is based on showmanship rules from the APA and ABA Standards of Perfection books. These rules help judges score things like handling, knowledge, attitude, and preparedness.
Check out the scorecard below to see how you can earn points. Then practice, practice, practice. That is how great show gals and show guys are made.
Judges use a scorecard to keep track of how you are doing. The scorecard is based on showmanship rules from the APA and ABA Standards of Perfection books. These rules help judges score things like handling, knowledge, attitude, and preparedness.
Check out the scorecard below to see how you can earn points. Then practice, practice, practice. That is how great show gals and show guys are made.
