Crowing and honking filled the The Poultry Barn on the Missouri State Fairgrounds Saturday as 800 various birds waited to be judged in a bi-annual show that drew 60 open exhibitors and 30 junior exhibitors.
Missouri State Poultry Association Secretary/Treasurer Bernita Miller, of Windsor, said the show drew entries for not only Missouri, but Nebraska, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana and Kansas.
Miller noted that the Association hosts two, one-day, double shows twice a year. One close to Easter and one close to Halloween. She added that participant ages range from small children to seniors.
“We have one little one now that’s less than a year old, from Kingsville,” Miller said. “His parents are wanting to start showing chickens, so one of our members decided to let him show a couple birds. Some of our older adults are probably in their ’80s at least.”
Many youth participated in the show in the Junior Showmanship class and also in a Costume Class.
“They take their bird out to whoever is judging them, the judge asks them questions and if they answer them, they get points,” Miller said. “Then later on, they will get a trophy and ribbons and a certificate.”
For the Costume Class youth are encouraged to dress up their birds.
“In April, if it’s before Easter, we have the birds dress up for Easter,” she said. “Then in October, they always have the birds dress up for Halloween.”
Miller added it was good for youth to participate in the shows because it “keeps them busy.”
Saturday morning sisters Josey Snow, 7, and Whitney Snow, 11, both of Shelbyville, were waiting for Showmanship judging. The girls were cradling their birds, an Old English Bantam, named Tally, and a Partridge Wyandotte Bantam, named Wilson, in their arms. Laura Parsons, the girls’ grandmother, said Whitney has been showing chickens for 3 years.
“They come down every spring and during the State Fair,” she added.
Jasmine Gates, 11, of Cairo, who is in the Neighborly Community 4-H Club, was in line outside waiting for her Barred Rock chicken to be judged. Her mother, Peggy Gates, said Jasmine has been showing chickens since she was 4-years-old and she began with the Missouri Poultry Association Show.
Also outside was newcomer Baylie Tucker, 10, of Otterville, who is in the Clear Creek 4-H Club. Baylie was carefully hugging her Cochin chicken named Buffy will waiting on the judge. Her mother Susan Tucker said Baylie had raised the bird from a chick. After she became interested in raising chickens, Buffy was the first chick that hatched in June 2016. This was duo’s first show.
“We found out about the show last week,” her mother said.
Baylie said her favorite thing about Buffy is his color and shape, but in general she just loves chickens.
“They are one of my favorite animals, and they are beautiful,” she said.
“I think she likes the anticipation of waiting for the eggs to hatch,” her mother added. “(Finding out) what color the babies are going to be when they come out.”
Susan said the family began with three birds, 4 years ago, and now have 60 that are shown by all five of her children.
“It’s kind of become a hobby,” she added. “She (Baylie) learned a lot (at the show). We learned something new about some of our colors and she got Best of Variety on two of her birds, so, she done really well.”
Those who are interested in becoming a member of the Missouri State Poultry Association may visit the website at http://www.poultryshowcentral.com/Missouri_State_Poultry_Association.html or call Bernita Miller 647-2474.
