482 EXHIBITING AND JUDGING 



Shipping the Birds to the Show. — Even under the best con- 

 ditions birds are subjected to considerable rough usage while 

 going to the exhibition; hence they should be shipped in sub- 

 stantial coops so built as to provide enough space for the bird 

 yet not be bulky or heavy. They should be strong enough to 

 bear considerable weight without crushing, as they may be piled 

 high with other packages. They should be protected, yet venti- 

 lated on all sides and at the top, thus preventing the possibility 

 of smothering. A slatted crate covered with muslin is excellent. 



The coops should be plainly labeled, preferably with two 

 labels, and addressed to the secretary of the poultry show. The 

 secretary of a show usually sends to exhibitors special shipping 

 tags with a designated place for the shipper's name and address. 



All exhibition birds should be sent by express. It is not only 

 the quickest way, but they change hands fewer times and are 

 delivered directly at the show building. 



Attention at the Show.— When the birds are delivered at the 

 showroom, the exhibitor should be on hand and see to their 

 cooping. Immediate cooping is necessary to success. If, from 

 poor management, the birds are allowed to remain in the ship- 

 ping crates for any length of time, their plumage becomes soiled, 

 and they are apt to become sick or get out of condition. 



The exhibitor should strive to have his birds placed in cages 

 which are well lighted, are free from excessive drafts, and from 

 rough edges or wires. He should also look his birds over care- 

 fully when putting them in the pens, to see that they have made 

 the journey without injury, and also to smooth out any rough 

 or disordered plumage. After the birds have been judged and 

 prizes awarded, the exhibitor, if he is to get the full benefit of 

 his exhibit and winnings, should display labels on his pens, giving 

 the name of the owner, the name of the farm, and, if possible, 

 the strain or breeding back of his birds. There is sometimes 

 danger that valuable birds which have won against heavy com- 

 petition may be stolen; therefore, it is advisable to lock the 

 pen with a small, neat padlock. This calls the attention of the 

 visitor to the precautions taken, and indicates the value of the 

 particular bird. While the show is in progress, the fancier will 

 make use of every opportunity to confer with his fellow breeders, 

 to become acquainted with possible customers, to take orders 

 for future shipments of birds and eggs for hatching, as well as 

 to sell the birds on exhibition in the showroom. 



