EXHIBITION OF STANDARD-BRED POULTRY 477 



train work. Extension teaching in connection with poultry ex- 

 hibitions is as yet in its infancy, but there are wonderful oppor- 

 tunities for its further development. 



EXHIBITION OF STANDARD-SEED POULTRY. 



Preparing Birds for Exhibition. To train and exhibit poultry 

 in such a manner as to win success calls for a full understanding 

 of the requirements as well as years of experience in the actual 

 work of exhibiting. The amateur should begin with the smaller 

 shows, where there is little competition, and where he can gain 

 the absolutely necessary experience without becoming discour- 

 aged. Wherever possible, it is advisable to work for a few years 

 with an experienced and successful exhibitor before starting out 

 for oneself. It is the same in exhibiting as in other lines of 

 work: There are " tricks of the trade " which would require years 

 to learn by experience, also sources of loss which should be learned 

 under careful guidance. Thus the road to success is learned more 

 quickly and more certainly. 



Training the Birds. In order to get the birds into prime 

 condition and to have them appear to advantage, it is the custom 

 to place those to be exhibited in small training coops, similar in 

 size to the ones used at the show, and then by constant attention 

 accustom them to seeing people and to being handled. On large 

 exhibition plants special houses are provided for this training; 

 they are fitted up like a regular showroom, the specimens being 

 selected early in the fall. After a short period of training a second 

 selection is usually made, only those being chosen which show the 

 best characteristics and which bear handling. As a matter of 

 fact, preparation for the show is a continuous procedure, begin- 

 ning at the time the birds are hatched and lasting throughout 

 their exhibition life. The birds designed for exhibition are hatched 

 early, usually in January or February, so that they may attain 

 maturity and standard weight by the time of the fall shows. 

 They are housed and protected from weather which would injure 

 their plumage and are carefully watched for scaly legs or any- 

 thing else which would impair their show value. 



Male birds require special training to help them to maintain 

 their proper symmetry and carriage. The best way is to con- 

 dition them in small pens, about four feet square, on the floor 

 of the conditioning house, and to place with them three or four 



