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-BRED POULTRY. 
Preparing Rirds 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. 
The training coop used should be elevated above the floor 
about three fect to facilitate handling, and so that the birds will 
become accustomed to this elevated position which they must 
occupy in the showroom. When penning the birds for training, 
