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. 
