Another Poultry Show

Allora Poultry Club Show was held today. We got up early and boxed 18 young birds up and set off. On arrival we quickly penned the birds then had a good look around at what else was on show. BJ was there again with her beautiful red silkies, a colour that I’m very keen to produce.

Her silkies have magnificent size, shape and head crest. She told us that until she introduced the T bloodline to her hens, her stock looked like ours does – not bad, but lacking in body and crest size. We recently acquired a T cock – but he doesn’t mate naturally - so we’re about to learn how to AI chooks – I wonder which one I’ll end up holding.

There were some very cool looking Indian Runner ducks on show, standing at the back of their pens like embarrassed teenagers, not really sure how to stand or where to look and trying to appear invisible. They almost look like their hands are in their pockets - and their pants are half way down their bums in true teenage fashion.

We had a cup of tea and a hotdog before heading off to see the camels (see next story).

When we returned the judging wasn’t finished so we walked through the shed and had another good look at everything. We watched the judge do his thing, then went and had lunch and more cups of tea. We sat and talked to M&T who also had some chooks in; Gibbo nursed K on his knee for ages; she leant back against his chest and played with his cap and chewed on a plastic spoon.

I went to the car and had a little nap; the two early starts in a row were starting to take their toll. Finally the judge finished and the presentations were made. We ended up with 3 firsts, 3 seconds and 2 thirds. Our silkies look nice but they have a long way to go to be consistently producing really good quality birds.

Showing poultry is a good hobby for a couple to have. We enjoy looking at other people’s fowls and seeing what we can aspire to. It also means we get to spend a day together.

Kat would have been proud to see that Gibbo dressed the part and blended right in.

I just love this photo - I took it at exactly the right time, just as the shaft of sunlight came through the roof - and the duck was in perfect position. There's something a little sad about it...