Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
have made a huge impact through the perpetuation of many high-quality birds, their
guidance and showing, and their years of service to the APA. Their daughter, Julie,
and son-in-law Tim have joined them to help carry on this great venture.
Although most 4-H shows are fairly safe, as the birds are young and hail from the
same geographic area, always isolate your birds for at least three weeks after returning
from the show. I always retest mine for pullorum-typhoid while they are separated. It
never hurts to be cautious with this disease, as the results can be catastrophic! And don't
be fooled by the post-show glow: the birds may appear quite healthy when you first get
home, but each illness has an incubation period before symptoms can be observed.
I remember well the time I lost every bird I'd exhibited 10 days following the show.
Luckily, I had isolated them before turning them back into the fold. Disease and pests
are not likely every time you exhibit, but prepare for the worst in case your fowl come
in contact with that one sick bird.
Don't expect to bring home first prize from your first show. Just do your best to net-
work with other raisers, take notes (and photos) on the winners, and learn as much about
raising practices and your breeds as possible. If you don't snag a ribbon, try, try again.
Eventually you will be successful!
