THE POULTRY YARD

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12453, 22 May 1926, Page 19

THE POULTRY YARD

SOME UTILITY NOTES THE SHOW SEASON (By Geo, H. Ambler, for the “Time,.”) So far as New Zealand is concerned this is the month of shows. Judging from the quality of the exhibits, and the number of entries at tho young bird shows held throughout the Dominion, the coining displays will he full of interest and competition will bo keener than usual. Several valuable importations of various breeds pave come into New Zealand, and no doubt some of these importations will be exhibited during the coining show season. It is many years since I exhibited my first bird, a barred Plymouth Hock pullet, and as she won against some of tlio crack English exhibitors, I straightaway became an enthusiastic, exhibitor, and attained tho highest possible honours, viz., the winning of championships at the Crystal Palace. ,THE USEFULNESS OF SHOWS Much of my success I attribute to studying the typo and characteristics of the breeds I was interested in, and also in visiting as many shows as possible and looking upon them as an educational factor. Even now, I never miss a show if it is possible for me to go; My advice, therefore, to all young exhibitors, is to adopt the same course. To the great majority it. is a means of prizes and going one better than someone else. When :conducted in a friendly spirit the idea is good, and has stimulated many a man to better effort, and made him a good sportsman and exliibitoi Bnt how has it come about? One learns, to rear and hatch at home; one has to mate the birds at home; but the result of that mating is seen at the shows. To the open mind every class must instinctively tench him a lesson. Some breeders will go to a show and only see the hreed they are interested in. They live for two or three davs in. front of their favourites, till they almost reflect the breed qf their choice. Some people would call it fanataeisra, but it should show these men where, why, and how they fail. There are many points in the winners which their own birds lack, and if they can weight things over carefully they can see what they need to correct the defects in their own stock while gazing at the birds on show. To the exhibitor who is prejudiced, a show can teach nothing, but . the breeder who has an eye for the points of any bird will soon find his way to the top. Everyone oF us can learn something (sometimes from the veriest novice), and he who knows most usually learns most. The “know-alls” fail because of their false position. THE PRICE OF SUCCESS Even in New Zealand it is interesting to look at the “top sawyers” to-day and compare them with those of years past, and see bow many retain their position. The man at Hie top this year must look to his laurels, or he will lose them next; and the thoughtful breeder who wants to remain at the head must be more careful than the man who is striving to get up. This applies more to the man who likes to hreed his own, and not to one who will buy what he can. not produce. There are exhibitors who cannot afford to be beaten, because it would affect their sales, and such as these will pay almost anything to get the bird they require. To the novice the show is undoubtedly the best school he can attend. At an event like the Christchurch, Palmerston North, Wellington, or New Plymouth shows, all the best are on view, and he can see what state of perfection his breed has reached, and then see how for he is off the ideal. I am not an advocate for excessive size, but we do not want weeds. Many novices do not get size enough, and they will put the blame on someone else, without thinking if they themselves could alter things. lam certain that many beginners do not feed enough, or if they do the food is not given at the proper time, or in a correct manner. It will not do to sav that food is expensive, and on this score to feed sparingly, because this means the lack of one of the great essentials in most breeds. TIPS FOR EXHIBITORS

“Be a sportsman.” If beaten at one show, and you think you have the best bird, trv again at another, hut do not -grumble at, the .judge because he happens to have a different opinion from your own. If beaten by a better bird, make up your mind to go through your stock as soon as you r/et borne and see if you cannot find a better one for th© next venture When beaten -do not go about saying, “you bav© a better bird at Whether you have or not, it is ar wrong place to keep it. The expression is a well-known one amongst a certain class of exhibitors. That wonderful bird has a happy knack ot remaining in obscurity right through the show season, hub if you have such a one do not boast about it, bring him out at the next show and win—if you can. It is wonderful how many cup winners some people have in their own estimation until they see them side by side with better birds in the show pen. Be prepared to see the good points in other people’s birds besides your own. , , See that all hampers and boxes youv birds are to be sent to the show in are well lined and roomy, with plenty of soft hav ill the bottom. Be careful that baskets containing more than one bird are properly divided, and the labels tied on the right compartments; also the tags (i.e., numbers) tied securely to the leg. Have baskets with straps, as show •authorities object to tying with string, and consequently baskets often get improperly tied down in the rush of dispatching birds from shows. Remember tho poor secretary—the writer has had experience—and make your entries early. Arrange for your birds to he at the show the night before, and in good time, then they are certain of being punned that night.