Conditioning From The Start 

     When you start to talk about conditioning of chickens you could probably write a novel on the subject. If you are interested in exhibition poultry you soon realize that conditioning is a contributing factor to success. Type and color of birds are main points to focus on in breeding towards the ideal bird. The way I describe condition it is like the icing on the cake. In close competition at some shows the conditioning and final polish could be the factors that make you or break you.  

     When you get down to it conditioning can start as early as day one. To get birds off to a right start they need proper nutrition, clean water and space required to get them started in the right direction. Vitamins and Electrolytes in the water from the time they are taken out of the hatcher until they are out of the brooders are greatly beneficial. Most commercial starters will have all the basic needs sufficient to get birds growing. After they are starting to get off starter feed you can start adding extra ‘goodies’ in their feed to give them a great nutritional advantage. I have my feed custom mixed and some of the extra supplements are added. I have a special probiotic pack added to my custom feed which greatly helps digestion and stimulates their immune system. With greater health and vitality the growing birds never get slowed down due to illness.  

     Adequate space for growing and conditioning is extremely important. You have to be very diligent about culling as early as possible for the betterment of the flock. I begin color culling as early as when chicks are drying in the hatcher. Some breeds are easier than others to cull early and some take a longer time to get a true evaluation of the adult color. Growing birds need plenty of space in the brooder and beyond to prevent boredom, picking and bullying. Once the birds start to mature you can make a better evaluation on potential show birds and start individual penning of especially males.  

     Feather quality can be a big part of conditioning. It might surprise you but as a judge you can pick up birds and actually feel differences in feather quality. With all the proper nutrition and care for feather quality it is useless unless you have a good program for parasites. Nothing can destroy the overall condition quicker than lice or mites that have gone out of control. Some breeds are worse than others for getting external parasites. Diligence is essential and an extremely important part of good conditioning.  

     Besides adequate space for growing it is important that birds are able to stay clean. Birds need to be relatively clean before you bath them to show. With white birds it is extremely important that they live in clean conditions to prevent staining of feathers. There is no amount of detergent or bluing that will totally eliminate stains from a badly stained white bird. Deep, clean shavings go a long way to keep birds clean that you intend on showing.  

     The final ‘polish’ you put on a bird just before you show it can also help. It is just little things like clipping beaks and long toe nails that get noticed in the show hall. Most exhibitors know about using oil of some sort to improve the looks of dried wattles and combs. You just don’t want to over due it because if the oil gets on the feathers it can cause staining later on. A good conditioned bird with very good feather quality needs little to improve the appearance of the feathers. All too often some exhibitors will actually do more harm than good adding too many ‘products’ to the feathers of a bird just before a show and can either lessen or even damage the quality of a birds feathers.  

     Again, conditioning of birds is just a part of how birds are evaluated in the show hall but it can be the icing on the cake that gives you a competitive advantage in close competition. Good condition can start from day one. There is no amount of products and additives that will make a poorly conditioned bird look better at the day of the show. Get them off to a good start and keep them going. 

By Steve Jones, Poetry, Texas
APA Hall of Fame Exhibitor 35 & 41 

More Tips On Conditioning Exhibition Poultry

Q:  With our APA National in early September this year can you suggest anything to help keep our show birds in good condition through this summer heat?

A: 7/5/2009 . . . "I have to admit that I don't have the answers to how you bring chickens through the kind of weather that we have experienced lately in good show condition.  I just stay with the old way plenty of fresh, clean, cool water.  It doesn't hurt to add a little ice to the water occasionally for a special treat.  It is good to add vitamins & electrolytes to the water.  The electrolytes will cause the chicken to drink more water and cut down on dehydration.  And the vitamins will add a little needed strength." . . . Jerry Carter, El Dorado, Arkansas (APA Master Exhibitor # 679)

A: 7/7/2009 . . . "Generally, in the hot summer, birds need shade from the sun, plenty of fresh water, and extra room in clean pen areas. In the heat, birds will get into their litter more than usual, so clean & dry pens are helpful. Birds will stay cleaner and in better shape if they are not so crowded in their pens. A fan blowing in the barn is a good addition. Vitamin supplements and/or extra protein may be needed for growing feathers. The ideal set up is to pick out the better birds and place them alone in clean, roomy pens. A roost off the ground also will help keep them in better condition, both cleaner and stronger.  For some game birds, a high roost is a necessity. Males and mean females certainly need to be divided. Fighting may damage combs and feathers. Certain medical treatments may be more needed in the summer months. Fowl Pox vaccination is an absolute must. Many do it in the south in July. Watch and spray for mites and other parasites, and worms may be a problem." . . . Jim Crain, Minden, Louisiana, APA Judge.