Special tips for show prearation

With alert breeds of waterfowl, such as the Indian Runner, feed them well up to one week prior to the show. Then start to reduce their daily intake. Do not give them any feed on show day until the judging is completed. This ensures they are in the right shape, a hungry duck is an alert bird. If you are showing any other breed, a small amount of feed prior to judging is fine.

On show day, it sometimes is worth wiping the bird with a  cloth slightly dampened with a mixture of half each kerosene and methalated spirits. This puts a shine on the feathers and enhances the birds general appearance.

Showing is a great challenge and you will never stop learning new tips. Our advice to all intending to show is to first enter your bird to compare and not to win. Winning is a bonus but do not give up if you are defeated, just try harder next time. Also, remember each judge is different, and you may have a vastly different result with the same bird.