page2

Pondering a pastime? Then be invited to consider SHOW POULTRY

Creative, educational, practical, social, challenging, rewarding, enjoyable suits all ages from the very young to the young at heart, a great family activity

In other words: -

Hobbies provide a common element of enjoyment for people of every age group everywhere. Whether it be photography, model making, pot plants or breeding and showing poultry. Yes - POULTRY

Poultry include fowls, bantams, ducks, geese and turkeys. Some bantams are minatures of a large breed. These are smaller replicas of their large counterparts. Ideal for smaller areas if there is not room for the large fowl. Others are true bantams with no large fowl counterpart.The sophisticated breeds that make their way to the show pen are a long way removed from the common backyard chook.

They are as productive as the common chook and are much more appealing in appearance. If you intend to become involved with show poultry, and it can be a very rewarding use of recreational time, avoid the pitfalls that others have experienced. Before you acquire any birds it is essential to check out a number of things. Such as:- space required [bantams require about a quarter of the space of large fowl]-housing, local government regulations, special feed requirements to name but a few.

Check our Code of Practice, You will need to build pens and acquire feed. Construct your pens from good quality second-hand or new material. Make them and their surrounds pleasing to the eye. Consider neighbours- male birds crow especially early in the morning. You need to keep several males to have a successful breeding programme. Keep your male pens away from neighbour's windows.

Don't fall into the trap of trying to keep every breed. This is a common beginner's trap. Remember that there are ongoing costs and that these will increase as your flock increases. Buy breeding birds from a reputable breeder and breed your own show team. At some stage purchase a copy of the Australian Poultry Standards

Heavy breeds large, docile birds, fair/ good for eggs good for meat, display broodiness
Light Breeds small, flightier ,good for eggs do not display broodiness will
not hatch or brood their own chickens.
Game Breeds both light and heavy, more aggressive some ideal for meat production not reliable layers. Some are the showman�s fowl or bantam.

BANTAMS

Most bantam breeds are miniature of the large fowl. True bantams have no large fowl counterpart and include Japanese, Sebright, Belgian, Pekin and Rosecomb.

LARGE FOWL and BANTAMS

Both can be fed prepared poultry foods although experienced breeders and exhibitors have their special feed mixes. Growing birds need a high protein feed balance. Chick starter crumbles fed the first 6 weeks and pullet or grower pellets until the birds are 20 weeks old (point of lay). A scratch grain is sometimes fed in the evening. For all birds cool, clean water and an adequate supply of greenfeed.

Automatic waterers and feeders can be used to save time but the waterers must be checked to see that they are working and don�t leak and flood pens. Birds that have food in front of them all the time can become fat and are not in show condition.

WATERFOWL

Waterfowl includes Geese and ducks. Both come in a number of breeds and all can be a rewarding hobby. They can be fed on prepared poultry feeds but like to graze. Geese and ducks take between 28 and 35 days to incubate eggs (depending on the breed. Again depending on size they will �sit on between 12 and 25 eggs. They are excellent mothers.

DUCKS A number of breeds. Some Bantam forms. Larger ducks are not ideal; for confined spaces. They have great affinity for water and delight in waddling in it. A pond or dam is as advantage. They like snails but enjoy plants too. They are less prone to diseases than poultry. Some are good egg producers others are noted for their meat. Show ducks can be kept in sheds. Specialised watering systems are essential to prevent
floors from becoming messy and creating odours.

Waterfowl need water deep enough to ensure that heads can be immersed. Mallard ducks must be pinioned.

GEESE are foragers and require a large area. Ideal for orchards, hobby farm and areas where they can graze. They mate for life. Ganders can become aggressive in the breeding season. Most shows cater for Geese.

SAPA SHOW
Currently the Association conducts an ANNUAL SHOW that attracts 600 plus entries. This show is held on the Saturday of the long weekend in June (Saturday 10th) generous number of trophies and rosettes are offered. The show is open to all interested exhibitors and a prize schedule and entry forms are available from the convenor. Brenda OAKEY

A copy of the schedule for our current show and an entry form is available on this site. See Show Schedule.

The picture above shows the display of rosettes and trophies that are provided at our SAPA shows. This show was our Year 2000 Commemorative show that attracted over 1200 exhibits.

OUR HEADQUARTERS

The South Australian Poultry Association has its own headquarters at 6 Acrolyn Road Salisbury. The building has penning for approximately 1500 birds under cover. There is a meeting room that contains a kitchen area including a wall oven and refrigerator. Hot water is provided. This room is heated with bar heaters.

Next to this is an eating area that is screened from the exhibition area.

At the back of the premises is a covered area that could be utilised for a number of activities

The facility is available for hire and would be most suitable for groups that exhibit pigeons, cage birds etc. Inspection is welcome and long-term hire agreements can be negotiated.

Interested parties should contact our property manager:-

Ian Holden telephone (08) 8264 1889