AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

With show training should we keep each fowl in separate show training cages or can we put 2 in the same cage for example a pair or 2 hens together?

Ideally it is best to train individuals in separate pens in the beginning to achieve the best results, to get the fowls used to handling and show training.
The exception to this is in the later stages of training and preparation it is essential to pen together fowls to be shown as a pair (1m+1F), trio (1M + 2F) or team (1M + 6F), this allows fowls to settle together and become accustomed to each other. It removes the possibility of fighting or an over zealous male tormenting his female/females.
If space is at a premium and it is necessary to pen females together in the later stages of preparation then it will not do any harm to do so, but ideally single exhibits respond best if penned alone.
The biggest mistake some exhibitors make is penning weeks in advance of a show, this effects the temperament and stance and movement.If it is necessary to begin taining well in advance then they should be allowed a couple of days on the ground every week or 10 days, this allows for normal dusting and exercise and makes them less inclined to boredom as well as the other problems mentioned above.
In the very beginning a daily handling is a great help to quieten them and can be at times best done in the dark or dim light when fowls are less inclined to panic and get upset, once used to it they come to hand readily and the real training can begin.

Thank you oaklands lots of help there. How long before a show would you recommend pairing a cockerel and pullet?

I started doing mine seperate becuase they bickered the whole time and it was driving me nuts

I ended up doing the same as the roosters just harassed the hens all day. Thanks again for the help oaklands it really helped

As a rule I always separately pen train my birds, then they are returned to pens after about a week to let them get back to their normal routine. Birds that have been previously pen trained tend to settle in quicker and most will only need a short stint back in the training cage to get them used to it again.

I started doing the same thing after about 7 days I put them back in then leave it a week then back in training seems to be working good thanks for the advice chicken hawk

Can I use budgie breeding cabnets for show training?

I think they would be too small for chickens?

JannetM have a read viewtopic.php?f=61&t=10512