This final article in our show series runs through the aftermath of judging.
After the judging is concluded you can discuss with the judge what they thought of your birds and get any tips for improvement.
It is also a fantastic time to talk to other breeders and make contacts for the future, even making plans to swap eggs and birds in the future to develop bloodlines.
One tip is to place your prize cards high in the pen, not at floor level.
This will save them in better condition if you want to keep them.
Now is also the time to ensure the birds are fed and water topped up.
This will stand them in good stead for the trip home.
Usually lunch is taken at this point for the judges and it gives you time to walk around and peruse the champion birds from each category and class.
By now the best birds in show have been judged and this is where you aim to be.
Have a look at these birds and try to determine why they have been selected and what qualities they have.
Remember if it's your bird at, or near the top, don't brag but be humble and grateful as next show's judge may not like the bird.
I've seen champion bird at a show get second in class the next Sunday as they do go off if shown too much.
Prizes at shows usually come in two forms, trophies and feed. I prefer feed as it helps with the costs.
I have made it policy to donate any trophies back to the club as I don't want them for display and they cost money.
This doesn't apply to everyone and I have seen some fantastic home displays of trophies and ribbons.
Bags of feed go straight into the back of the ute!
At presentation, especially if you haven't spoken to the judges, listen to the comments.
Judges are usually quite to the point on breeds and any advice is welcome.
At the conclusion of the presentation it is time for unpenning and a steward will assist you so that the right birds are taken home.
Some shows allow the furthest exhibitors to unpen first and this is a good method as many exhibitors travel great distances.
Be patient as it can be slow but it is important that no birds are misplaced.
Above all enjoy the show and showing.
It is about competition, but more importantly comradery and developing breeds.