[nerdle]

I'll just be a spectator but I can't wait (all the hens I can look at)!!!!!
If anyone is going would love to sey 'hello'

Hants and Berks Show

Open show - 28 October 2012, Testbourne School, Micheldever Road, Whitchurch, Hants, RG28 7JF. Download the schedule and entry form. Hall open from 8am, judging from 9am. Boxing at 3:30pm.

[nerdle]

Well I went and thoroughly enjoyed it although couldn't work out what the breeds were - just asked people.  They were so beautiful! Interesting to watch the judges finding imperfections - bumblefoot etc.

Took a neighbour who'd love hens herself but resolved not to have them (partner says no) but I think that all changed when we saw a bantam had laid a tiny egg...............

[helens-hens]

Glad you enjoyed it. I find that quite a lot of people I know just don't quite get the attraction of keeping chickens so it is nice to be in an environment where everybody has the same enthusiasm!

I have been to the National show in Stoneleigh a couple of times and I love it. One of the main things I remember though is the noise of all the cockerels crowing - it is constant from when you get there to when you leave!

[joyfull]

The National Show is brilliant isn't it Helens-hens.
Nerdle glad you enjoyed the show but am surprised that an exhibitor entered a bird with bumble foot.

[nerdle]

Yes - it was a huge Russian Orloff cockerell.  The owner may not have spotted it until the feet were clean. A few had wing feathers missing (moulting).

The Yokohama cockerells were spectacular and I thought I loved the Light Sussex best of all but I've gone a bit Pekin now!

I didn't like to see them in those tiny cages but its just for one day I suppose. Came home to my old hybrid lady enjoying the whole garden!

[joyfull]

the owner should have checked his/her bird over before the show and most will wash and blow dry their birds during the week before so really there was no excuse.
Has it made you decide to get more hens or are you going to wait until your lone ranger is no longer with you?

[nerdle]

I'm so soppy about her I'll wait untill she 'falls off her perch'.  I'd find it too hard to witness the pecking order squabbling. She'll probably live for years now!