It took the judge almost 2 hours to carefully inspect each chicken and duck that was entered in the 4-H competition.

Left- while the judging was in progress, 4-H members studied for the poultry and water foul quiz that followed.

Did you know that chickens have 3 eyelids, including one that is transparent to allow vision while protecting against dust?

Stacey, Madie & Julie studying for the quiz. Stacey received a blue ribbon for the top score on the poultry and water foul quiz!

Freddie won because he had the best match of features required for his breed. He was judged on 16 points including proper length of feathers, color of feathers, symmetry of feathers, size of breastbone, shape of feet & cleanliness.

Judy had no idea how involved chicken breeding and showing was before she attended this show. A judge usually has to study for 10 or more years before becoming qualified to judge at an official event. The judge has to know the desired characteristics of many breeds of chickens and water foul. If a chicken's longest tail feathers are more than 1/2 inch longer than the next size feathers, he is automatically eliminated from all competition!