Junior Showmanship

Great words of wisdom from Austin Noah, Showmanship Judge:

Why You Should Do Showmanship: 

Showmanship is a great way to step out of your comfort zone while building confidence, communication skills, and hands-on knowledge about poultry. It helps youth develop public speaking skills, responsibility, and sportsmanship—all in a fun, supportive show environment. 

One of the best things about showmanship is that you don’t have to be an expert to succeed. Beginners and experienced exhibitors compete together, and it’s not just about how much you know—it’s about how you present yourself, your bird, and your knowledge. I’ve seen beginners place very well simply because they stayed calm, were respectful, and confidently explained what they did know. That’s what makes showmanship such a great learning experience without being intimidating. 

Showmanship is also a great companion class at a show. It gives youth another opportunity to participate, learn, and enjoy the hobby while showing judges and spectators that they understand and care about their birds. 

First Impressions Matter: 

When doing showmanship, first impressions are important. Always start strong by shaking the judge’s hand and introducing yourself and your bird. Be sure to clearly state the breed and variety of your bird. 

Judges will typically have a question sheet, and one of the first topics is usually poultry body parts. A helpful tip is to start at the beak and work your way around the bird in a circle, ending back at the head. This keeps your answers organized and shows confidence—even if you’re nervous. 

Knowledge You Should Be Prepared For: 

A big part of showmanship is knowing your bird and your breed. 

Be prepared to talk about: 

• The breed and variety of your bird 

• Other varieties within that breed 

• The breed’s class 

• Other breeds in the same class (if you can) 

You should also have basic knowledge of: 

• What you feed your flock 

• How you prepare for a show 

• What steps you would take if a bird became sick to prevent spreading illness 

• Where mites commonly hide on a bird 

• A little breed history and what the breed is used for outside of showing 

Remember, you don’t have to know everything. Judges understand age divisions and experience levels, and expectations can vary. Having a general understanding across these topics will help you feel prepared and confident. 

Growing as an Exhibitor:

Showmanship is about growth. Each time you compete, you gain experience and confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the end—judges appreciate curiosity, and it shows that you’re eager to learn and improve. 

Win or lose, showmanship helps you become a better exhibitor, a better speaker, and a more knowledgeable poultry keeper. That’s why it’s worth doing.