poultry show

Last weekend we were first-timers at the Stockton Poultry Show. It's a different sort of folk that visits a poultry show... We went for the poultry sale, which turns out was a competitive, contact sport. Chicken people are quite determined when it comes to getting the perfect pullet. We learned so new things like: 1. Don't be afraid to throw an elbow if it means you get a closer look into a cage. 2. If supplies are running low, chances are there are more of the same birds stuffed in a crate under the table where you're standing. 3. You must have your cell phone with you, because when you are standing in front of the cage that has a bird that you want you must call the breeder on his cell phone. He will then wonder over to where you're at to show you the bird. And as I'm listening to the guy talk I got that panicky feeling like when you're talking to a car salesman and you're faking that you know what they're talking about when actually you have not a clue as to what he is talking about. And I did at one point stuff 50 bucks into the old guys hand and say, "Just pick us out a good one..." Yeehaw.

After circling the sale barn for about two hours, with Isabel in a wheelchair - long story - we finally made two purchases. I tried to make a third purchase, for an "insurance" bird if you will, but no more bantam Old English Game pullets to be had. So nobody better croak... Riley ended up with a beautiful Golden Seabright who promptly tried to fly away as soon as he took her out of the crate. After Greg pulled her from the middle of a bush she was aptly named Amelia. Bee picked a Black Breasted Red Old English Game pullet. Quite a long title for a teeny tiny bird, who turns out to be a big bully (poor Amelia.) Isabel's bird has been through a few names already. I'm not sure which name we have picked for today: Annabell, Grace, Sophie. We all voted for Gilly.

Upon returning home, and after making lunch, everyone's chicken bootys were dusted again, and the new chickens were dusted. They are way easier to do than the full-sized models. You just grab them by the back and flip them over - no flapping and squawking. I look forward to a weekend when I'm not looking at anyones vent!