Poultry Project

On this page you will find many informational items related to the Poultry Project. The required forms for the Poultry project are all linked below. These requirements affect ALL 4-H and FFA Poultry Exhibitors, who plan to show at the Green County Fair. Criteria are varied based on age and housing of all poultry including waterfowl. If you have poultry currently on your premises and you have bought in new birds from any source, all mature birds will need to be tested by a certified tester in order to be in compliance. To begin, all exhibitors must have a premises number for the location of birds housed. If you don't have a premises ID number, you can obtain one online at the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium

Why do I need to test my flock and what are the requirements for testing?
Wisconsin Tested Flock: A person may use, sell, or distribute poultry or farm-raised game birds or their egss for breeding or hatching, or for exhibition at a fair or livestock exhibition, or sale at a swap meet, livestock market or under private contract in Wisconsin, if the flock is enrolled in the Wisconsin Tested Flock Program. Enrollment is voluntary and there is no fee.
The owner of a flock of poultry or farm-raised game birds must have all sexually mature birds in the flock appropriately tested by an authroized tester, to enroll that flock as a Wisconsin tested flock on an annual basis.

Testing requirements for poultry and farm-raised game birds other than turkeys: All sexually mature birds must be tested by an authorized tester for Salmonella Pullorum. All poultry, except turkeys, are considered sexually mature at four months of age.

Testing requirements for turkeys: All sexually mature turkeys must be tested for Salmonella Pullorum and Mycoplasma Gallisepticum. Blood samples drawn by an authroized tester muste be tested at the WIsconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Barron, WI. Turkeys are considered sexually mature at six months of age.

Buying Birds to add to your flock?
Buyers will now be receiving a Wisconsin Intrastate Sale of Poultry/Eggs form when purchasing birds. The form requests the seller to provide proof of testing for Salmonella Pullorum. Copies of the form are distributed to WDATCP, the purchaser, and the seller keeps a copy for their records.

Selecting Your Bird

Purebred Fowl- Evaluate your bird by comparing it to the American Standard of Perfection for that breed and variety. Look carefully for any defects or disqualifications. Check the comb, eye color, wings, tail, feet, skin, feather quality, and color. What is the general condition of the bird?

Turkeys and Meat Chickens- Check the condition of the breast. Is the breast bone straight? Are any bruises or blisters present? Breast flesh should be deep and full. Keep pinfeathers to a minimum. Check skin for sunburn. Are drumsticks round and full? Is the bird clean and healthy?

Egg Production - A good layer has a bright face and comb. She has a soft abdomen and a large moist vent. Can you place 2 or 3 fingers between the public bones? Is she clean and in good feather?

Showmanship Tips

• Choose a well-feathered, clean, and tame bird
• Practice putting the bird into the cage and taking it out head first. Make sure you are holding it correctly.
• Work in identifying as many parts as you can on your bird.
• Know your variety, breed, sex, and class of your bird (bantam or large fowl, etc) Example: "I am holding a black Cochin Bantam Pullet"......
  The breed of my bird is ____________; The variety of my bird is ___________; The sex of my bird is ______________.
• Do you know a poultry disease? It's cure?
• What is a disqualification or defect that may exist on a bird such as yours?
• What is your bird's diet made up of?
• Name a poultry parasite. Where do you look for them?
• YOUR ATTITUDE AND APPEARANCE MATTER! Dress in a long-sleeved shirt. Be positive. Do your best!
  
  For more guidelines and tips print the Junior Poultry Exhibitors Helpful Hints Handbook.

Green County Fair Qualifying Weights

Roasters- 2 birds, either sex; pair must have a combined weight between 14 & 30 lbs to show.

Turkeys- 2 birds, hens only; pairs must have a minimum combined weight of no less than 25 lbs.

Ducks- 2 birds, one male, one female; must have a minimum combined weight of no less than 10 lbs.

Links

Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium - Premise ID Registration
WIsconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) - Answers to questions you may have.

Forms

April 2007 Poultry Letter

[Selecting Your Bird] -[Showmanship Tips] -[Fair Weights] -[Links] - [Forms] - [Certified Poultry Testers]

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