One secret to preparing a fowl for show is your rinsing. You may not think of it as an extreme measure of importance, but it is.
Many judges can tell when you bathed your fowl and how well. They can tell by the positioning of the feathers, texture, and lack of gloss or sheen. Remember the "doubt" clause in the standard. It is an uncomfortable position for a judge. He may know it is residual effects but your competitor will not. Many judges show also and are experienced in the same methods. Here is what several have shared with me.
It is best to bathe 4 to 5 days prior to an event so the fowl has time to preen and bring back all feathers and fluff into "natural position" a key word found in the APA standard. It will be the quill of the feather that will need to be put in proper place and weighted down, "down" will not allow that. This also allows for the fowl to replace the natural oils that you have stripped from the feathers by bathing, regardless of the brand of shampoo.
If a fowl is not rinsed properly the "natural positoning" of the feathers will be affected. Residue of shampoo will keep fluff from giving fowl proper body type appearance. It will also attract dust and dirt to surface feathers. For males, it can affect the position of tail carriage. Saddle feathers will not fall into proper place thus showing fluff in abundance which can appear as a disqualification.
For breeds that have an abundance of fluff, it is of extreme importance to thoroughly rinse taking aim at under fluff. Gently lift the feathers and make sure "down" is completely rinsed.
To help break down the residues of shampoos, I use two capfuls of Glycerin in the rinse water of the first rinse upon final washing. It has the same effects of fabric softener added to wash in reducing suds. It will help break down the wax that is a main ingredient in shampoos. It will also add moisture to skin and feathers, that the alcohol found in most shampoos has just stripped away. Many color enhance shampoos tend to leave a tint. Glycerin in the first rinse will help break that down also.
Now for final rinsing. Make sure all residue from soap or added glycerin is removed. Do not just apply water to surface feathers, but get the down and entire web completely rinsed. Depending on the condition of the fowl, two rinses may be necessary to ensure a really clean and residual-free bird. For fowl who are molting, take care to remove dried and flaking shafting. Evidence of shafting is considered a defect and can lead to a disqualification if an abundance remains and is not removed.
Now your fowl is ready to do their part. Regardless of the drying method, the next few days will be spent placing all feathers in natural positon, from the quill to the surface. This also allows you the time to see if the job was done correctly or if touch-ups are needed. Once dry, inspect the fowl for lice or a damaged feather from bathing.
For futher insight, you might try picking up little publications written by long time breeders that target insights to specific breeds. Many poultry suppliers carry these publications for as little as $5.00. They are packed full of little helps and tips.
Now you are ready for the show cage.
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