Keeping chickens in the back garden, allotment or smallholding can easily lead to another pastime, that of showing them. Now some of you may think that this is something that strays away from the down to earth, living off the land approach, but it need not necessarily be so.

Poultry shows, just like sheep, pig and cattle classes at agricultural shows enable exhibitors to compare their birds against others of the same breed and such a lot can be learned this way. If pure breed poultry is kept then you are already partly down the road to wanting to look after a rare breed by recognising that that breed is special and the next step is to see that it lives and reproduces as close to the breed standard as possible. Entering into a show will either prove that you are heading in the right direction with your stock, a feeling that is always very satisfying, or, you will discover that unfortunately, your birds are not the quality that you first thought and therefore not good examples of their breed.

The majority of classes in a poultry show will be for pure breeds but don't think that this eliminates you from showing a hybrid variety. The Poultry Club of Great Britain is the governing body providing the rules for most poultry shows held in the UK and these now include classes for utility birds and any variety non standard chickens. So do not be put off or overwhelmed by the hundreds of immaculately groomed birds such as Buff Orpingtons, Old English Game or Frizzles. If you have a well feathered Speckledy or BlueBell and she is clean and well presented, a red prize card could well have your name on it. You just need to make enquiries about summer shows in your area, find out who the secretary is, request a schedule and make sure your entry is in before the closing date.

Having fun on the show bench does not mean you have to spend wildly and purchase award winning stock in order to begin your exhibiting experience. Although it is always advisable to buy from a reputable breeder there are chance bargains still to be had. One lady who had an unbelievably happy time at a major poultry show early this year purchased a pair of Black German Langshans from a poultry sale at Carlisle market two years ago. Incubating some eggs in the spring was the next step and from the youngsters an assortment of pullets and cockerels were raised.

Thinking that a particular cockerel looked quite smart, Georgena Heggie decided to enter him in the Scottish National Poultry Show held at Perth as, living in Perthshire it was not far to travel for her first venture into showing since a child. Much to her surprise and delight her cockerel won his class, then Best of Breed and found himself penned on Championship Row. When the Championship judge inspected all the winning birds in the line-up, it was Georgena's German Langshan that caught his eye and was awarded with the Supreme Show Champion title. This was definitely a fairy tale come true but just goes to show that it is still possible and there is nothing to say that your next show champion cannot be bought from an auction.

I remember a similar situation a few years ago at Gransden Poultry Show, when a lady who kept some bantam Light Sussex found one of her birds on Championship Row as Best Soft Feather Bantam. Having never entered a poultry show before she was absolutely overjoyed that her pullet had done so well and found that it was lovely to be able to add yet another experience to her poultry keeping.

A well presented bird is just another way of illustrating good stockmanship. It is essential that any bird being exhibited, whether it is pure bred or hybrid, needs to be fit, healthy, in good condition and in good feather. If you have a breed with heavily feathered legs and feet, feathered crests or long tails, then they will need greater looking after and definitely some protection from inclement weather conditions. This is mainly because excessive rain will produce wet, muddy ground and if poultry have to spend their days in such surroundings then good feather condition will suffer. In the spring, breeding will result in some broken feathers but if you have just two or three really nice birds it might be worthwhile keeping them out of breeding pens until after a particular show. Once the warmer and hopefully, drier spring and summer days are upon us and the ground dries up then running around outside on grass helps to keep a chicken fit.

A good diet is another must for the correct weight for the breed is all part of the point scoring. Just before taking a bird to a show it is a good idea to put a little poultry tonic in the drinking water. This gives the bird a little boost and will help to offset any stress.

Once you have decided on which show you are going to try your luck and entered your bird or birds, they will need to be kept as clean as possible in the run-up to the show and may even need a bath about three days before. This is not as scary as it might sound as long as you have everything that you need prepared ready. Bathing a bantam is obviously rather easier and quicker than bathing a large fluffy Brahma, but you will be amazed at the difference it makes to the presentation of the bird and quite often they are much happier because they feel so good as well.

You will need several towels, some mild shampoo, an old toothbrush and a hair dryer. A chicken can be bathed in the kitchen sink as long as everything is thoroughly cleaned down afterwards. Fill the sink half full with tepid to warm water. It should be a similar temperature to that for bathing a baby, you don't want it too hot or too cold. Don't allow the bird's head to go under water, this will really frighten it, plus, the ears will take in water, which you certainly don't want. Gently soak the bird and then put some shampoo on and work it in. Use the toothbrush to scrub the legs and feet. When the bird has been thoroughly cleaned rinse it with warm water and then wrap it in a towel.

Lightly towel dry the bird and then use a hairdryer on the warm setting - not hot - to continue the drying process. Whilst the bird is soaking wet it will feel quite unsteady but as it dries you will notice that it will become quite perky, as though it realises how good it looks. Possibly, if you have rid it of a lot of dust and some dirt, it will feel more comfortable as well. If a chicken has been bathed it should be placed in a large well ventilated cardboard box and left inside overnight. Don't put it outside in a shed because its feathers will still be a little damp and it needs to be fully dry before putting into a cool temperature.

Transporting your bird to the show should be done with care so as not to spoil any feathers or put undue stress on it. Find a cardboard box, preferably larger than the bird so there is room to stand up, put some shavings in the bottom and cut some air holes in the corners or sides. Put the bird into the box and close the lid, folding it over to secure it. If necessary tie the box with string because it is essential that the bird does not escape whilst being taken from the vehicle into the show.

Once at the show lightly wipe the comb, face, legs and feet with a little baby oil. This helps to make a red comb bright and shiny and improves the general look of the bird. Place it in the pen according to the number of your entry and keep your fingers crossed that you too will become the proud owner of a chicken winner.