Ornamental Projects
In the ornamental and non‑commercial poultry classes, exhibitors bring birds that are kept primarily for show, breed characteristics, and personal interest rather than food production. These classes include bantam and large fowl chickens, waterfowl such as ducks and geese, heritage turkeys, and guinea fowl. All ornamental and non‑commercial birds are shown according to their breed standards, and exhibitors should make sure their entries meet the age and standard requirements listed in the premium book.
Bantam Chickens
Bantam chickens are smaller versions of standard breeds or naturally small breeds that don’t have a large counterpart. Despite their size, they are full‑featured birds with breed standards recognized by the American Bantam Association (ABA). Bantams are popular for showmanship and breed classes because they are often easier to handle and come in many distinct breeds and varieties. Exhibitors are encouraged to study the ABA standards to understand breed characteristics, defects, and disqualifications that judges use in the show ring.
Birds must be of mature/reproductive age and should be no younger than 25 weeks of age.
Hatched by October 26, 2026
Large Fowl Chickens
Large fowl chickens, also called standard chickens, include full‑sized breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA). These birds may be shown in breed or variety classes and are judged against the APA Standard of Perfection for body type, plumage, condition, and breed characteristics. Large fowl generally require more space and feed than bantams, but they are an impressive class to show and a great way to learn deeper breed knowledge.
Hatched by October 26, 2026
Waterfowl (Ducks & Geese)
Waterfowl includes ducks and geese entered for breed or variety competition rather than through the commercial duck project. Exhibitors raise or purchase waterfowl at the personal level, and entries must be mature and meet the breed standards in the APA and ABA standards. This class gives exhibitors experience with a wide range of waterfowl breeds and demonstrates knowledge of care, handling, and show presentation.
Hatched by October 26, 2026
Heritage Turkeys
Heritage turkey classes are for birds raised for show according to breed standards rather than commercial meat production. Exhibitors raise or purchase heritage turkeys on their own and bring mature birds that meet the recognized varieties and standards to the fair. Heritage turkey entries are shown by variety and sex and are judged on how well they meet the breed characteristics of the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection.
Hatched by October 26, 2026
Guineas
Guineas are raised for show according to breed standards. Exhibitors raise or purchase guineas on their own and bring mature birds that meet the recognized varieties and standards to the fair. Entries are shown by variety and sex and are judged on how well they meet the breed characteristics of the APA Standard of Perfection for body type, plumage, an d condition. Guinea generally require more space and feed than bantams much like large fowl , but they are an impressive class to show and a great way to learn deeper knowledge of poultry beyond chickens.
Hatched by October 26, 2026
