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For bantam breeder Frances Russell, winning two first prizes with her feathered friends was a welcome surprise.
“I am new to this competition.
“I’ve only been competing for three years.”
One of her hens, Starlight, won first prize in the White Leghorn Bantam category.
Another of her competitors is a black Australian Black called Stranger, who won the Fancy Bantam Show Championship and the South Island Champion Certificate.
The self-proclaimed “newbie” didn’t realise until she was interviewed that she had won the coveted South Island Championship Certificate.
“Only the finest bantams live here,” she said.
The poultry farmer, from Ryall Bush, was “very happy” with her win and was proud that her cocks, which were entered in other shows in Milton and Dunedin, were able to continue her winning streak.
“You have to keep them fed.
“I bring them in 10 days before the show, keep them in the cages and put them in the wool shed.
“The tail is their cute feature.”
Ms Russell said the chicks were judged on size, cleanliness and the quality of their combs, and she was very particular about washing the white chicks because all the feathers needed to be preened on competition day.
Invercargill Poultry and Pigeon Club life member Jill Maxwell-Strang said the Kennington Kennel Club had more than 600 entries from 35 exhibitors this year.
About 200 people came to see poultry and pigeons of all sizes, shapes and breeds divided into nine different areas.
“It’s a fun game for the whole family,” she said.
“Older people keep chickens because it is a hobby that keeps them active and chickens are good companions.
“The birds are easy to care for, and children love Silkies, especially because of their beautiful, soft feathers.”
For the club’s older members, attending the fair is not about winning prizes, but about reuniting with friends and meeting new people from other places.
Ms Maxwell-Strong said members did not take the incident too seriously.
“It’s mainly about bringing people together and having a good time.
“We’ll have a raffle and people can come and order birds and they can buy eggs from you.”
– By Nina Tapu
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