Poultry Shows & Exhibition
Poultry Shows: Keep Your Birds Healthy at Every Step
Taking your birds to a fair or show is exciting, but it can also be risky. Birds from many places mix together, and that’s how diseases and parasites spread. These steps help keep your flock and others safe.
Before the Event
Don’t Bring Disease to the Show
Bring Only Healthy Birds
Look closely for signs of illness in the days before the event. Don’t bring birds with swelling, coughing, sneezing, low energy, or runny poop. If any birds in your flock have died recently or shown symptoms in the past few weeks please stay home.
Have Dedicated Shoes and Clothes
Shoes and clothing can carry germs from one place to another. Keep a set that you use only when caring for your birds, and do not wear them into other flocks or public areas.
Pack Clean Gear
Bring cages, feeders, and tools that have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Germs and parasites can hitch a ride on dirty equipment.
Check for Bugs Early
Start checking and treating for lice and mites a month or more before the show. Look under the tail, wings, along the back and neck. Parasites can spread quickly.
Know the Rules
Check what the show requires. Some need testing or paperwork. Make sure your birds meet all the health rules ahead of time. If you’re crossing state lines with your birds, review these movement requirements.
During the Event
Protect Your Birds at the Show
Transport with Care
Bring birds in carriers that keep them safe and at a comfortable temperature. In hot weather, use ice packs or frozen water bottles to help keep birds cool.
Keep Your Distance
Limit how close you and your birds get to other flocks. Don’t let others handle your birds. This helps to limit the spread of disease.
Keep it Clean
Wash your hands frequently. Wear clean clothes and shoes to prevent tracking in germs to the show. Germs travel on your boots.
No Sharing
Wash cages and feeders daily. Don’t share equipment with other exhibitors. Wash your own equipment daily.
Watch Closely
Check your birds each day. If they seem off, such as being less active, not eating, or showing signs of illness, tell a show official and remove them from the event.
After the Event
Don’t Bring Disease Home
Separate Show Birds
Isolate returning birds from the event for three weeks or more, and regularly monitor them for signs of disease and parasites. This keeps potential infections from spreading to your home flock.
Clean Everything Again
Disinfect all cages, gear, clothes, and shoes before using them at home. Germs can survive on surfaces and spread quickly if not cleaned. Always wash your hands after handling show birds, especially before touching your home flock.
Keep an Eye Out
If any birds begin to show signs of illness, contact a veterinarian or poultry expert in your area for help. Quick action can prevent disease from spreading further.
Report Sick Birds
Call your state animal health official if your birds show signs of avian influenza.
Tip: Shows and fairs are short but keeping your birds healthy is a year-round task. Visit our Biosecurity page to learn how to keep your birds healthy all the time.