Attending a Bird Show or Bird Fair
Most people have heard of dog shows, farm animal shows, but did you know there are also Bird Shows? What fun a bird show or bird fair can be. At a Bird Show you will probably see many species of birds you would otherwise never be lucky enough to see in person.
Doesn't matter if it's a Finch and Canary competition, Cockatiel show, Budgies, or a Parrot show with all the larger parrots, Bird Shows are educational, fun, and interactive as you learn and mingle among the other show attendees.
Local Bird Clubs are usually the sponsors of Bird Shows and are often affiliated with national organizations that maintain high standards of health, beauty, and ethics. Often, bird shows will also hold sponsored educational forums and lectures throughout the show. I encourage you to attend some. Many times these seminars are conducted by Avian Veterinarians or very experienced bird owners.
Bird Fairs may or may not be held along with Bird Shows. The Bird Fairs are for selling birds, and bird-related items. Fairs may range from small business vendors displaying and selling their products, to large manufacturers displaying the latest in bird food, bird toys, and supplies. And yes, there are also often bird breeders. It is super fun to see all the different items available, and sometimes you can find some really sweet deals too. Some fairs are only held once a year and sponsored by a local bird club, some are more business-oriented and may be held as often as every 3 months. Some Shows and Fairs may also have a veterinarian on site during the fair as well.
As someone who has shown birds at Club Shows in the past, as well as being a vendor at bird fairs, there are a few tips I highly recommend you practice if you plan to attend a show or fair.
The Fair venues are usually open-air markets or large meeting places. As some avian diseases can be airborne, you definitely do not want to bring anything bad home to your own feathered friends.
Always disinfect any bird toys, cages, or supplies you buy at the fair, and all food should be in sealed containers or bags when purchased. Best practice is to totally strip down as soon as you get home (hopefully in the privacy of your home), and take a shower, including washing your hair. Wash your clothes, and don't forget your shoes. Take your shoes off at the door of your home. The bottom of most shoes can be lightly spritzed with a solution of one part chlorine bleach or white vinegar, to 4 parts water, to make sure you don't track anything harmful inside. You do want comfortable shoes when walking around the show or fair, but remember, they should be shoes that can be disinfected when you get home.
I don't want to get too much into buying a bird while you are at the bird fair as that is a controversial conversation, but if you do, make sure you quarantine your new bird, have it immediately vet checked, and don't forget to get the breeder or seller's contact info and a bill of sale (even if it's only a note on paper) with the seller's signature. Ask whether there is any health guarantee before you buy. Most responsible breeders will give you a time frame in which to have the bird vet checked for illness.
To see more bird show winners, please visit our Pinterest Board https://www.pinterest.com/naturechest/bird-shows/
