Poultry
The poultry department has one of the largest poultry shows in the northeast. Our show consists of many species of waterfowl, fancy show birds and a large assortment of bantams. Competitions in turkeys, ornamental and racing pigeons, laying birds and eggs are very popular, with everyone thinking that theirs is the best. All competitors hope that their bird will make the "Court of Honor" where we display the "best of the best."
The part of the poultry building that is the most sought after is the chick hatchery. All during the fair we have eggs hatching and baby chicks on display. This is our busiest area and people spend hours waiting for their special egg to hatch. Natures miracle of life is on display for all to see. Another popular activity that our young fair visitors really enjoy is feeding the birds. Last but not least is the hen flying and cock crowing contests that take place on the second Saturday of the fair, come and root home your favorites.
So, stop by the Poultry Building and see the show.
Fast Facts
The only difference between brown and white eggs is the color of the shell.
It takes 21 days to hatch a chicken egg and 28 days to hatch a duck egg.
It takes approximately 22 weeks for a chicken to start laying eggs.
A chicken lays approximately 260 eggs a year.
It takes 8 weeks to produce a broiler.
It takes 7 weeks to produce a fryer.
The main part of a chicken's feed is corn.
A young female chicken is called a pullet.
A young male is called a cockerel.
The best place to keep eggs is in their carton on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Related Exhibitor Handbook Downloads 2011 (.pdf)
Wash Your Hands
Please remember to wash your hands after leaving any area with animals.
2010 Top Poultry Awards
Best Opposite Sex (Youth Entrant)
Karindia Sanchez, Rowley, MA
Best Waterfowl (Youth Entrant)
Sophia Reynoso, Danvers, MA
Best Bantam Award (Youth Entrant)
Orren Fox, Newburyport, MA
Best Eggs (Youth)
Kelly Herrick, Rowley, MA
Best Pekin
Salina Mallory, Boxford, MA
Best Duck in Show
R J Clauss, East Falmouth, MA
Best Goose in Show
Cheryl Rossman, Ashland, MA
Reserve Champion Goose
Cheryl Rossman, Ashland, MA
Best Call Duck
R J Clauss, East Falmouth, MA
Best Dozen Eggs In Show
Silvana DiBlasi, Boxford, MA
Best of Any Breed
Taylor Martel, Andover, MA
Best Old Male Pigeon
Diane Flavin, Topsfield, MA
Best Young Male Pigeon
David Costello, Amesbury, MA
Best Old Female Pigeon
David Costello, Amesbury, MA
Best Young Female Pigeon
David Costello, Amesbury, MA
Best Cochin in Show
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Best Silkie Bantam
Scotty Franco, Amesbury, MA
Best Bantam / Opposite Sex
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Best Reserve Champion
Benjamin Morill, South Hamilton, MA
Best Silver Sebright
Alyssa DiPaolo, Beverly, MA
Best Black Rose Comb
Kelly Herrick, Rowley, MA
Best Opposite Sex
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Best Golden Sebright
Benjamin Morrill, South Hamilton, MA
Best Silver Duckwing
Benjamin Morrill, South Hamilton, MA
Best Egg Production Bird
William Locke, Essex, MA
Reserve Champion Utility Bird
William Locke, Essex, MA
Best Standard Bird
Robert Pritchard, Epping, NH
Champion Turkey
Daniel Wildes Jr, Rowley, MA
Reserve Champion Turkey
Daniel Wildes Jr, Rowley, MA
