It’s no paltry task to have six birds preened to whitewash the rest in the pecking order.
But for Cherie Bowater at her Ngātīmoti silkie salon, weeks of bathing, blow-drying, trimming and careful feeding ahead of the Nelson Poultry and Pigeon Association Show at King’s Birthday Weekend do not ruffle her feathers.
Flocking to the area from Australia eight years ago with a background of preparing horses for shows, the “inquisitive and quirky” nature of chickens encouraged her to add another farm animal to her display portfolio.
She began with Pekin bantams, but silkies are now her speciality.
While they are hardy, Cherie says they are “not the smartest”, though their cute and fluffy appearance has won her over.
This year, she will present six silkies in white and blue, hoping her scrupulous preparation won’t leave her winning chances in ribbons.
“It starts with the breeding. I bred 16 last year, they were hatched in November or December, and from there you try and pick out the best ones,” she says.
“It’s a matter of looking at their good points and working out the best ones to show. They must have five toes that are quite nicely spaced, no webbing, and bright blue ear lobes.”
A strict diet is part of the routine. Selenium-dense sunflower seeds help avoid wry neck, mealworms encourage shiny plumage, and Livamol is given to blue silkies only, as it can turn white birds yellow.
Probiotics, pellets and poultry spice round out the menu.
Their nails, beaks and feathers around the eyes are daintily trimmed, while a warm water soak with baby shampoo and conditioner, and the occasional wool wash, is followed by a rinse with warm water and a splash of white vinegar three weekends before show time.
Before returning them to their show pens, Cherie finishes the process with a blow-dry at a temperature gentle enough to avoid roasting the birds.
Away from the grooming table, she studies what she calls the “bibles” of the craft – the New Zealand Poultry Standards and specialist poultry and silkie breeding books.
Cherie has previously produced a champion silkie and award-winning roosters at recent Poultry and Pigeon Association Annual Shows.
She says “it’s nice to get a win” but to also learn from those who are impeccable.
“I don't think I have anything outstanding yet, I've only been in it a few minutes, compared to some of these people that have been in it for 40 to 50 years,” she says. “Getting to compare all the other birds, and meeting other people that are interested in silkies and breeding Silkies as well, and learning as much as I can and trying to better my knowledge and get contacts.”
Nelson Poultry and Pigeon Association Annual Show
Where: Hope Recreation Hall
When: Saturday, 30 May, 11am–5pm, and Sunday, 31 May, 9am–1pm
Cash-only entry: adults $2, under 16s $1, family pass $5
