2024 Show:
Quail, Largefowl, Waterfowl, Bantam, & Showmanship
What is it?
The Pips 'n Chicks virtual show is a completely free online poultry show, open to everyone in the United States and internationally. It is designed for beginners and experienced breeders alike to show in a competitive arena, meet other top breeders, and learn more about breeding towards a standard together. We run both youth-led shows--which are open to youth, judged by youth, and run by youth-- and open shows, which are judged by APA, ABA, and ACBA-sanctioned judges. All entries are free, the show is entirely run from sponsorships from small farms, businesses, and individuals. If you are interested in sponsoring an award, please see here.
The entries consist of photos of chickens, ducks, and quail, and are judged live on YouTube. While it is not the same as an in-person show, entries have specific requirements to make it as close to the live show as possible. Exhibitors and spectators can see their placings in real time, and have the opportunity to ask the judges questions and further clarifications. It provides a great opportunity to see and hear what judges are looking for in birds as well as get in-depth feedback. Judging videos from 2023 are free to watch here, and comments are available from 2022 here. We also ran a test showmanship last year and had great success. The top showmanship runs can be watched here.
Overall, the goal of the virtual show is to promote poultry showmanship, education, and excellence in a way that is accessible to everyone. Thank you to everyone who enters, shares, promotes, sponsors, or helps with the show in any way. This show would not be possible without you.
Entries
Entries for each chicken show will consist of a single picture of the bird standing profile. The bird should be as close to its natural stance as possible. Comb, eyes, beak, wattles, and feet must be visible.
Entries for the Quail shows are slightly different. A single collage must be entered for each bird, consisting of three or more pictures: a least one standing profile picture that showcases the stance and legs, a frontal picture that showcases breast patterning and face, and a wingspread picture that showcases the back and wing plumage.
More information on the entry requirements can be found here. Please review these before submitting birds.
Where are the Exhibitors From? 2024 Live Map
2024 Show Dates:
June 25th: Free entries close, late entries accepted for a fee
July 1st: No more entries are accepted, late or otherwise
July 2nd: Youth Quail judging at 10:30 CST, followed by Open Quail judging at 2:00 CST
July 5th: Fun show judging begins
July 8th: Open Bantam Judging at 1:00 CST
July 11th: Open Waterfowl judging at 10:30 CST
July 15th: Fun Show voting closes
July 15th: Youth Waterfowl judging at 5:00 PM CST
July 20th: Showmanship day! Starting at 8:00 and ending at 4:00 CST.
July 25th: Youth Bantam Judging at 10:30 CST
August: Awards go out
2024 Judges:
Youth Bantam: Hannah Thomas
Youth Quail: Mason Fields
Youth Waterfowl: Austin Noah
Youth Largefowl: Ben McMeeken
Fun Show: Everyone Allowed to Vote
Open Bantam: Phil Bartz
Open Largefowl: TBD
Open Waterfowl: Bryan Shelton
Open Quail: Michael Rose
Showmanship: Jada Spiegel
Clerks for the various shows:
-Izzy Dietzler
-Cheyanne Bilge
-Jonathan Morrison
Click on the photos below for more information and an introduction to each judge!
Sponsors and Awards
Premium Awards:
Best in Class (Rosette, letter) sponsorship: $25.
Best/Reserve in Show (Rosette, letter, plaque) sponsorship: $50.
Add-On Awards:
Best of Breed (Rosette): $10
Cash Awards (check goes to exhibitor): Any amount
These are awards that are only given out if they are sponsored. Not every class/category receives cash prizes, and not every breed receives a Best of Breed ribbon, but any class, category, or breed could have one.
Donations:
Donations go towards the "odds and ends" cost of the show. This includes judging costs, shipping costs, website/video hosting fees, etc. This is just as important as the individual awards. Any donation amount counts as a sponsorship, and all of it helps.
All of the money from the sponsorships goes directly to the show and awards. Anyone can sponsor an award, regardless of whether or not they enter or participate in the show. Almost all of our sponsors last year were individuals and/or small businesses, and our average sponsorship was about $15. Thank you to all of the following sponsors and their awards!