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 2010 (.pdf)
Wash Your Hands
Please remember to wash your hands after leaving any area with animals.
2008 Top Poultry Awards
Grand Champion of Show and Best Duck
Alyssa DiPaolo, Beverly,MA
Best Bird in Show-Court of Honor
Sophia Costa, Gloucester,MA
Best Overall Bird with Exhibtor Competition
Dan Wildes, Rowley, MA
Best Egg Production Bird
Kelly Herrick, Rowley, MA
Reserve Champion Utility Bird
Kelly Herrick, Rowley, MA
Best Cochin In Show
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Best Opposite Sex Cochin
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Champion Bantam
Donna Lamb, Groveland, MA
Best Bantam Opposite Sex
David Foley, Byfield, MA
Best Black Red Old English
Shauna Murrin, Rowley, MA
Best Silkie Bantam
Alexis Stasinos, Tewksbury, MA
Best Reserve Champion Black/Red Old Englis
Janice Costa, Gloucester, MA
Best Silver Seabright
Benjamin Morrill, South Hamilton, MA
Best Black Rose Comb
Scotty Franco, Amesbury, MA
Best Golden Seabright
Charlene Foley, Byfield, MA
Best Silver Duckwing
Heidi Herbawi, Andover, MA
Best Dozen Eggs
Richard Krafton, Andover, MA
Champion Turkey
Dan Wildes, Rowley, MA
Best Goose
Anne Wray, Worcester, MA
Best Fancy
Sophia Costa, Gloucester, MA
Best Fancy Pigeon
Charles Larner, Andover, MA
Best Non-Racer
Courtney Martel, Andover, MA
Grand Champsion of Show (Youth)
Sophia Costa, Gloucester, MA
Reserve Champion of Show (Youth)
Sophia Reynoso, Gloucester,MA
Youngest Competitor (age 3)
Hannah Turner, Ipswich, MA
Judges Choice (Youth)
Aaron Costa, Gloucester, MA
Best Eggs (Youth)
Orren Fox, Newburyport
Largest Number of Entries (Youth)
Sophia Costa(18 entries) Gloucester, MA