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The Poultry Fancy
An Exciting Live Hobby
If you like beautiful, responsive, living things , then the world of FANCY
POULTRY may be what you have been looking for. The many sizes, shapes,
colors and personalities represented in the nearly 400 breeds and varieties of ornamental
poultry offers? something for almost everybody.
The term poultry includes chickens and miniature counterparts, the bantams, as well as
ducks, geese and turkeys. These domestic fowl are an important part of the world's
commerce and industry and form a considerable portion of the diet for many of the world's
people. They also exist in so many diverse forms and colors that they catch the
avocational interest of an increasing number of persons. This latter interest has been
served for over one hundred years by the American Poultry Association. The appreciation of
excellence and the systematic classification of the many breeds and varieties of poultry
are highlights of the association's program. The gaining of greater appreciation for and
the enjoyment from keeping and exhibiting of fancy poultry is a worthwhile social goal.
If you are attracted to graceful forms and exquisite colors in lively, moving packages,
investigate the world of fancy poultry. The best way to understand this intriguing hobby
is to visit some of the more than 1000 shows held annually across the United States and
Canada. See the birds, meet the people and follow up with visits to their places. You'll
see some attractive birds and see some interesting equipment. You can build and enjoy the
company of fascinating people. From these people you'll get valuable ideas and suggestions
of where to go to see and learn more.
Membership in the American Poultry Association is a way to keep abreast of what's
happening. Later, after you have settled on a breed, you may want to join the club
promoting that particular breed. Through newsletters and meetings these organizations add
uniformity and cohesion as well as general information you can use in the day-to-day
pursuit of your hobby. You'll also learn of shows, swap meets
and other events you'll want to attend. All of these activities encourage total family
participation and many design features especially for the younger members of the family.
For some people owning and reproducing some of these elegant creatures is enough reward.
But for others the showroom is the focal point--the true measure of the hobby's rewards.
The thrill of a win and the recognition of the effort by friends is? a gratifying
experience. It recalls all of the events from mating of the parents, the setting of the
egg and the new baby chick. You watch it grow. Each day is a new experience. Finally the
competition of the showroom, whether it is a"youngster" in the 4-H competition
or an "oldster" in retirement (and all those in-between), raising ornamental
poultry is a relaxing hobby that is within the economic limits of most of us. It offers
the challenge of improving a breed, the companionship of living things and the pride of
ownership that can be matched by few other things.
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