Poultry & Pigeon Competition History

The earliest evidence of a poultry competition at the Show can be found in the prize schedule for 1858, which was published in the Empire newspaper in January of that year. The classes listed for Poultry were:

Dorking - Cock and two Hens

Cochin China - Cock and two Hens

Black Spanish - Cock and two Hens

Game - Cock and two Hens

Any-bred - Cock and two Hens

Ducks – Drake and two Ducks

Muscovy Ducks – Drake and two Ducks

Geese – Gander and one Goose

Turkeys – Cock and one hen (no entry)

Subsequent newspaper articles indicate that poultry exhibitions were held each year from this point onwards, and by 1869 when the Society began publishing its own catalogues, we can be sure of it.

Ducks, geese and chickens were consistently shown from 1869, and turkeys were shown most years up until 1895, then all years from 1896. Pigeons were exhibited within the Poultry section, and for over a hundred years, cage birds were also included in the section.

Today exhibitors present birds across more than 1,250 classes, including all breeds recognised by the Australian Poultry Standards – from Hardfeather and Softfeather chickens to Waterfowl, Turkeys, Guinea Fowl and Eggs, as well as Racing Homers, Fancy, British Show Racer and Utility pigeon breeds. Judging awards cash prizes, ribbons and perpetual trophies, with top honours such as Grand Champion Bird of Show, Reserve Grand Champion and Champion awards for each category. The program includes dedicated sections for youth and school exhibitors, with additional competitions for egg quality, showmanship and educational exhibits.

Timeline for the introduction of other classes: