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.

Previous Virtual Shows

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.

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Where are the Exhibitors From? 2024 Live Map

2024 Show Dates:

May 1st: Entries open

June 1st: Sponsorships close

June (dates TBD): Showmanship judging begins

June 25th: Free entries close, late entries accepted for a fee

July 1st: No more entries are accepted, late or otherwise

July (TBD): Judging Begins

August: Awards go out

2024 Judges:

Youth Bantam: Hannah Thomas

Youth Quail: Mason Fields

Youth Waterfowl: Austin Noah

Youth Largefowl: Nicholas Peters

Fun Show: Everyone Allowed to Vote

Open Bantam: Phil Bartz

Open Largefowl: Jackie Koedatich

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!

Youth Quail: Mason Fields

Hello everyone my name is Mason Fields. I am super excited to be this year's youth quail judge! I started my adventure in quail around December of 2022. I now own Big Spring Quail, and I am head of youth engagement for the ACBA. I have been fortunate enough to work with and visit some of America's largest quail breeders, and have been taught well on what good traits to look for in quail. I am so grateful for all these opportunities and can’t wait to help others learn and grow!

Youth Bantam: Hannah Thomas

My name is Hannah Thomas and I am a Jr. In High school. I haven’t been showing for long, but in the time I have, I dedicated myself to it. I enjoy showing, 4-H, FFA, public speaking, and agriscience experiments, I spend much of my time studying the APA and perfecting my Dominique bantams!

Youth Largefowl-Nicholas Peters

Hello, I am Nicholas Peters and I am a senior in high school. I have been in the livestock world even longer than poultry, with an emphasis on sheep. I show through 4H and am getting out to more shows across Wisconsin and the Midwest. I have spent most of my time in 4H and FFA on livestock judging, and have placed in the top 5 at state for several years. I have worked with many different breeds of chickens, and am currently working with largefowl buff Orpingtons and bantam black Langshans.

Youth Waterfowl: Austin Noah

My name is Austin Noah, I’m from Raymore, Mo and I’m 19 years old. I have been showing ducks for the last 7 years. The breeds of ducks that I have are Gray Mallards, East Indies, Cayugas, Khaki Campbells and I just got some Rouens. I have had a passion for waterfowl for quite a long time and I'm so excited that I get to be the Junior Waterfowl Judge.

Showmanship: Jada Spiegel

Hi, I'm Jada. I am a freshman at UW River Falls. I breed and exhibit Belgian Bearded d'Anvers bantams. Someday, I hope to become an American Poultry Association licensed judge. For now, I judge fairs around Wisconsin.

Open Quail: Michael Rose

After leaving a corporate career in favor of a life outside the city, Michael and his wife Christy founded Southwest Gamebirds. Like many modern day farmers, they acquired their first animals to feed their family and pets, but Japanese quail quickly stood out as a favorite. Michael is passionate about taking a science-based approach to quail breeding and husbandry with a desire to define and standardize the ideal bird.

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!