Youth Contests

**Youth activities will vary from show to show**

Pullet Surprise Writing Contest

For the Pullet Surprise, youth can write an original essay, poem, or other literary work on a poultry-related topic. The winner of each age category (Junior and Senior) receives a show quality pair of poultry, cages, feed, an incubator, an ABA Standard, and more–the makings for an excellent start in raising exhibition birds!

For details on the Pullet Surprise contest, see this download: Pullet Surprise Contest Information (PDF) . You can find the same PDF in the “Forms” section of this website.

Photography Contest

The WJPA photography contest is another fun competition for youth to participate in and an opportunity to win cash. Interested youth simply need to take nice photos of domestic poultry and send them in to be judged. The winning photos will be displayed as a cover photo for our Facebook group. 

The Photography Contest entry information and entry form can be found here. 

Egg Show

The Egg Show is a WJPA event held at the Wisconsin International Poultry Show. Possible entries include a dozen white, brown, or other naturally-colored (green, etc.) eggs, or a dozen decorated eggs. Any WJPA member 18 years old or younger can participate. Information on the Egg Show can be found here: WJPA Egg Show Entry Information (PDF).

Poultry Showmanship

Poultry showmanship is probably the most popular event that WJPA youth participate in throughout Wisconsin and other states. Showmanship offers exhibitors a chance to demonstrate their handling abilities and poultry knowledge (of both their own birds and others). In addition to helping youth improve their communication skills, showmanship can also be a quite enjoyable competition, for all ages of junior exhibitors.

Showmanship competitions are offered at basically every show in Wisconsin, including small fairs and larger open shows. All you need to do for showmanship is pick a show to attend, study hard, practice handling your bird, enter (usually at the show), and bring your well-conditioned bird up to the showmanship judge at the show. Tips for studying: Check out some of the links in the Helpful Links section of this website, search for extra information on the Internet, consider getting the American Standard of Perfection, and ask for help from knowledgeable poultry exhibitors/raisers if necessary.

Avian Quiz Bowl

Avian bowl is an opportunity to test your poultry knowledge against other competitors. Teams consist of 2-4 members (they must be 4-H members) and they are pitted against other teams in a buzzer quiz competitions. Questions can be answered by multiple choice, short answer, or spelling. Teams are either registered as Junior (under 14 years) or Senior (14-18 years). Material studied for the avian bowl comes from the 4-H Avian Bowl Manual. The winning senior team represents Wisconsin in the National Avian Bowl in Louisville, KY. The competition is held annually at the Wisconsin International show and registrations are due September 1st. More information about the Avian Bowl and the registration form can be found here.

Poultry Creation Contest 

New for 2024, the WJPA is sponsoring a poultry themed art and creations contest. Entries can be anything poultry themed, but must be the contestant's own work. Examples could be poultry posters, handmade egg baskets, poultry toys, chicken shaped cakes, etc. This year's contest will be held at the Beaver Bantam and Pigeon Show. For more information, click on this link.