How to Become a Poultry Judge
Aspiring to be a poultry judge is a sign of a true chicken, duck, goose and turkey devotee. The judges at poultry shows have spent years studying the breed standards and as an apprentice to earn their poultry judge license. Poultry judges can be licensed by the American Poultry Association (APA) or the American Bantam Association (ABA). The steps to being allowed a seat at the judge's table are rigorous and challenging. Licensing requirements for both the ABA and APA are similar, and you can choose to be licensed by one or both organizations.
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Things You'll Need
- ABA and/or APA membership
- APA's "American Standard of Perfection"
- ABA's "Bantam Standard for the Breeder, Exhibitor and Judge"
Instructions
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Obtain your membership with the ABA and/or the APA. Members gain access to newsletters, and membership is required to start the judge licensing process for either organization. For the ABA to begin the licensing process, you must have been a member for 5 years.
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Read, study and memorize the Standards book that relates to the organization you are seeking a license with. You will be tested on this information and eventually judging birds based on these standards.
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Attend as many poultry shows as you can. At these shows learn as much as you can about judging by asking questions and taking notes.
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Become a judge's apprentice. The ABA requires a 2-year stewardship program to be completed.
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Take the licensing exams. The exams will involve both a written test and a practical test. To pass you must prove yourself to be an expert in all the poultry types shown and their standards.
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Tips & Warnings
Becoming a poultry judge takes several years to accomplish. During this time, breeding and showing your own birds will be very valuable in learning how to be a judge.
