RULES: Read pages 21-24 regarding General Animal/Exhibition Rules, Grooming Policy and the Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance policy. The 4honline animal enrollment is due May 15 annually and FairEntry July 6, 2026.
- Any APA or ABA breed or variety may be shown.
- All birds entered must be owned, raised, and cared for by the exhibitor. All birds entered (other than meat pen) must be in the exhibitor’s possession prior to May 15 of the current year.
- For best competition results, it is recommended that 4-H birds (other than meat pen) be hatched before March 1st
- Meat Pen entries must be in the exhibitor’s possession no later than June 15th of the current year. One poultry meat pen pair may be sold at the livestock sale, if the 4 -Her had an exhibition entry.
- Each 4-H Poultry exhibitor may exhibit one (1) pair of broilers/roasters (meat pen).
- Completed poultry entry forms must be submitted to the Extension Office or the Poultry Barn Superintendent by May 15. Only poultry animals should be listed on the poultry entry form provided in this handbook. .
- All poultry must be checked IN and checked OUT by a Poultry Superintendent and/or Committee member. Poultry may be checked in on Friday, July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday, July 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Birds will be weighed and classified prior to judging. All poultry must remain on exhibit until Thursday, July 23rd,and are released after 9:00 P.M. except Turkeys, Pea Fowl, Guineas and Geese which are on-site for show day only. All livestock and tack must be gone by 8 am Saturday.
*ALL EXHIBITORS WILL BE EXPECTED TO HELP CLEAN UP THE POULTRY BARN BEFORE THEIR ENTRIES WILL BE RELEASED.
- 4-H exhibits must remain on exhibit at the Putnam County Fair until established release time, unless approved by the Superintendent and the 4-H Youth Educator. For any exhibit removed from display prior to the official release time, placings and prizes (ribbons, medals, trophies, etc) will be forfeited. The current year Achievement Program recognition for that project will be forfeited.
- To comply with state health requirements for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), all poultry- except Meat Pens, Turkeys, Guineas, Pheasants, Peafowl, Pigeons, Quail and Waterfowl- must be blood tested before they can be exhibited at the Putnam County Fair. Blood testing will be available on Thursday, June 11th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Poultry Barn or Thursday, July 9th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Poultry Barn unless other arrangements are made with the poultry barn superintendent. If you are wanting your flock tested to become Certified NPIP free you will need to make arrangements with the barn superintendent (owner of large flocks may need to supply your own antigen).All poultry presented for exhibition must meet one of the following requirements:
- No poultry may be exhibited showing signs of an infectious or communicable disease. Any birds developing obvious signs of disease during the fair will be removed from the fairgrounds.
- Birds are expected to be clean, and must be free of lice and external parasites at check-in by either the Poultry Superintendent and/or Committee. If any bird is found to have bugs or parasites these birds will be sent home. Dirty birds will be dropped one (1) place, and may be excused from the show at the discretion of the judge or superintendent.
- Each bird may be exhibited in only one class in any given year.
- Each 4-H member is allowed to show a maximum of 26 birds.
- Exhibitors are REQUIRED to be present during judging as valuable information may be gained by listening to the judge’s comments. Birds will not be judged if the exhibitor is absent, unless the 4-H member is showing an animal in another barn at the same time. In that case, prior arrangements must be made with the Poultry Barn Superintendent.
- Exhibitors and show observers may not interfere with or influence the decisions of the judge.
- A modified Danish system of judging will be used. Each exhibit will be graded and awarded a blue, red or white ribbon based on its own merits. Only blue ribbon exhibits may compete for championship awards. Unworthy exhibits will not be awarded a blue ribbon whether there is competition or not, nor shall they be awarded ribbons on entries incorrectly entered or incorrectly named.
- 4-H birds entered in an incorrect section/class will be judged as entered. Any award earned in an incorrect section/class will automatically be lowered one (1) placing. 4-H birds incorrectly entered will not be eligible for any championship awards.
- Coops will be furnished by the fair association and will be pre-assigned based on the exhibitor entry forms. Space limitations may require an exhibitor to have more than one bird per coop. Turkeys, Pea Fowl, Geese, Guineas, Pheasants & Quail may have to provide their own cages due to size of cage needed for display.
- Exhibitors are to feed and water their own birds and are expected to keep their pens and the surrounding areas clean at all times. Sawdust will be available for bedding. Birds in unclean pens will be disqualified.
- Carrying cages may not remain in or be stored in the poultry building.
- 4-H animals purchased, sold or offered for sale after the enrollment deadline and prior to the Indiana State Fair (including animals that have gone through a “Premium Only Auction”), shall not be eligible to show in the 4-H show at the Indiana State Fair.
- Exhibitors may wish to zip tie or lock their own cages while birds are at the fair. While every effort will be made by the barn staff to prevent any problems, the fair/club/barn/Extension staff is not responsible for escaped, lost or stolen birds. The barn superintendent at his/her discretion may attach zip ties to the cages at night.
- Exhibitors are encouraged to leg band (or zip tie one leg) to mark their birds to avoid confusion or switching birds while at the fair.
- All Poultry Club members and/or Project members are expected to help with barn setup, barn cleanup and cage tear down. So, expect to attend at least one day of the several planned for setup and one of the tear down of cage dates.
- Poultry Club members and/or Project members need to sign up for barn duty the week of fair.
- Show Day: 4-H exhibitors’ attire should be neat and clean. Club t-shirts or a nice dress shirt with jeans, khakis or a nice pair of shorts; or white lab coat (no short shorts, mid-drifts or tank tops). No open toed shoes.
Commercial Classes of Chickens
Commercial classes will be judged with special attention given to growth, development and production qualities. These classes are based on the age of the animal as of the day of show.
Commercial
White Egg Pullets—2 female birds less than 1 year of age
Brown Egg Pullets—2 female birds less than 1 year of age
Brown Egg Hens—2 female birds more than 1 year of age
White Egg Hens—2 female birds more than 1 year of age
Meat pen—2 birds of the same sex hatched after June 1st
(Ideal weight is 5.5 lbs. each)
Meat Pen Project
- A 4-H exhibitor must exhibit at least one fowl (bird) in an exhibition class listed within the 4-H Poultry guidelines to be eligible to exhibit a meat pen.
- Each 4-H Poultry exhibitor may exhibit one (1) pair of broilers /roasters (meat pen)
- Meat Pen entries must be in the exhibitor’s possession no later than June 15th of the current year. One poultry meat pen pair may be sold at the livestock sale, if the 4-Her had an exhibition entry.
- A 4-H exhibitor may place an order for meat pens with the Poultry club by the February meeting. These birds will be available at Club price and will be delivered prior to the June 15 deadline. Payment will be due at time of pickup.
Meat pen classes
Broilers: 2 Cornish-cross birds (same sex) 1 entry
Weight limit 3 1/2 to 6 lbs.
Not over 9 weeks of age
Roasters: 2 Cornish-cross (same sex) 1 entry
Weight limit over 6lbs to 8lbs.
Not over 10 weeks of age
***If exhibiting at the Indiana State Fair, review the handbook – FFA/ Handbook – for specific weights and classes.
* Meat Pen Entries: Exhibitors should register their meat pen in only one class in FairEntry–either Broiler or Roaster. Do not enter both classes. The Poultry Barn Superintendent will make any necessary class adjustments at check-in.
Waterfowl Classes
Judging of the Waterfowl Classes will be according to the APA American Standard of Perfection.
A.) 4-H Waterfowl Duck/ Geese Classes
Duck/Goose —Young
-a female bird less than 1 year of age day of show
Duck/ Goose — Old
-a female bird 1 year of age or more day of show
Drake/Gander -- Young
- a male bird less than 1 year of age day of show
Drake/Gander — Old
-a male bird 1 year old or more day of show
B.) 4-H Waterfowl Duck Breed - Class
Heavy Duck:
Pekin, Aylesbury, Rouen, Muscovy, Saxony, Appleyard
Medium Duck:
Cayuga, Crested, Swedish, Buff
Light Duck:
Runner, Campbell, Magpie, Welsh, Harlequin
Bantam Duck:
Call, East Indie, Mallard
C.) 4-H Waterfowl Geese Breed—Class
Geese are day of show only. Geese must be checked in with the barn superintendent or staff and penned between 7am-8am day of show.
Heavy Geese;
Toulouse, Embden, African
Medium Geese:
Sebastopol, Pilgrim, Buff, Pomeranian
Light Geese:
China, Tufted Roman, Canada, Egyptian
Chicken Exhibition Classes
Judging of the Exhibition Classes will be according to the APA American Standard of Perfection. Any APA recognized breed or variety of standard (large) or bantam chicken will be accepted.
4-H Chicken Exhibition Classes
Cock (Exhibition)
-a male bird 1 year old or more day of show
Cockerel (Exhibition)
- a male bird less than 1 year old day of show
Hen (Exhibition)
-a female bird 1 year old or more day of show
Pullet (Exhibition)
- a female bird less than 1 year old day of show
4-H Standard (Large) Chicken Exhibition Breeds
American, Asiatic, Continental, English, Mediterranean, Miscellaneous-AOSB (All other standard breeds)
4-H Bantam Chicken Exhibition Breeds
Game (GM), Feather Legged (FL), Rose Comb Clean Legged (RCCL), Single Comb Clean Legged (SCCL), All other Comb Clean Legged (AOCCL)
Please see the APA list of acceptable breeds @
https://amerpoultryassn.com/accepted-breeds-varieties/
Egg Class
Six eggs will be displayed in a foam carton. Eggs will be judged for uniformity of size and shape and shell color and interior quality. Eggs will be disposed of by the fair staff. Each 4-H exhibitor may have one entry of six eggs per class for a total of 18 eggs (three (3) cartons).
*Eggs should be displayed “Large End Up” in carton.*
Egg Classes
White Shell Chicken Eggs
Brown Shell Chicken Eggs
All Other Eggs
Pigeon Class
Judging of the Pigeon Class will be according to the National Pigeon Association. Any recognized breed or variety by the NPA will be allowed to be shown.
Pigeon breeds can be found at the National Pigeon Association @ www.npausa.com
A.) Species: Columba Livia domestic pigeon Pigeon
B.) Breeds: Form; Owls & Frills; Tumblers, Rollers & High Flyers
C.) Cock – male
Hen – female
Quail Class
A.) *4-H Exhibitors are not allowed to exhibit any quail that requires a permit to breed by the Indiana Game Breeder License Laws by the DNR. This would include Bob-white quail and their subspecies and color phases due to the fact that we follow the APA guidelines.
B.) 4-Her may need to supply cage during the week of fair for the quail. They may be exhibited in the wall cages if the quail are large enough.
C.) Breeds: Coturnix, Gambel, Mearrn, Mountain, California and Scaled
D.) Cock – male
Hen – female
Pheasant Class (Day of Show Only)
A.) *4-H Exhibitors are not allowed to exhibit any pheasant that requires a permit to breed by the Indiana Game Breeder License Laws by the DNR. This would include Ring-necked pheasant and their subspecies and color phases due to following the APA guideline.
B.) Pheasants are day of show only. Pheasants must be checking in with the barn superintendent or staff and penned between 7am-8am day of show.
C.) 4-H Exhibitor may need to supply a cage during the week of fair for the pheasant.
D.) Cock – male over a year old
Cockerel – under a year old
Hen – female over a year old
Pullet – under a year old
Pea Fowl Class (Day of Show Only)
A.) 4-H Exhibitors will need to supply a cage for their peafowl. The cage needs to be large enough for the bird to be able to display their tail. Example of cage in previous year has been a dog kennel for a pea cock.
B.) Peafowl are day of show only. Peafowl must be check-in with the Barn Superintendent or staff and penned from 7am – 8am day of show.
C.) Pea Fowl may be exhibited in each class for a maximum of four; one (1) - old pea cock, one (1) old pea hen, one (1) young pea cock, one (1) young pea hen
Young Peacock – Young Male under a year old
Old Peahen – Old Female over a year old
Young Peahen – Young Female under a year old
Variety: Blue, Green, White, Purple, Cameo, Charcoal, opal, Bronze, Peach, midnight, Jade, Taupe, Sonja’s Violet, Hazel and Indigo
Guinea Class (Day of Show Only)
A.) Cages may be provided or the Guinea may need to stay in the cage brought in by the exhibitors.
B.) Guineas are day of show only. Guineas must be check-in with the Barn Superintendent or staff and penned from 7am – 8am day of show.
C.) Guinea may be exhibited in each class for a maximum of four; one (1)- old male., (1) one old female, (1) one young male, (1) one young female
D.) Old Male – male over a year old
Young male – under a year old
Old Female – female over a year old
Young Female – under a year old
E.) *By variety (Example Pearl, Lavender, Slate, Pied, etc
Turkey Class (Day of Show Only)
A.) Turkey will remain in their transport cages for the day of show.
B.) Cages must be large enough for turkeys to display tails for judging
C.) All turkeys must be checked in with the superintendent or staff and penned between 7a.m. and 8a.m.
D.) 4-H Exhibitor may exhibit one entry per class One turkey may be exhibited in each class for a maximum of four; one (1) - old tom, (1) old hen, (1) young tom, (1) young hen for Standard Breed
E.) 4-H Exhibitor may exhibit one entry per class One turkey may be exhibited in each class for a maximum of four; one (1) - old tom, (1) old hen, (1) young tom, (1) young hen for Commercial Breed.
F.) Turkey’s will be judged either Standard Breed or Commercial Breed. The judge will pick the best of the Standard Breed and the best of the Commercial Breed and then an overall Champion Turkey
G.) Standard Breeds (Turkey) - Bronze,
Narragansett, White Holland, Black, Slate, Bourbon Red, Beltsville Small White, Royal Palm, Chocolate Turkey
F.) Commercial Breeds (Turkey) - Giant White & Broad Breasted Bronze
- All turkeys, guineas & pea fowls will be required to follow the general / standard poultry rules as indicated in the previous section, unless additional changes are stated.
- 4-H exhibitors must be enrolled in the Poultry project to be able to exhibit a turkey, guinea, quail, pheasant, pigeon or pea fowl.
- Only meat pen Cornish cross poultry will be allowed to sell in the auction. Turkeys will NOT be allowed to sell in the 4-H livestock auction.
SEE PAGE __21__ FOR THE PUTNAM COUNTY 4-H GROOMING GENERAL RULES
SEE PAGE__23__FOR THE PUTNAM COUNTY 4-H SHOWMANSHIP GENERAL RULES
Poultry Illustrated Talk
Any 4-H poultry project member who would like to do a Poultry Illustrated Talk at the County Fair or the State Fair should contact the Poultry Superintendent or County Extension Educator for requirements. This is an educational contest for any 4-H Poultry project member.
Novice: is for 4-H members in the 3rd or 4th grade on January 1st of the current year.
Junior: is for 4-H members in the 5th or 6th grade on January 1st of the current year.
Intermediate: is for 4-H members in the 7th or 8th grade on January 1st of the current year.
Senior: is for 4-H members in the 9th or 10th grade on January 1st of the current year.
Master: is for 4-H members in the 11th grade or above on January 1st of the current year.
The following details will be useful information for all 4-H participants:
- Each 4-H poultry illustrated talk should be original and of a practical nature related to some phase of the poultry industry. Elaborate and expensive equipment cannot be justified.
- The illustrated talk should last five (5) to seven (7) minutes. Judges will deduct points when the presentation exceeds maximum minutes “allowed”.
- There will not be a limit on the number of 4-H illustrated talk entries from a given county.
- Previous winners may compete again, but must select and present a different topic.
- Additional information on preparing a 4-H illustrated talk is available from the County Extension Office, ask for 4-H 689 (4-H communication activities)