Nelson Poultry and Pigeon Association members, Rodger Buschl, left, and Barry Bensemann with two of the birds they will be entering in the association’s annual show at the Hope Hall over Queen’s Birthday Weekend. Photo: Simon Bloomberg.

Chook show something to crow about

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Nelson poultry breeders are crowing about their egg-cellent results at the Heartland Poultry Show held in Timaru earlier this month and are hoping to stay at the top of the pecking order at this weekend’s Nelson Poultry and Pigeon Association Show at the Hope Hall.

Barry Bensemann recorded his best result in 40 years of breeding poultry when his spangle game bantam won the Best in Show at Timaru and the top prize money of $1000. Rodger Buschl’s white leghorn won the Best Light Breed, while one of the association’s youngest members, Cameron Taylor, won a champion’s ribbon for his muscovy ducks.

The prize-winning trio will be back in action at the Nelson Show this weekend when they will be lining their pride and joys up against 500 birds from all over the country. “We have very good entries this year and they will be coming from the North Island and as far south as Timaru,” show secretary Pam Buschl says. “The Nelson breeders did really well in Timaru so it will be good to see their entries here as well.”

Pam says the purpose of the show is to reward excellence amongst breeders, as well as showcase the various breeds of poultry and pigeons to the public. It is also a chance for breeders to share ideas and exchange breeding stock.

The show will be held in the Hope Hall on Main Rd Hope from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 1.30pm on Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children with families $5.