Mr Ashton said producing a prize-winning fowl had a lot to do with its feed and environment.
Similar to the principles employed at his parents' organic dairy farm, he said he fed his chickens a variety of wholegrain seed and free-ranged them, so that they had enough space "to keep them happy".
But with such a white bird as his trophy-winning wyandotte, a bit of pampering was also necessary.
Before the competition he washed the bird using three separate tubs.
"One had Lux flakes in it, then you put it in one with vinegar to get all the soap out of the feathers, then there's another wash after that to make them really, really white.
"Then you wrap them up in towels for about 30 minutes and then put them in front of the fire overnight to get them nice and dry.
"They are normally looking pretty good at that point."
But when to bathe the bird was also crucial, he said.
"I washed her on the Monday beforehand, because they have to re-oil themselves and get the sheen of their plumage back to where it is supposed to be.
"So the timing is really important."
Mr Ashton was not only a breeder and competitor, he was also a judge and competitor at the 2017 national show.
The 34-year-old is chairman of the Manawatu Pigeon and Poultry Club.
"I've had chickens since I was little kid. I've won stacks of North Island title trophies - the first one would have been 20 years ago."
He had tasted success at the national show previously, but winning his first supreme trophy in Christchurch was special.
"I've won a New Zealand championship before but that was just for best heavy breed, four years ago.
"This was the first time I've won the overall trophy for best bird in show."
More a fan of orpington chickens, Mr Ashton said he had only had wyandottes for a year after they were given to him by a fellow breeder.
"I only bred this pullet last September, so I've done pretty well to get her up to good enough shape."
In contrast to cattle, Mr Ashton said he enjoyed breeding chickens because he could enhance their genetic traits relatively quickly.
"Because you can breed chickens at one year old, you can actually see improvements pretty quickly and do well just with a good eye.
"Whereas with breeding cattle, it takes a long time to achieve anything."
Mr Ashton said he spent a "ridiculous" amount on feed for his chickens and travelling to compete.
He enjoyed competing because of the prestige of the competitions and the generous nature of the people involved.
"It's unique. These guys are really competitive but they are that generous, they'll take the best bird they've got and give it to you to help get you going, and then compete against you the next year."
Mr Ashton himself said he would be giving his best bird in show winner to a female breeder to help make her competitive.
"But I'll hold on to it for three weeks.
"The last show of the season is coming up in Waikato, so I'll take it up there and see if I can clean up at that show first."