Timaru poultry show 'an absolute blast'

A Jacobin pigeon, a breed known for its distinct feathered ``hood'', is among the birds on display.Photos: Alexia Johnston

Ducks, geese, pigeons and fancy bantams were preened and pampered for a poultry show at the West End Hall earlier this month.

The Timaru Poultry Pigeon and Cage Bird Club's annual show returned for its second year on May 19 and 20.

It attracted 420 entries from as far away as the West Coast, Nelson, Christchurch and Oamaru.

Doug Whitelock gets the attention of some white leghorn entrants in the Timaru Poultry Pigeon and Caged Bird Show.

Show manager Trish Andrews said it was a great success.

''It's been really, really busy. We had a lot of public through yesterday and we sold a lot of birds,'' she said on the Sunday.

''We've had an absolute blast really and we've had a couple of new members [sign up] as well, so it's been a really good show.''

William Kendrick (4) checks out the variety of birds with his grandmother Kaylene Pettigrew.

Blustery weather on the second day was no deterrent to people wanting a glimpse of the poultry on display.

Doug Whitelock, of Timaru, was among those who was impressed by the variety on offer.

''It's an awesome display. Most enjoyable,'' he said.

Miss Genevieve, owned by Diana Puru, won the fancy bantam frizzle pullet section.

Christchurch Poultry Pigeon and Bantam Club president Mark Lilley, of Rolleston, was among the many entrants who returned home with accolades.

He received the coveted Peerless Trophy, something he had wanted to win since it was rediscovered in an attic five years ago, ending an almost 50-year mystery as to its whereabouts.

Lauren Spicer (left) and Diana Puru take part in the Timaru Poultry Pigeon and Caged Bird Show.

''It ended up being found about five years ago in a ceiling space when a lady passed away and her kids were cleaning up her house,'' Mr Lilley said.

-By Alexia Johnston

Angus Leary (7), of Geraldine, visits the West End Hall.