Backyard hobby earnsWARRAGUL Rocco national success
Having entered a bird as a backyard hen at the Warragul Agricultural Show three years ago, the Drouin West boy caught the bug and has been showing birds ever since.
Making the eight-hour trip to Canberra with eight birds for the Canberra Poultry Show, Rocco said he was surprised to take out the ultimate prize as champion junior exhibitor at his first national show.
With 2300 of the best birds in Australia on show and 350 entries in his Australorps class a record for the show, Rocco said he entered the event with little expectations.
The overall winner had travelled some 18hours from South Australia to exhibit at the show. “I was really surprised to win,” he said. “I went with no expectation as it’s hard to win. “I thought a place card would have been nice. “When they called my name I thought they were just going to present me with the ribbons.
“I was surprised when they gave me the glass trophy.”
Rocco said preparation of the birds began right from day one as a chick.
While there is a colour to aim for, judges regard type and shape of the bird as more important.
Rocco, who has made automated feeding and watering systems for his birds, said it was important to feed the birds well. A local business also donates fruit and vegetables for Rocco’s birds.
He said it was also important to separate the rooster before a show, as the rooster could damage the feathers of the birds.
Rocco’s rooster was crowned champion at Warragul show and also performed well on the national stage.
Rocco also entered his eggs in the show, scoring 96/100 to take first prize. He said judges cracked the eggs to look at colour, the yolk and how they hold together.
Having met well-known breeder George Norman at the show, Rocco is keen to return and show again.
He will turn his attention to the Victorian titles on Saturday, before supporting his local Warragul Poultry Club at its 30th annual show on Sunday week.
Having won an incubator at a recent show, Rocco will then pair up his birds to breed in a bid to continue his success on the showing circuit.
Rocco hoped his success might inspire other children to take up the hobby. He said his local club had been very supportive.