A bird in the hand

Casting an eye over a black Orpington is Shawn Hunter (22), of Dunedin, during his first outing as a judge.

The 42nd annual show of the Dunedin Poultry Pigeon & Cage Bird Club was held at the Forrester Park Kennel Club at the weekend.

Mr Hunter, an apprentice builder, said he only recently became a judge but had been around chickens since his childhood in Waikouaiti. He enjoyed assessing the birds against the breed standards and learning more about the animals.

"It's good getting more knowledge, and just knowing chickens better."

He began by showing chickens and also keeps the birds at home.

Best bird in show: White silkie rooster owned by Brian Glassey (who appeared in the Pecking Order documentary), of Ashburton. Reserve: White Pekin bantam hen owned by Rosa and Kaye Sangster, of Mosgiel.