Show manager Jaydean Washington said people were lined up at Forrester Park Kennel Club in North East Valley keen to get their hands on hens when doors opened to the public on Saturday.
"At 11 o’clock we would have had about 100 people at the door coming in buying poultry."
About 10 minutes after opening the doors most of the poultry had been sold, Mr Washington said.
"It is incredible what is goingon.
"People have this drive to want hens at the moment."
"Everything is here, if it has got feathers on it, it has been shown this weekend," Mr Washington said.
With more than 700 birds on show the judges had their work cut out for them to find the top winner, but after serious deliberation a young Pekin duck exhibited by Jill Maxwell, of Waimatuku, was declared best in show.
Ms Maxwell said it was a pleasant surprise to win.
"I can’t believe it."
She had been showing birds for 42 years — "I started when I was 11".
Keeping birds in good condition was about the simple things, including feeding and looking after them, she said.
Young bantam enthusiast Chloe Thompson was pleased to win best junior fancy bantam in show for a young brassy back Pekin called Vanilla.
She had four birds in the show this year — three mottled Pekins and a brassy back Pekin, and enjoyed looking after them.
"It is a challenge getting them to look nice — you’ve got to get the colour, the shape, and all the little details."
At this year’s show Chloe had tried her hand at judging, stewarding for the cage bird competition.
Elements to look out for when judging include the shape of the bird and the colour.
"You make sure it is healthy looking and not too scruffy with its feathers," she said.
