The Dunedin Poultry, Pigeon and Cage Bird Club’s 49th annual show takes place this weekend at Forrester Park.
A new participant at the event will be Pip Brosnahan, of Leith Valley, who is preparing to exhibit about 26 birds.
"I do love my chickens," Mrs Brosnahan said.
She only began raising heritage poultry about three years ago but has now turned her nearly 7ha property into a thriving community of rare varieties.
Her journey began after attending the local Dunedin poultry exhibition, where a vendor encouraged her to expand beyond standard commercial laying hens.
Since then, Mrs Brosnahan has built a diverse flock that includes lavender Araucanas, gold and silver laced Wyandottes, Dorkings, Sebrights and white crested black Polish.
"I like to take on breeds like that that are not as common.
"The Sebrights are one of them and they are a really pretty breed and I possibly would have had them anyway, but I know they are not as common as Wyandottes or Orpington or whatever else."
She recently competed for the first time at the Milton Utility Poultry and Bird Fanciers Club’s annual show on May 9 and 10.
Judges evaluate everything from comb quality and toe count to the exact colour of a bird’s earlobes, which requires constant study on her part.
"I am in the process of learning all those fine things."
The New Zealand Poultry Standards "bible" provides very specific details about each variant.
"This is where I’ve probably exploded my brain because most sensible people start with one pen and do it well . . . and I have got about 15 or 16.
"That is not different breeds, that is like counting the colours within breeds."
She focuses heavily on mastering the standards and absorbing knowledge from experienced breeders rather than just trying to win prizes.
"For me, it is more about knowing I am breeding the best birds that I can, than wanting a ribbon.
"One thing I have realised: yes, I have done a lot in a short time, but by God I have got a lot to know.
"It does take a lot of my time, but I love it. I am a very happy person. I know I am very lucky to be able to do this," Mrs Brosnahan said.
