This article has been copied into the current Education library so it remains available even after the old site is retired.
Call Ducks come in many beautiful colors, and once you begin working with them, you may find they are wonderfully addictive.
Careful preparation can help a Call Duck look clean, healthy and well presented in the show room. The following tips reflect Cindy Rusk’s practical approach to conditioning birds for exhibition and supporting steady development in young ducks.
Preparing White Call Ducks
For white ducks, Cindy uses Stuart’s Bluing in the wash water. Mix it thoroughly before placing the bird in the water. The finished water should be only a light sky blue—not dark or concentrated.
Always follow the product label, use only a properly diluted solution and keep all grooming products away from the bird’s eyes, nostrils and mouth.
Cowboy Magic and White White can be used carefully on wings, the tail or individual body spots that need additional attention. Cindy does not recommend washing the entire bird with these products as though they were soap.
- Apply a small amount only to the wings, tail or selected stained area.
- Use a soft toothbrush and gently work in one direction several times.
- Repeat once if necessary rather than scrubbing aggressively.
- Rinse the treated area thoroughly under clean running water.
Bill, Toenail and Show-Coop Details
Remove visible wax or buildup from the bill before the show. Cindy applies a very light coating of petroleum jelly to the bill at the show to help it stand out. Use it sparingly and keep it away from the nostrils.
Trim toenails before exhibition, taking care not to cut into the quick. If you are unsure where the quick ends, trim only a small amount or ask an experienced exhibitor for help.
Presentation includes the coop as well as the bird. Clean, generously packed shavings provide an attractive setting and help the judge see a well-prepared exhibit.
Supporting Healthy Wing Development
Cindy recommends avoiding diets or management practices that push ducklings to grow too rapidly. During the period when the wings are feathering, she uses an age-appropriate feed at approximately 17 percent protein.
Rapid growth and nutritional imbalance may contribute to abnormal wing development, including angel wing. Choose a complete ration suitable for the ducklings’ age, follow the feed manufacturer’s directions and adjust only with reliable waterfowl or veterinary guidance.
Call Duck Show-Preparation Checklist
- Inspect the bird early enough to correct staining without rushed or aggressive washing.
- Use diluted bluing only as directed and keep the wash water a light sky blue.
- Treat isolated wing, tail or body stains carefully and rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the bill and use only a light, nostril-safe coating of petroleum jelly if desired.
- Trim toenails conservatively and avoid the quick.
- Prepare clean, heavily packed shavings for an attractive show-coop presentation.
- Support steady duckling growth with a complete, age-appropriate feed.
Remember
Good show preparation should enhance a healthy bird rather than disguise poor condition. Gentle handling, properly diluted products, thorough rinsing, clean bedding and steady growth all contribute to a Call Duck that can enter the show room looking its best.
This article shares the author’s practical exhibition experience. Always follow grooming-product and feed labels, avoid eyes and nostrils, and consult an avian veterinarian or qualified poultry professional when a bird has a health, skin, feather or wing-development concern.
Originally published in the pre-cutover Poultry Showcase MEGA Exhibition Poultry Education Series. The current site preserves the original contributor attribution and structure.
