THERE is one aspect of the turkey world that is becoming increasingly popular and it is that of exhibiting turkeys at shows. There is a long tradition of exhibiting turkeys which in the UK goes back well over a century.

Classes for turkeys were offered at the first English poultry show in 1845 and the standard for turkeys appeared in the first English Book of Standards in 1865. The Slate and Bronze turkeys were the varieties most seen at exhibitions then but in the early 1900s the Buff had also acquired a tremendous following.

In the twenty first century Turkey Club UK (TCUK) establishes and maintains the turkey standards in Britain under the auspices of The poultry Club of Great Britain.

It is by these standards that turkeys are judged at shows. They are integral to the conservation of the standard varieties of turkey and good examples of the different varieties are what turkey breeders work towards.

Not all poultry shows have classes for turkeys but the larger ones do, especially The Poultry Club of Great Britain's National Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29.

Also, at the National Federation of Poultry Clubs' Championship Show at Stafford Showground on Saturday, December 19 and Sunday, December 20. You should see examples of all the different varieties of standard turkeys at these two big winter shows.

Entries for these shows will have now closed but TCUK would be able to let you know of other shows, with contact details if you wanted to have a go at showing yourself.

When considering exhibiting a turkey the preparation is vital if it is to have a chance of winning a prize. You would normally carry out a regular delousing programme anyway but do this again about a fortnight before the show to make absolutely sure the bird is free of parasites. Turkeys do generally manage to keep themselves fairly so a complete bath may not be necessary. If the bird does need a good wash do this a few days before the show so that there is time for a natural sheen to return to the feathers, then keep the bird in a really clean area. Often, only part of the turkey will need washing.

This may be its rear but certainly its legs and feet and the beak could also need a wipe. You can stand the turkey in a baby bath or similar and wash it in tepid, soapy water, rinsing it thoroughly afterwards. Use a mild baby shampoo, certainly nothing with detergent in it.

The scales of the legs and feet can be thoroughly cleaned by using an old toothbrush to scrub them. This works very effectively.

Once you have washed any dirty area dry them. First by towelling and then with the warm setting on a hair-dryer, taking great care not to use too much heat.

If you are bathing the turkey in summer on an extremely hot day then the bird could be put out in a clean, contained area to dry naturally.

However, it will take a long time for feathers to dry completely and you need to dry them properly in wintertime of the turkey will chill through having wet feathers.

A turkey will take all of this in its stride if it is used to being handled. If it is not used to being handled it may not be suitable to be shown as the activity will unduly stress it.

The day before the show wipe a little baby oil over the turkey’s face and neck. This will make the colouring come up really bright and shiny and help the bird to look really impressive.

Wipe the legs and feet with some oil as well.

If it is a stag, gently rub the tiniest dab of hair mousse down the beard between your fingers.

This will highlight the colour and give it a fresh look without making it appear greasy.

Although some shows provide water containers in each pen for the birds, some of the smaller shows do not and you, as the owner of the bird, are responsible for its welfare at all times, so do take some water containers along in case they are needed and don't forget some feed as well.

A margarine container fixed to the wire pen with clothes pegs is quite adequate and large enough for turkeys if it is kept clean and topped up with water.

There are various animal welfare concerns when it comes to transporting your turkey/s to a show. They should be contained in the vehicle both for their own safety and so that they cannot escape when a door is opened.

A very large cardboard box with air holes cut into the top and sides for adequate ventilation would be suitable or, in a large vehicle, you may be able to custom build a wire framed area complete with a top, so that your turkey cannot jump out.

Never transport a turkey in the boot of a car as there is insufficient ventilation and the bird could get extremely stressed. You could also run the risk of prosecution if caught.

However you choose to transport a turkey do make sure there is sufficient room so that the tail is not damaged. Line the box or area with shavings so that the turkey is comfortable and does not slip whilst moving. Most turkeys will sit down once a vehicle begins to move.

A lovely part of showing is the social aspect and meeting up with people who share a common interest in the rare standard turkeys.

So if you own a turkey do have a go, it'll be a great experience.

Turkeys were on display at The Poultry Club National Show at Stoneleigh in November but you still have a chance to see these magnificent exhibition birds at the National Federation of Poultry Clubs Championship Show at The Bingley Hall, Stafford Showground on Saturday, December 19, and Sunday, December 20.

Turkeys can also be seen at The Scottish National Show at Lanark Mart on Saturday, January 23, and Sunday, January 24 2010.

For further information on showing turkeys contact Turkey Club UK, Cults Farmhouse, Whithorn, Newton Stewart, DG8 8HA.

Tel:01988 600763. www.turkeyclub.org.uk