I frequently see and hear the terms grooming and conditioning used interchangeably as if they mean the same thing. There is a difference between the two and it can have a big impact on your birds. Think of grooming as a short term process while conditioning as a much longer process. Before you enter the showroom, make sure you are prepared!

Grooming 

Is really only important if you will be showing your birds. Grooming is all about attention to details to prepare birds for a show. It is things like washing and drying a bird, cleaning their feet and shanks, cleaning around the vent area, cleaning and shining up the combs & wattles, trimming the toenails and beaks. All of these activities help make a bird look its’ best. Touch up grooming is done at the show just before judging.

Conditioning

Is a long term investment in your birds and actually starts the day the chicks hatch from healthy parent stock. It involves doing everything in our power to ensure we grow out the very best and healthiest birds we can. Things like feeding high quality feed, not overcrowding the birds as they grow and being vigilant in checking for internal and external parasites and pests.

Written by Rip Stalvey, APA Licensed Judge & Breeder