{"id":94696,"date":"2022-02-02T13:00:16","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/?p=94696"},"modified":"2022-04-21T09:17:24","modified_gmt":"2022-04-21T13:17:24","slug":"how-can-i-get-my-chickens-into-show-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/how-can-i-get-my-chickens-into-show-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can I Get My Chickens Into Show Business?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Poultry owners involved in 4H or in their county fair or state grassroots group know full well what it means to show a chicken: months of intense training (for showmanship) and\/or preparation for a shot at winning the coveted Best of Show title.<\/p>\n

But what about the other show business? The one that doesn\u2019t involve exhibition cages but does involve lights, camera and action?<\/p>\n

Anyone who saw 2021\u2019s Venom: Let There Be Carnage<\/em> couldn\u2019t have helped but notice Eddie and Venom\u2019s pet chickens, Sonny and Cher<\/a>, and wondered, \u201cHow can I get my chickens into show business?\u201d Here are six points to consider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Sweet It Is<\/h2>\n

Directors looking to cast live chickens in their commercials, shows and films will want to work with gentle-natured chickens the majority of the time. Yes, a script may occasionally call for a flighty, hyperactive hen.<\/p>\n

But for most projects, the more biddable the bird the better.<\/p>\n

After all, your chickens will be surrounded by an unfamiliar crew of techs, engineers, handlers and actors in a strange setting with bright lights shining down on them. The chickens they cast have to be able to take this all in stride and still stay sweet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Read more: Considering keeping ornamental chickens? Check out these 4 breeds!<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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They\u2019ve Got the Look<\/h2>\n

Temperament isn\u2019t the only trait directors seek when casting. Again, unless it\u2019s for a specific project, they\u2019re going to want chickens that look like typical barnyard chickens.<\/p>\n

Silkies may be adorably fluffy. Cochins might be cuddly mama hens. But you\u2019ll have better luck with a more traditional-looking type, such as Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, Golden Comets, and ISA Browns.<\/p>\n

Whichever breeds you select, make sure they are raised in an ultra-clean environment. The casting call might be for a barnyard bird, but that doesn\u2019t mean your chickens should bring the sights and smells of the barnyard with them.<\/p>\n

Schooled for Success<\/h2>\n

A fair amount of training will be necessary for your chickens to behave \u2026 well, like chickens on the set. Your best bet is to raise your future show business stars from baby chickdom by frequently and regularly handling your chickens in a variety of settings.<\/p>\n

You may also want to teach your birds such tricks as:<\/p>\n