Name: Erin Ingalsbe
Parents: Philip and Katie Ingalsbe
4-H Group: Heartbeat of the Ozarks 4-H
How did you become interested in showing chickens?
“I think it was seeing all the birds at fairs. I got interested in all the different birds. Plus, my grandfather raises birds. (chickens)”
Have you shown anything else?
“Yes, goats, bucket calves, and I’ve entered bread in the fair.”
Why chickens?
“I really like them. They’re easy to handle. I really like them now because I’ve got one spoiled rotten. I’ve never done that before. I don’t know how it happened. One hen started following me around. She was getting at my feet and looking up and wanting to be picked up. One time she flew up and tried to land on me.”
How did you do at the shows this summer?
“I did fairly well. I had a rooster and a hen in the Cochin. At Webster I got Grand Champion. At Christian I got Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.
How do you get a chicken ready for show?
“First you get three buckets, and one of them you put soap in, and the other two are for rinse. Take the chicken, dunk it in, put soap over it, scrub it up, and put it in the rinse water. Then rinse it again, and then, I’ve never done this until this year, a lady showed me how to make a ‘chicken burrito.' You just wrap them up in a towel so they can’t flop around, and you tuck them under your arm and you blow-dry the chicken.
How did you take part in the Marshfield Farmers' Market?
“I have a little garden. This summer I took carrots, cherry tomatoes, basil and radishes. I usually sold out.”
What do you hope to be doing in five years?
“I hope to stay with poultry. I’d like to also have goats and cows.”
By Lue Brinkley
