MOUNT Cotton sisters Rose and Pia Turnbull, aged four and two, have lots to crow about after impressive wins in the poultry section at this year’s Ekka.
The entries were inspired by wins at last year’s Ekka in the chicken section, this year expanding their entries to 11 chickens as well as two geese and four ducks.
“It was quite a turnout taking them in, with three kids and 17 birds and a few tantrums along the way,” the girls’ father Nick Turnbull said.
Mr Turnbull said the girls doted on the birds, helping to collect eggs and feeding and watering them every day.
“We collect about 10 to 20 eggs a day and are also incubating them, raising new ones for next year and next year’s Ekka.”
New birds are also sold at Capalaba Produce.
The sisters were named champions in the Rhode Island section, taking out firsts with their cock, hen and cockerel entries. They achieved reserve champion for the goose or gander, with firsts in the gander and goose sections. They came second in the Orpington hen, second in Bantam Rhode Island and third in Bantam Rhode Island red hen and red cockerel. They also came second and third in the Rouen drake section and third in the Rouen duck section.
Nick said that to achieve their best look, the birds were shampooed, had their legs and feet cleaned, and Vaseline was applied to their legs and combs.
“This is so they look shiny and healthy. The girls have been really helpful making them look their best,” Mr Turnbull said.
Prizes include feed bags and cash.
“The joy isn’t in the win. The joy is the experience,” he said.
“Last year, Rose didn’t stop talking about taking the birds to the Ekka at her child care centre.
“When we said we would be back there again, she lit up.
“Pia is really still a bit young, but is happy to tag along,” Nick said.
“It’s a bit of craziness, but also a lot of fun.”
