Peck-tacular show exhibits

Market steward Helen Kinsey sprinkles water over the birds to keep them cool at the rare breeds poultry show in Melton EMN-170530-122944001

More than 400 birds were on show when Melton's long-awaited rare breeds poultry show finally went ahead on Saturday.

The Sale of Graded Traditional Pure and Rare Breed Poultry and Waterfowl had to be re-scheduled three times after poultry gatherings and sales were banned by the government in the wake of the outbreak of Bird Flu in the UK.

But, the annual event finally went ahead at Melton Cattle Market at the weekend with a good turnout of exhibitors and visitors.

Market manager Tim Webster said: “After a long and anticipated wait it was great to finally be able to hold the spring rare and pure breed poultry sale.

Roosters on the roster at the rare breeds poultry show in Melton EMN-170530-122922001

“We had 440 lots and prices reached a very respectable £116 for a pair of versicolor teal.

“In large fowl, there were no staggering prices but Orpington got up to £65.”

He added: “The sale had to belong this year to the bantams, with the majority of lots being sold with an average of £37 a pen.

“The silkie bantams, in particular, were in great demand and reached prices of £30 per bird.”