Colorado State Fair Small Animal Nomination Information

Due to continued cases of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in the State of Colorado, the Market Poultry show will be a terminal show again in 2026. Exhibitors will not be allowed to take home any birds entered and shown in the Market Chicken or Market Turkey show. A buyback will be offered to those exhibitors.

Nomination forms need to be to the Extension Office by July 6th,2026, exhibitors may nominate as many as they would like, however, only four (4) pens of chickens, pens of rabbits or turkeys may be brought to the Fair. No late nominations will be accepted.

Market Chickens must be hatched around July 4th and be no older than 8 weeks old at the time of show. Market chickens older than 8 weeks are not eligible to show. Market Rabbits all need to be born around June 20th in order to be the correct age to compete in the Market Rabbit division of the fair. Market Rabbits cannot be older than 10 weeks on the day of show and weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 pounds.

Market Turkey age requirements will be a minimum of 16 weeks (hatched May 9th) and no more than 20 weeks (hatched April 11th) at the time of weigh-in. Hen turkeys must weigh a minimum of 13 lbs. to show, and Toms must weigh a minimum of 20 lbs. to show. Both toms and hens are eligible. Turkeys weighing over 30 lbs. or more than 20 weeks will not be allowed to show.

For Market Chickens the exhibitor must list 3 leg band numbers per Market Pen. Market Turkeys must list a leg band for each bird nominated. These leg bands will need to be on the birds(s) on arrival at the fair. Market Rabbits must list tattoo numbers on the nomination form. All small animal exhibitors are required to participate in a Meat Quality Assurance program and sign a “Quality Assurance” form to turn in at the time of check-in at the Colorado State Fair. Full disclosure of any medications, medicated feeds and/or supplements given to animals exhibited at the Colorado State Fair is required on this form. Exhibitors who have not completed a Meat Quality Assurance Program (either Colorado MQA or YQCA) are not eligible to show at the Colorado State Fair. Exhibitors MUST provide Premises ID (PID) on nomination and entry forms.

Nominations forms must come from the County Extension Office, nominations sent in directly by exhibitors will not be accepted. Market Poultry and Rabbits will enter online in 2026. We anticipate opening the online entry portal around July 1st and the entry deadline will be July 27th. No late entries or mailed entries will be accepted. All show information may be found on the Livestock page of the Colorado State Fair website under the Market Shows tab.

The Colorado State Fair will be held August 28 - September 7. The tentative 2026 livestock schedule can be accessed at their website: Colorado State Fair. You are encouraged to visit the website for a complete listing of rules.

Download the Market Rabbit Nomination Form(PDF, 493KB)

Download the Market Chicken Nomination Form(PDF, 331KB)

Download the Market Turkey Nomination Form(PDF, 325KB)