Chicken People

I have enjoyed poultry for many decades and have every documentary about chickens I could get my hands on!From the PBS Natural History of the Chicken to Mad City Chickens to Regarding Chickens and they all have a unique perspective on a bird that outnumbers people and is heavily embedded in human culture.I found this DVD Titled Chicken People, to be a very good documentary example of what chickens can to and for their owners.Some poultry fancy folks do become obsessed with their chickens (as shown in this video) to the point that they cease to function very well beyond that obsession. Demonstrated by the mechanic who has "no time for a personal life" as he's spending every non-working waking hour with his chicks!On the flip side, an alcoholic woman who was headed for disaster on the home front finds purpose and a reason to get up every day in order to spend time with and tend her flock. She traded the damaging addiction to alcohol, for an obsession with rearing winning birds and thrill of a win at nationals.The third featured individual is so intimately connected with his birds, that he simply must show them in open competition to validate his understanding of how to apply the Standard of Perfection to his line of chickens. He MUST attend poultry shows, even if it means that he will be unemployed after missing work.This video demonstrates, with wonderfully composed, filmed and shared personal life stories, how "Chicken People" are as unique as the birds in their care. The chicken breeds are beautiful and the featured birds are exceptional and will be appreciated by those who are new or know their chickens. I was very impressed and could not be more pleased as this video rounds out my Chicken-Collection.It's not a poultry guide, you won't learn how to raise, hatch, or manage a flock of chickens, but you will be entertained by the efforts and dedication necessary to end up with a Best of Show Chicken! (aka Champion of the Show)... and will enjoy learning about these very interesting characters.I highly recommend this video!

Been there, done that, with all this. This is the first review I have ever made. I thought this documentary nailed the humor. They knew what they were saying sounded crazy to someone who "didn't get it".....but so many people DO get it. We keep chickens and I GET it. These are hard working folks dedicated to something that most do not get in these times. Their knowledge of genetics and their patience to see their trials come to life (literally) is inspiring. I will watch anything these folks put out. My 7 year old and I have watched this several times. I am thankful it is guarded enough that my kiddo can watch and not be inappropriate or hurtful to a young heart.

You don't have to love chickens to enjoy this show. Although you'll learn a lot about different chicken breeds and the ins-and-outs of showing chickens, you'll learn a lot more about human nature in all its wonderful quirkiness. Are these people extreme? You betcha. Do they live-and-breathe chickens? Yep! Are they spending huge amounts of time, thought, and money (that, in truth, might be used to cure disease, educate children, or end poverty) trying to achieve the literal "picture perfect" chicken based on some rather old and arbitrary standards? YES! On the other hand, at times their fascination with chickens has saved some of these people from themselves and pulled them out of the clutches of destructive behaviors. Again, the documentary is about human nature as much as it is about the animals. There was one question, however, that the documentary never addressed. The Standard of Perfection was originally published in 1874. Here we are almost a century-and-a-half LATER and even the "almost perfect" specimens of each breed are still extremely rare. You wonder if those "perfect" representations of each breed ever even existed; perhaps they were merely the artist's idea of what a beautiful chicken of that breed would be like, In that case, life is now imitating art, as chicken fanciers strive to breed the "perfect" fowl.

This is a fabulous film. I laughed, teared up, and smiled throughout. Absolutely beautiful cinematography and filmmaking. I am not a chicken person really but you must just be born with it in your heart, because my daughter somehow loves them and is very into raising her own brood. She’s only 8 and couldn’t take her eyes off this film! I agree with a fellow reviewer, I would love a follow up or an entire mini series!

Anyone who appreciates the unique human-animal bond and invests their time and talents into improving a breed will appreciate this world, so well illuminated. Unlike so many spoofs of the dog-show world, this documentary is humorous and entertaining while also given amazingly candid insights into the unique breed of people who strive to sustain and improve show animals.

Chicken people was a delight to watch. From something as humble as a chicken, this documentary gives a respectful and honest insight to the people who care for, and show them. It is always fun to watch a movie about people who pursue thier passion.

I absolutely loved this movie. I just clicked on it to read the blurb and had to watch. I thought it was a series and was very disappointed to realize I was only getting one dose of this show. Watch it!

I don't know if the people were better or the chickens. I confess, I'm a chicken person and share the same love and admiration for these (I think) spiritually perfect animals. I don't have any right now so this film really lifted me up. Chickens, and their people, are so special.

The world of poultry shows is not something most people know about. Yet for over 100 years, during a weekend, there is a show likely happening somewhere. If you are looking for a documentary to teach you about how to show, the various breeds of fowl or how to care for a backyard flock, do not buy this dvd. This documentary follows 3 poultry exhibitors as they begin their journey to what for many who exhibit poultry is the super bowl of shows, The Ohio National Poultry Show. Along the way, we also hear from other poultry peeps who share their love for their birds and doing shows. The story is entertaining and doesn't lag (well it didn't for me cause I love the subject). Plus, I loved the fact that the producers choose to show Mottled Houdans in the dvd. Cause Houdans rock!

Loved it