Profile of Ian Kay

Poultry Mad will always be indebted and grateful to Ian for his invaluable experience and advice regarding technical aspects of all the breeds covered in our Website. Following is a profile of the author of books such as 'An Introduction to Exhibition Poultry Vols.1&2', 'A History of Bantams', 'The Mini-Encyclopedia of Poultry' and the book which could be considered the 'bible' for all poultry fanciers, the unique 'Stairway to the Breeds'.

Ian died in 2007 after a long illness, He will be sadly missed

Author's Profile

Ian Kay 1932 - 2007

Ian Kay was born in Lancashire, the only son of John and Lucy Kay. He was educated at Bury Grammar School from where he commenced work for David Protheroe at the Lancashire Agricultural College, supervising experiments in Poultry Husbandry, including the first held on food conversion ratios.
Well recognized for his knowledge of poultry early on, his first judging engagement was at the age of sixteen, at the Rossendale Valley Poultry Show. However, more incredibly he became a Poultry Club Panel A judge, passed for all sections, at the age of eighteen, a record which will probably remain unbeaten.
Having served on the Council of The Poultry Club of Great Britain for nearly twenty years, he held the office of President and was Chairman of the Council twice. Other chairs he held include that of the National Federation of Poultry Clubs, the East of England Poultry Club and the Autumn Exhibition Committee, which organizes an annual show, which is now the largest small livestock event in the British Isles.
He was also a founder member of the Rare Poultry Society started in 1969. Well involved in the field of organizing shows and exhibitions he was senior steward of the R.B.S.T. Poultry and Waterfowl section. He was also a member of the committee which organized the first Poultry Club show, held at Nottingham Swimming Baths in 1972.
As a council member of the East of England Agricultural Society and member of the Rare Breed Survival Trust and Sale Committee, his qualifications and experience were endless.