Almost all shows here in Ireland loan cages that are used for several different things and not just poultry.
Maybe when you write, suggest that for future shows, the organisers put cardboard bases into the cages for birds that do not perch.
Also small stainless steel dishes or clip on budgie type plastic water bowls should be purchased for use at future shows.
This would be much cheaper than having to purchase their own poultry cages for future events, which does run into thousands, plus cages have to be collapsible for storage reasons too.
Hope this may help you, it is not nice but it happens all over, and it is fair to say that people out their breed birds to make money, and do not part with their best stock.
Alternatively Buy from local breeders like ourselves that do not sell at these events.
You can see the standard of the birds - for sale or not - and the conditions that they live in.
The good breeders will advertise in Practical Poultry or Country Smallholding ( we did - we were called Country Pets then ( 12 months ago for six years or so) - you might see us listed in old copies).
We are always sold out and have lots of enquiries, because of word of mouth, and therefore never need to sell at poultry sales.
We have gone to some Poultry Sales in the North, and the birds have scaly leg, red spider mite, are covered in mud, and brought in wire dog cages - we just do not buy them.
Make sure that you worm your new purchases and check them for scaly leg and red mite before putting them with your other birds. If you need help we will be happy to help
regards
Julie