Overview
Open to K-12th grade youth, registered participants will receive 8 female chicks (pullets) in mid-late April. There will be multiple breeds of chickens available and selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis on pick-up day. Participants will then provide daily care for their birds for approximately 20 weeks. During this time, participants will also complete a Chick to Chicken Project Record Book to be submitted for judging.
At the conclusion of the project, 4-H Chick to Chicken Project participants will compete in 3 contests at a county show in late September with chances to receive prizes in each:
- Live Animal Evaluation (best 3 of your birds entered in show)
- Showmanship
- Record Book
We also anticipate holding an egg contest in the early spring of 2024 with eggs from the project hens.
Expectations
Non-refundable registration fee is $30 and must be paid by March 24.
You will need to be prepared to provide your chicks with:
- On-time pick-up; participants must pick up their birds on the day they are delivered and will be notified of an arrival date at the time of shipment by email
- An appropriate living space that considers spacing, weather, temperature, and potential predators (Special Note: Check local ordinances to be sure you are allowed to have chickens on your property prior to registering.)
- Approximately 2 bags of chicken feed throughout the project; feed purchase is responsibility of participant
- Access to clean water at all times
There will be a mandatory meeting for all participants on Thursday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. where you will receive information about preparing for your birds and caring for them after they arrive. In addition, you will receive ongoing educational information and support throughout the project, and there will be a workshop prior to the show to provide participants information about how to select and prepare your birds for the show.
Important Dates
- March 17-24 – Registration open at this link; limited to first 30 individuals to sign up, after which we will maintain a waiting list; registration fee must be paid by March 24
- March 30 at 5:30 p.m. – Mandatory Orientation Workshop
- TENTATIVE: mid-late April – Bird pick-up
- TENTATIVE: mid-August – Mandatory Show Preparation Workshop
- September 21 – 4-H Open House and Chick to Chicken Project Show
