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- #631
I agree. They don't need show quality birds for showmanship. But if they are going to show them in any other category besides showmanship they are going to be disqualified if they do not have a bird that meets the standard for its breed. Another side of 4-H is learning to recognize a good quality animal from a poor one (which actually would fall under animal husbandry). Certain breeds are bred to have enhanced characteristics that the 4-H member should learn to recognize. That includes knowing the standard for a specific breed and being able to judge said animal based on that standard. 4-H is a wonderful program that hones skills necessary to function in the real world. It's about becoming educated in a variety of subjects. A lot of 4-H members will become FFA members when they enter high school. In FFA it is very important to learn the standards for different breeds of animals and being able to recognize the phenotypic traits that apply to said standard. So I think both sides are important. It's important for all children to participate in 4-H even if they don't have or can't afford a fancy pure-bred animal. But it is also important for them to know what they have before they go to a show. Thats overall what 4-H is about - educating children in the topics you listed above: animal husbandry, responsibility, leadership, community, etc.I do not think you need show quality birds for 4H. 4H is for teaching kids about animal husbandry. responsibility, leadership, community, and a ton of other things. The kids are judged on the condition of the bird and how well they have trained them, fed them, and prepared them. (Showmanship)