I think this is a good suggestion. I would add to it that if the youth is able to locate a breeder, preferably local but doesn't need to be with the internet and digital cameras, who is willing to help evaluate growing stock and explain why one chick/juvenile is superior to another, the educational value may meet equal that of getting adult birds.
As a VERY not youth getting started in breeding Speckled Sussex, I will be receiving 25 chicks from Tony Albritton tomorrow or Thursday, which he has agreed to help me evaluate as they mature, reminding me early on that it may be a year before I can make final decisions on which to move forward with. When I asked about retaining those with fewer speckles and starting a second group endeavoring to create Red Sussex he was supportive and said it can most certainly be done. I am not in a hurry to win at shows, I am more interested in breeding and moving forward with SOP Sussex, so for me this is perfect. For a youth, just the first half would be extremely helpful, as an experienced breeder can see things in chicks and juveniles a novice cannot, and hopefully describe what it is they see so the novice can develop an eye for seeing what will grow up to be the superior bird.
