Daughter's First Year in 4H

[mahan4428]

Hello all! This is our daughter's first year in 4H. She's decided to show chickens since that's an animal she's familiar and comfortable with. Any tips on feed? Or any tips at all would be appreciated. We're new to showing and also new to meat birds. They are less than a week old and we are currently feeding 22% protein.

 

[courtsmarans]

What breed do you have? For my showing birds, once they are past the pullet stage I feed them to maintain them (not a high percentage so they don't get chunky). I was in 4-H for 10 years and I am now a proud alumnus! I would love to talk about showing and how to pick your trio, couple or single bird. My fair does a fancy trio, others do a couple or single. You show meat birds awfully similar!

 

[mahan4428]

What breed do you have? For my showing birds, once they are past the pullet stage I feed them to maintain them (not a high percentage so they don't get chunky). I was in 4-H for 10 years and I am now a proud alumnus! I would love to talk about showing and how to pick your trio, couple or single bird. My fair does a fancy trio, others do a couple or single. You show meat birds awfully similar!

They’re broilers. She can show 2 pens of 3. And we’ll keep a back up pen, as recommended by my husband. Any and all advice or tips would be great!

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I have baby Swedish Flower Hens and I just bought starter feed the day before yesterday(they were out). I just happened to look on the label on the back and they recommend starter feed for 10 weeks. I personally would not keep a broiler on starter quite that long though and then switch to grower feed. I used Dumor Chick Starter from Tractor Supply. Hope this helps...

 

[Ridgerunner]

Do you have anybody running that section of the 4-H club? It's been almost 60 years since I was in 4-H and I understand things have changed. See what resources you might have in that 4-H club.

Who runs the show, it's probably at your county fair? They may be a great resource of how things will be done.

The county extension agent is usually deeply involved in 4-H. That would probably be my first call.

 

[courtsmarans]

I am sure there are older 4-H kids in your county looking for a leadership opportunity to help your daughter out and guide her through her book and project. Giving a call to your extension office or even talking to your club could help you find someone who will guide you through the project. My biggest tip is to become knowledgeable about how to feed the correct percentages and at what stages.

 

[Gray Farms]

When is the show? Seems an odd time of year for a 4H show.

 

[mahan4428]

When is the show? Seems an odd time of year for a 4H show.

Show is in January. Unfortunately we have missed every meeting because she’s involved in many extra curricular and has always had a game or a meet on the days of the 4H meetings. There is a county meeting next month. Hopefully we can find someone there who can guide us in the right direction this year.