Experiment done on 4H Polish Chickens. Help!

[WingingIt]

I'm not going to say never, but I REALLY can't see anyone approving that for a 4H project. That's completely against what 4H is trying to teach the children about good animal husbandry. I really think the story got mixed up/blown out of proportion somewhere along the line.

 

[MistyValley]

Maybe you could contact the 4H leader????? Just a thought.

 

[operator16]

Ok, new information from the 4H group. I was able to get the young lady's name and submitted it to the two adjacent county 4H group leaders who were beside themselves. They've confirmed that she is not involved in either 4H association. They were very worried about bad press getting around about their programs. They would never condone any such hurtful experiments on any animals. I believe them and was glad to hear all of this. But, now I wonder who the heck this gal was doing this work with. I'm still trying to push the rescue owner to follow up and get some solid information for me. I hope she follows through. In the mean time, the birds look and act wonderfully happy and healthy. I just have this nagging need to know. Perhaps I won't ever get this information, but not from a lack of trying! Thanks for all the support from you all!

 

[spish]

could anyone explain what a 4H project is please? im not familiar with that term....

 

[juliechick]

4-H is a program for youth that involves many different projects the kids can do. Livestock raising is one part that they can do. The 4 H's stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The program teaches kids to used their heads, hearts, hands and health to better themselves and their communities. I'm sure someone else can add to my description, but that's the gist of it.

 

[operator16]

Ok, I finally have the information about my Polish chicks and what was done to them. The young lady did the experiments through her AP Biology class last year. They used PEDA approved steriods that was used in the form of feed. Apparently, it was a growth growth steroid. They were trying to see if baby female chickens could grow coms and waddles. I guess her chicks received the steroids for two days and none of them showed signs.

Do any of you know anything about this type of steroid? Is it harmful to chicks? How could she expect that her chicks would grow wattles and combs in a matter of days?

I'd love to hear if any of you are familiar with this practice.

Thanks!!

 

[acid_chipmunk]

I would be much happier to hear they only got them for 2 days, as opposed to weeks and weeks. I highly doubt that they will have any adverse effect on them from just 2 days of being exposed to them.


I am glad to hear it wasn't a 4H project though.