First time 4H broiler raising helpful tips needed!!!

[Crystal5069]

my 8 year old just joined our local 4H club and we are raising broilers.the only problem is he’s the only one in our town clubs raising them, so we don’t have anyone to ask for tips. They are 4 weeks old and not feathered out as well as I’ve seen other birds( I’ve googled,watched YouTube videos.etc) we keep them fed and water all the time so I’m kind of at a loss.

Also is there a certain type of cage to leave them in when you show and if so where do you purchase them ? I’ve seen a lot of wire cages

 

[1 acre willows]

Ours are 5 weeks old and really up until the last week and half, their feathers were pretty haggard looking. I have read on here that their feathers are slower to develop because of genetics. Bodies grow first feathers are a when they get around to it.... would kinda believe it after watching ours.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I can't help you with the showing but one reason the Cornish Cross have problems feathering out is that they grow so fast the feathers can't keep up. It's pretty normal for chicks that age to look pretty ragged and show bare spots. But be patient, the feathers will catch up.

I don't know which state you are in, but you might talk to your county extension office about someone to help you with the showing tips and other things. Here in Arkansas they would probably put you in touch with a professor at the University that might be the judge at 4-H shows. Each state manages their own extension office their own way and some offices are better than others.

Asking on here is a great idea, especially if you can find someone in your area. But I'd get what info I could from the extension office and look for someone who shows in that show, even if it is not broilers. The cages and other procedures should be the same. If you can find out who the judge will be and chat with them you can get a goldmine of information. Each person you deal with is an individual and some are better than others, but usually people in 4-H are going to try to be helpful.

Good luck!