Help! My 9 year old son wants to do 4H Chickens for next year's fair.

[Engteacher]

Another thing - In our state birds for 4H must be from this year's hatch. In other words, your birds can't be shown next summer. You'll need new birds hatched after January 1st. You can also check into leasing birds.

 

[Cochin378]

I am in 4H right now and I have been in 4H for a long time. I can honestly say it has probably been one of the best experiences I have had in my life. I have learned so much about poultry and met so many new friends. Sure, sometimes it can get a little political but what national organization doesn't. Most people are in it to learn and have fun. 4H also inspired me to become a FFA member and soon to be APA member.In my opinion, I think that you should find him a good club and let him go for it. Many people will help your family if someone just dares to ask, especially if you are interested in a specific breed of chicken.

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

My daughters, ages 6 & 9 joined 4H for the first time last year. We just did poultry, and they loved it. Our club is small, and laidback, but if the one nearest you isn't, check neighboring communities, and see if their clubs are more your type? You don't HAVE to join the one in your town.

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

My poultry club has stuff for everyone. If you want to be laid back and just have fun with poultry, our meetings are very informative and the fair is just as informative and REALLY fun.

But if you want to get more serious with poultry, our club sets you up with show dates and entry forms, as well as having opportunities for poultry judging and avian bowl contests.

I'm not sure how your club is run, though.

 

[airmechreed]

My wife and I just started a 4H club for deaf and hard of hearing children. My yougest is 9 and profoundly deaf in both ears. It is a wonderful experiance. Both of my wifes friends are the poultry leaders one here in Colorado and the other in California. Any way 4 H has a lot of opportunities for children not only to learn about farm animals but other things like cooking and outdoor stuff. They even have shooting sports. My friends children did 4H and with their winnings from fairs are putting themselves through college now. So it opens so many doors and they learn to network at a young age and make life long friends. If you have never been to a 4H meeting lately check it out. They still do things in a political way but it teaches the kids that there is an order to things. I hope you give it a shot. 4H has changed since you and I were young.

 

[steedchristopher]

Go for it! He'll never have any clue of the politics. My 3 much younger cousins (all girls) had 4H pigs and I have been soo jealous I didn't have something like that when I was a kid. I think they learned so much about life, animals and reality in all the best ways.

 

[kera!]

I know what you mean when it comes to political ,, call your local fair board my kids do the fair every year starting when they are old enough to carry feed and water, you dont show your animal in a ring but they go to fair and get awarded ribbons and so on. it cost less and here prize money is triple if you are not 4-h.

 

[sjarvis00]

Quote:
We are not in your area but more in the middle of beef country the cattle and hogs really take center stage around here. Our boys are in the 4H / FFA programs and when they asked about shoing Poultry the first year they were kind of set to the back burner but when they recieved a total of 23 awards on 16 birds and gave the club the points they needed to win the club competition at the fair they were greeted with open arms and many more were showing poultry the following year. It also improved participation in the livestock portion for the club as a whole. It is not nearly as stressfull and competitive as teh large livestock, much more open and friendly atmosphere. This has allowed teh sub-urban youth with limited space an option and the opportunity to participate in the programs.

 

[horseychick2]

I had my 1st 4-H fair this year and it was awesome!!

I had soooo much fun!!! Our club is very relaxed and drama-free. I showed my 2 rabbits and 7 guinea keets and 2 polish chicks. For the birds, next year I plan on showing the polish and any offspring, along with any guineas that seem show quality. I hope you join and have fun! Good luck!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Interesting. The 4H programs here tend to run with the school year. Anyways, check your county extension office to see what they offer as far as poultry 4H. There can be a lot of variation from one county to another.