Sorry about that! I didn't realize you were across the pond until after I'd posted! I'm no expert, but hopefully I can clear up some of the confusing "Ameri-Speak!" (;>)=
4H is a youth organization - along the lines of Scouting, but with no military hint at all. It's geared towards young people (8-18) who want to learn more about agriculture and home arts - everything from apiaries to canning to livestock to sewing to ... you name it, there's an opportunity to learn about it, practice it and possibly compete in it. The 4 H's stand for "Head, Health, Heart and Hands," all of which the 4H youth strive to develop and use for the betterment of their world. It's pretty cool!
The Agricultural (Ag) Extension Service is the office that handles 4H. It's technically a government agency, but it's overseen and administered by the major universities. One of the major benefits we get from the Ag Extension Office is low-cost avian testing. This is really oversimplified, but in a nutshell (eggshell?) this is the gist of it ... At the request of the owners, the Ag Extension Service tests a flock for major illnesses, like salmonella and avian influenza. Once a flock tests "clean" for a certain term, there is an inspection of the facilities. Then, as long as the owner continues to maintain the twice-yearly testing schedule, they can apply for National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certification.
Current certification allows the safe transfer (sale/gift/swap) of birds. it also gives buyers some confidence that they are getting healthy birds that will not make their own flock sick - or worse, spread things like Avian flu to new areas.
I hope that helps - and again, I apologize for jumping in without clarifying, first!
Good luck with your new girls!
ps - Oh, and
TSC is our goto farm supply store. It stands for
Tractor Supply Company. If you can't find your rings, try their website -
www.tractorsupply.com.