Need 4H project help.

[kingmt]

I didn't plan on bring the bird back after the show.

 

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
What will you do with it?

 

[kingmt]

Hopefully sell it or give it to a kid wanting to get started in chickens.

 

[Pathfinders]

Ok, that makes sense. I thought you were saying you wouldn't bring it home for fear of bringing home illness (which is a somewhat valid concern, and some people are like that.)

 

[kswaterfowl]

Also as a 4-H leader, I think it is CRUCIAL to help the 4-Hers. How else will they learn if not from their leaders. I think that is a major part of the job description. My wife and I have been breeding and showing birds for almost 10 years now. Its a very rewarding hobby for us, and although we have very few birds currently, there have been years were we've had 100+ young birds not to mention the breeders those came from. My goals for 4-H in 2010, is breeds/varieties/classes. I have over 45 4-Hers and a ton of first timers this year. I loved it! But as with anyone just starting out, they didn't know that much, and because I have been there I feel it is my job to help them learn these things. I have a couple 4-H families that are becoming regulars at the shows, they have have some excellent birds, but they've not gone crazy and spent a fortune on one or two birds. They have some so-so stock and are breeding up. I was recently at one of their homes and was quite impressed by the quality they have in their bantams. I know where some of the stock came from and have seen drastic improvement over the original stock and seen birds that would place in their classes at almost any show. They have their projects and are working very hard on what they love.
Also as for not bringing birds home from a show, I understand where you come from on that. But at the same time, its not always ideal for people that only have a handful of birds. To each his own though. I know myself if I hadn't brought some birds home I would have been up the proverbial creek by the next breeding season in instances where I had lost the breeder drake and the show strain bird was my only replacement for him. Etc...
But to each his own...good luck with 4-H its a lot of fun!!! I like it better as a 4-H leader than I did as a 4-Her, but I had to find it fun then too or I never would have come back to it.

Jason

 

[cpchicks]

You may want to start with eggs for your son's breeding project, but I think your son may lose interest if he doesn't have something to show at the next show in your area. I recommend you find a reputable breeder, and get a couple of chickens that will be old enough to show this 4-H year. Quarantine, so you don't worry about your other birds. Let him pick whatever breed he wants for breeding stock, but be sure to choose a docile breed for a Showmanship bird. I suggest you choose a Bantam with a calm demeanor. My granddaughter has done well with Plymouth Rock Bantams that she bought from a breeder for $15. each. Many use game birds for showmanship because they are small and easy to handle. (Some breeds are skittish which makes them more difficult to show.) Have your son hold the bird frequently so it is very tame. He can teach it to stand on a table and to walk when touched under the tail with the side of a stick. He should know the steps to examine the bird, and learn about the breed so he can answer the judge's questions. Our fairs divide the kids into groups. Novice will be only kids that have not shown before, so the judge will ask questions accordingly. It's a wonderful experience for kids and great for building self-confidence. If you don't have a poultry leader in your 4-H club, I'm sure there will be one in a neighboring town/club that would be willing to help. You may get so interested you will want to be the leader! The 4-H office will guide you. Also, BYC is a great resource as you have already found out. The Standard of Perfection is very helpful and can be purchased used, online. Check out the links in the previous posts, and your son will do great. Good Luck! Let us know how he does.
CP

 

[kingmt]

My son is very interested all the way through. One of his jobs around the house is to care for the chickens. He like all aspects of it. He has such a passion for them is why I want to encourage it. I want him to build his stock instead of just buy from someone else.