Regarding 4-H showing....

[tandersphoenix]

I read really fast over this thread so forgive me if I repeat something!LOL The one thing I would like to say is.. That you can do pretty good on 4-H level with hatchery birds if they are well taken care of. Not free ranged outside and running with the roosters to pull all of the feathers off of their heads for the hens. But if you plan to go on to a State level like the State Fair or something, those shows have ABA and APA judges and will not be forgiving and sometimes won't even judge a hatchery bird.. I have seen many kids get their hearts broke when the judge told them their prized bird was JUNK.. It would be my advise to try and get a few birds from a breeder if you plan to show..

 

[tigercreek]

Why not get your birds from a breeder? You will know they are quality , and know the temperment, and they are about the same price?? .......stan

 

[DelcoChix]

Quote:
(In my opinion...) Biggest plus with hatchery birds is that the buyer has the choice of pullets instead of straight run from the breeder. Totally agree with the benefits of breeder chicks but when you're starting out and you end up with a bunch of roo's, and one doesn't know how or want to cull while young or have a way to keep them long enough to reach eating weight, and they are for the most part a dime a dozen, for folks who are just starting out, hatcheries do have that benefit.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
You will probably pay more per bird from a breeder, but you will get the number of birds you want, not a hatchery minimum of 25. Total cost may be less from a breeder, or more...it really depends on the particular breeder and breed. THere are some breeders who will give birds to kids for 4H, and some who have been scammed by the promise (only to find the bird sold within days for top dollar) and will not cut their prices for kids at all. Most breeders seem to do somewhere in between these extremes.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:

First, you need to find what poultry programs there are in your county for 4H. In Arizona, Maricopa County does only showmanship; however, Pima County does showmanship, exhibition and meat production. Not sure about the other counties. There are 4H Poultry Clubs in Maricopa County that also encourage exhibition, but that is through the fairs and local poultry club sponsored shows.

I know that the meat production birds are all purchased through the same hatchery at the same time--levelling the playing field so that it is only the child's management of the flock that is being rated, not the birds.

For showmanship, any bird can be used, but it is usually better to have a bird that is reasonably close to the standard.

For exhibition, the bird should be the best that he/she can acquire.

 

[Icee33]

I am in 4-H....
Having a poultry project is not for everyone...
I started where we could afford and what I wanted
to handle everyday. I found some nice chicks and
started to raise them. As time went on I under stood
more and bought more. I now have a nice mix of layers
and show stock. I also raise chicks every year to sale.
I also have some nice blue orps this year to add to my
breeding program. Out of all of this I will show a hand
full of birds at my local show to see if what I have is as good
as I think it is. The more work I do myself the more I understand.
So look into silkies... Orps... Cochin... my top 3 !

 

[hschweitzer]

Does anyone here have experience with NE Ohio 4H? We have chickens, rabbits and alpacas, and would love for the kids to get involved...