4-H Chick Chain

The 4-H Chick Chain is a program designed to help youth learn how to raise pullets (baby chicks) into mature production hens.  This program not only teaches youth responsibility, but also about ethical treatment of animals, biosecurity, record keeping and communication skills.  Youth will receive ten pullets in the spring, and raise them over the summer.  The culmination of this program is a show at the end of September.  Members participate in workshops to learn how to care for their chicks, show their hens, and complete their record books.  This program is open to any 4-H member in the northwest district between the ages of 5-18 (as of September 1st, 2017).  Youth will complete a project book, skill-a-thon and show according to their age as of of Sept 1, 2018.

Registration is open via 4HOnline through February 28th.  The registration fee is $50.00 for first time participants (those receiving pullets) and $5.00 for returning youth (those caring for and showing hens from a previous year). Siblings can share chicks.  See our timeline below for important project dates, including pick up and show information. Contact your local UF IFAS Extension Office if you have questions or read more about last year’s program on our blog.

PROJECT RESOURCES

• Chick Chain Informational Flyer
• 2018 Breeds
• Chick Chain Youth Project Guide
• Setting Up Your Brooder Video– watch this video to learn how to set up a simple brooder for your pullets.

• Orientation Video– STRONGLY recommended for 1st time participants! Watch this video for an overview of the program and instructions on how care for your pullets.

• Getting Ready for the Show- this video will cover all the information you need to pack your show kit, prepare your hens, and prepare yourself for showmanship and skill-a-thon.
• Bio-security Basics Poster (you will receive a laminated copy when you pick up your chicks)

PROJECT BOOKS- you will receive a project book with an official 4-H project book cover when you pick up your chicks. If you are a returning chick chain project member, then you will want to use the production book, and place it behind your previous project book records.  Youth can participate Chick Chain project multiple years; just add the records to the back of your current book.

• Cloverbud (5-7 years old)
• Junior (8-10 years old)
• Intermediate Project Book (ages 11-13)
• Senior (14-18 years old)

Project Book Score Card

Chick Chain Home Visit Form

Sample Showmanship Questions for Cloverbuds

Sample Showmanship Questions for Juniors

Sample Showmanship Questions for Intermediates

Sample Showmanship Questions for Seniors

Skill-a-thon Study Guide (available February 28th)

IMPORTANT DATES (see youth guide for a detailed timeline):

February 1-28th- Registration open in 4HOnline

March 21-22- pick up your chicks (your county agent will notify you where and when)

June-August- Home visits with your 4-H Agent or Chick Chain Volunteer Coordinator

Poultry Perfection Workshops- choose the most convenient location/date for your family:

• July 24th- 6263 Dogwood Drive, Milton, FL 32570
• July 23-24th (day camp)- 1424 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428
• TBA- 84 Cedar Avenue, Crawfordville, FL 32327

September 11th- Record books and show forms due to your county extension office

September 29th- Chick Chain Show in Chipley, FL

Questions?  Contact your 4-H Agent 

GRAPHICS

Chick Chain Logo