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Enrollment for 4-H Chick Chain is Open!

by | Aug 13, 2024 | 4-H Chick Chain, 4-H Science, Animal Sciences, Club Helps, Livestock

https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/home

What is the Northwest District (NWD) Chick Chain project?

The Chick Chain project brings together 4-H members from across our 16-county Northwest Extension District to explore the art of raising and caring for chickens. Culminating in a district show, youth will showcase their birds and demonstrate their newfound knowledge. The Chick Chain website is your guide and support throughout the entire project journey.

Who can participate in the NWD Chick Chain Project?

Any 4-H Youth ages 5-18 from the Northwest District of Florida are eligible to enroll and participate in the NW Florida 4-H Chick Chain project.

Those counties include: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington. Youth need to sign up in 4Honline and select “Chick Chain NWD.” There is no fee to enroll in the project, but there is an annual $20 4-H membership fee.

Where can I find out more about the Chick Chain Project?

Contact your County 4-H Extension Agent and review each tab to learn more about the NWD 4-H Chick Chain project.

  • Care & Nutrition – Learn how to feed and care for your growing birds.
  • Record book – Each 4-Her will complete a record book.
  • Showmanship – All 4-Hers will participate in the showmanship competition.
  • Skill-a-thon – First-time participants, Cloverbuds, and returning youth that have aged up into the next category (junior, intermediate, senior) will compete in a fun test of what you know.
  • Avian Adventures – Returning youth will develop and deliver an illustrated talk presentation or demonstration.
  • Photography – Take pictures of your birds throughout your project and them in this fun (optional) competition.
  • Show Day – Learn what to expect, what to wear, and what to bring on show day

2024-2025 Breeds List

  • Australorps
  • Brahmas
  • Cochins
  • Marans
  • Orpingtons
  • Rhode Island Reds
  • Rocks
  • Silkies
  • Sussexes
  • Wyandottes
  • All Other Breeds

When are the important dates for the 4-H Chick Chain?

August 1 – September 30, 2024

  • Enroll/re-enroll in 4-H.
  • Choose 4-H Chick Chain as a club.
  • Choose Poultry Science as a project.

 

September 1 – October 31, 2024

  • Purchase or hatch your 4-H Chick Chain chicks – begin your project with at least three birds.
  • Participate in the 4-H Photography Fun with Your Chickens workshop.

 

 

October 2024

  • Read all about Care & Nutrition.
  • Print your Record Book or save it to your Google Drive.
  • Begin entering information as soon as you purchase or hatch your chicks.

November 2024

  • Read all about Record Books and watch the video.

December 2024

  • Read all about showmanship and watch videos.
  • Read about the skill-a-thon and start studying for that activity (new 4-Hers).

January 2025

  • 4-H Presentations Bootcamp Session 1 (returning 4-Hers) on Zoom
  • Practice skill-a-thon topics (new 4-Hers)
  • Practice showmanship
  • Create and practice presentation (returning 4-Hers)

February 2025

  • Poultry Perfection Workshops- TBD
  • Q & A Webinar
  • Practice skill-a-thon topics (new 4-Hers)
  • Practice showmanship
  • Create and practice presentation (returning 4-Hers)

March 2025

  • March 21, 2025 – Record books & photography entries due to your 4-H Agent
  • March 29, 2025 – Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show at the Washington County Ag Center – 1424 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL.
  • 2024-2025 participants – Bring your best TWO birds to exhibit and be judged. Cloverbuds and first-time 4-Hers will participate in showmanship and skill-a-thon.
  • 2023-2024 participants – Bring your best one or two birds to exhibit and be judged. Returning Chick Chain 4-Hers will participate in showmanship and Avian Adventures.

 

Why should my child raise poultry for the NWD Chick Chain Project?

Caring for poultry teaches youth empathy and sharing. Helping animals in need and bonding with their cared-for animals are skills that promote broad personal growth. Cleaning their animals’ living spaces and building self-esteem through hard work are experiences not easily replicated in a classroom. 4-H emphasizes “learn by doing,” and projects like the Chick Chain offer an ideal opportunity for youth to learn through hands-on effort.

Assuming responsibility means rising early each morning, leaving the warmth of home, and heading to the chicken coop to care for their chickens. In today’s digital era, it’s vital for youth to develop strong communication skills. Through the Chick Chain project, youth learn to effectively communicate every aspect of their project during showmanship. They enhance their written and verbal communication abilities by maintaining detailed record books. Raising chickens for the Chick Chain provides an excellent opportunity for youth to learn and grow. Skills such as problem-solving, service, planning, goal-setting, marketing, and character-building naturally develop as youth raise their Chick Chain chickens.

 

If you have questions about 4-H or wish to sponsor or support the NWD Chick Chain project, please contact Prudence Caskey at prudencecaskey@ufl.edu / 850-623-3868 or Claire Davis at reach.c@ufl.edu / 850-674-8323.

Join our Facebook group to stay up to date on all things NWD Chick Chain! https://www.facebook.com/groups/241795828864404/

Claire Davis
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