4-H Poultry Chain seeks youth involvement

The Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Franklin County office is inviting area youth to take part in this year’s 4-H Poultry Chain project.

The program, according to Extension Agent Keith Whitehead, seeks to teach young people about agriculture and various levels of responsibility in growing and raising chickens.

“Participation helps local youth learn valuable life lessons about animal health, business management, record keeping skills and gaining a sense of pride in accomplishing something special,” Whitehead said.

The poultry chain has been conducted locally for the better part of 70 years and continues to be one of the area’s most popular 4-H initiatives.

The outreach orders chicks in lots of 25 pullets, and the young people taking part will be required to provide pens and equipment along with feed and necessary care for the birds.

“For each lot of 25 chicks participants receive, five pullets will be returned for the 4-H Poultry Chain Show and Sale held at the Franklin County Courthouse in October,” Whitehead said.

“Proceeds from the pullets sale to the public goes to fund the poultry chain program the following year.”

Additionally, returned pullets are judged and ribbons are awarded to participants who have demonstrated best management practices in raising healthy birds during the program.

“The better these young people do in raising their birds, the nicer the birds look and have the potential to wind up as the county champion,” Whitehead added.

Among the breeds of chicks available through this year’s program are brown-egg layers including: Barred Rock, Cinnamon Queen, Black Sex Link, Buff Orpington and Production Red, along with White Leghorn, which is a white-egg layer.

Participants will keep the remaining birds and are responsible for the value of the chicks in the event of loss.
“In most cases, the value of responsibility is about $90 per lot,” Whitehead continued.

The deadline to register to participate in the Poultry Chain and to order chicks is 5 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 31 with delivery anticipated in April.

For additional information, visit the Extension Service office at 20 Walnut Street in Meadville or call 601-384-2349.