Youth ages 5-18, in the North Central Extension District are invited to participate in the Egg-Laying Chicken Project. Youth are expected to purchase four chicks from the program (this ensures that all chicks are the same age and have the same genetics). For 2023, you can receive either four Buff Orpington or four Barred Rock chicks to raise for a small fee of $20. Raise them, while keeping a record of what you do when, how much you spend on feed, and other poultry project information. Then, practice showing your bird and show your best hen at the Egg-Laying Poultry Show on May 6, 2023.
To see a bit of what a 4-H youth show typically entails, you can watch this
video from Rowan County.
Birds will be shown twice. Once to see how well the exhibitor shows their bird, the condition, and handling of the bird AND a second time for the judge to evaluate your bird.
This video from Penn State Extension is a good educational resource on showmanship.
TIMELINE - Calendar of Events
December 16, 2022, 5 p.m. -
Registration and Payment Deadline - Payment is due to
your County Extension Office. Find your county livestock or 4-H Extension Agent or the address to your
County Center.
January 5, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - Join us for a Zoom Webinar on Brooding Chicks
(this session will be recorded for you to watch later if you can't attend)
January 5 - April 20 - Work on Project Books
January 12, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - Join us for a Zoom Webinar on Chicken Housing
(this session will be recorded for you to watch later if you can't attend)
January 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. - Join us for a Zoom Webinar on Chicken Health
(this session will be recorded for you to watch later if you can't attend)
January 20, 2023, TBD - Potential Chick Pick-Up; check with your county Extension Center
TBD Spring - Poultry Showmanship Workshops
April 20 - completed project books are due
May 6, 2023 - District Poultry Show, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 421 N. 27th St., Winston-Salem
