Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Chick Chain Project For 4-Hers
For many generations, Lawrence County 4-Hers have participated in the Chick chain Project, a revolving program in which money from the current year's pullets buy next year's baby chicks.
The 4-H member will start with 25, day old chicks and have the responsibility to raise them to mature laying hens, around 22 weeks of age.
The first step is to attend an introductory meeting held by Extension Agent Paul Kelly on February 9, 2015, 6 pm, at the Extension Office.
This meeting will provide ethical, safe and efficient means of raising chicks and inform parents and 4-Hers of the process. Raising chicks is a commitment and great responsibility, as well as being an excellent learning adventure.
A $45.00 deposit is required at sign up that will be refunded in full if six hens are brought to the Chick Chain show and sale held in conjunction with the Middle TN District Fair.
The 4-H member will receive a ribbon on their pen of 6 along with prize money, and the proceeds from the auction go towards funding the next years Chick Chain. The sale is open to the public, and the participating pens of birds are tested for disease.
There are other exciting ways for 4-H members to be involved without owning animals. The 4-H Poultry Project Group meets monthly and has a wide variety of activities and topics covered. Meetings are typically the second Tuesday of every month, 6 pm, at the Extension office.
You do not have to participate in the Chick Chain, or own any animals, to enjoy the fun things offered in this after school group. The February meeting will be on the Tuesday the 10th, 6 pm, at the Extension office. Tennessee State University, The University of Tennessee, USDA and County Governments Cooperating.
The Agriculture Extension Service offers its programs to all persons regardless to race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
