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Registration Information (Registration is now closed for the 2023 Projects)
Registration Information (Registration is now closed for the 2023 Projects)
Participants must be age 5-18 as of January 1, 2023, and register online as a SC 4-H member (if they are not already a member). Joining 4-H is easy. Follow this link for directions on how to join: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/4h/get-involved/index.html
Youth may participate in the 4-H Poultry Projects through either the 4-H Pullet Chain or the Laying Flock Project.
The 4-H Pullet Chain is for youth that want to raise new chicks through 4-H. Participants will select to receive either 12 or 25 one-day-old pullets (pullets are females). When you register, you will register for 12 or 25 of the same breed. We do not mix or split orders; however, you can work with another 4-H Pullet Chain participant to diversify your flock. The registration deadline is March 1, 2023. Online registration links and forms can be found at https://2023SC4HPoultryProjects.eventbrite.com
The Laying Flock project is for youth that already have chickens and do not want to raise new ones, or for those that will obtain chicks on their own before May 1, 2023. Online registration links and forms can be found at https://2023LayingFlock.eventbrite.com
Refund Policy: Refunds for the 4-H Pullet Chain will only be allowed through the end of registration on March 1, 2023 at 12:00pm. Chicks are ordered that same afternoon, and once ordered, we are locked in. Refund request for the 4-H Laying Flock project are accepted through May 1, 2023.
Breed Options for the Pullet Chain
Golden Comets - Golden Comets are widely acclaimed in the poultry industry as one of the absolute best layers of large brown eggs available today. They mature early (laying as early as 4 months old) and are a quiet bird. They adapt well to the backyard flock and are very docile. They are quite robust and can easily handle the colder, non-insulted housing during our South Carolina winters. Golden Comets are also easier to separate by gender at hatching as the females will be a reddish color and the males will be mostly white. While the hatchery guarantees a 90% success rate at getting female chicks when ordering pullets, with Golden Comets they typically achieve a much higher success rate. Golden Comets on average will lay around 310 large to extra large brown eggs per year.
Rhode Island Red - An old time favorite, Rhode Island Reds are excellent egg layers that are also slightly larger than the Golden Comet. While not quite as strong of an egg layer as the comets, they are not far behind averaging around 300 large to extra large brown eggs per year. They mature at 5-6 months of age. Rhode Island Red pullets are generally docile birds that are well adapted to the backyard coop and our climate. The hatchery guarantees a 90% success rate in determining the gender of our overall order.
Barred Plymouth Rock - This is another old favorite and one that many are used to seeing. With the striking contrast in their feathering, they make a beautiful addition to any backyard. Like the Rhode Island Red, the hatchery guarantees a 90% success rate in determining the gender of our overall order. Barred Plymouth Rocks will average about 275 large brown eggs per year and they mature at 5-6 months of age
Golden Comet
Golden Comet
Known as one of the best brown egg layers available today
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red
An old time favorite, Rhode island Reds are great layers.
Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Plymouth Rock
Another old time favorite, Barred Plymouth Rocks lay plenty of large brown eggs
Project Expectations
Project Expectations
Pick up chicks first part of May, care for them for the project duration, participate in a minimum of 1 show or poultry event, participate in 4-H auction, and complete 4-H Poultry Project Record Book.
Provide a brooder space that is a safe and protective environment for your chicks (consider weather, temperature, wildlife, pets, or other animals that may harm chicks).
Provide appropriate spacing for your flock (minimum 3’x3’ per bird coop space).
Provide a nutritional diet for birds to grow properly with a starter-grower ration, 18-22% crude protein is recommended. Change feed to a layer ration at egg production age (around 5-6 months for most breeds). Free choice, clean water at all times.
Activities & Events
Activities & Events
Chick Pick-up: 4-H Poultry Project coordinators will notify participants with a May date, time(s), and locations. Recommended: small animal crate or ventilated cardboard box, and substrate for day-old chicks to stand on and stay warm. Newspapers are NOT recommended for chicks unless you have something over the top of the newspaper to give them better traction.
Shows/Events/Activities: Each participant is encouraged to show at least once in the county or region that they registered through. County, multi-county and regional show schedules will be posted on a State 4-H Livestock Show Calendar; shows will be independently run by the county, multi-county, or regional effort. Participation is encouraged in all 4-H poultry activities (virtual and/or in-person) to include, but not limited to: webinars, Golden Egg Contest, Communications Contests, State 4-H Livestock educational events, Egg Prep Challenge, Avian Bowl, Poultry Judging, and county 4-H poultry-related activities.
NPIP Testing & Clinics: NPIP testing details will be communicated per county/regional projects, and is required within 90 days prior to exhibiting poultry. Youth are encouraged to practice showmanship independently or at show clinics.
Auction/Sale of Poultry: All SC 4-H regions will offer a final sale/auction for birds in the pullet chain. This component of the project is a way to help youth learn valuable financial experiences. Youth are expected to return approx. 20% of their original 4-H chick order to auction (Ex.: 12 chicks, return 3 qty for auction; 25 chicks, return 5 qty). The funds from the sale of the birds will support county, multi-county and/or regional 4-H poultry activities. The auction is mandatory for pullet chain participants purchasing 12, 25, or more quantities of chicks.
Prizes/Awards/Deposits: Shows and auctions are run independently by event coordinators, therefore, prizes/awards will vary. Youth participating in the auction/sale with approx. 20% of their original chick order, have the opportunity to receive their original ”deposit” or order fee returned. (Ex.: return 3 birds for auction; receive $40 back in return for 100% project completion).
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