Florida 4-H
Chick Chain
Watch this quick video for an overview of the project.
Welcome!
Join 4-Hers from our 16 county Northwest Extension district and learn how to raise and care for chickens. At the end of the project, there's a district show where you'll show off your birds and everything you've learned. This website will support you throughout your project.
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 showmanship competition
Skill-a-thon - First-time participants and Cloverbuds will compete in a fun test of what you know.
Avian Adventures - Returning participants will develop and deliver an illustrated talk presentation or demonstration.
Photography - take pictures of your birds throughout your project. Then enter them in this fun (optional) competition.
Show Day - Learn what to expect, what to wear, and what to bring on show day.
2023-2024 Breeds List
Choose a breed to raise this year.
Australorp
Cochin (any variety)
Delaware
Orpington (any variety)
Plymouth (Barred) Rock
Rhode Island Red
Sussex
Wyandottes (any variety)
All Other Breeds - birds not one of the above will be grouped at the show as A.O.B.
Watch this video to learn more about this year's eligible breeds.
Project Timeline
August 1-September 30, 2023
Choose 4-H Chick Chain as a club.
Choose Poultry Science as a project.
September 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023
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 2023
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 2023
Read all about Record Books and watch video.
December 2023
Read all about showmanship and watch videos.
Read all about the skill-a-thon and start studying for that activity (new 4-Hers).
January 2024
- Poultry Perfection Workshops
- 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 2024
- Poultry Perfection Workshop
- 4-H Presentations Bootcamp Session 2 (returning 4-Hers) on Zoom
Q & A Webinar
Practice skill-a-thon topics (new 4-Hers)
Practice showmanship
Create and practice presentation (returning 4-Hers)
April 12, 2024 - Record books & photography entries due to your 4-H Agent
April 20, 2024 - Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain Show at the Washington County Ag Center - 1424 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL.
2023-2024 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.
2022-2023 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.