Poultry


Below you will find resources for your poultry project:

 GENERAL INFORMATION
Geauga County 4-H

 BASIC NEEDS 
  • Space
    • Chicken
      • 1.5 sq. ft. of enclosed housing area
      • 10 sq. ft. pasture area
      • Enclosed barn set back 50 ft.
      • Chicken Wire 
    • Turkey
      • 6 sq. ft. of enclosed housing area
      • 100 sq. ft. pasture area
      • Enclosed barn setback 50 ft. 
      • Chicken Wire
  • Nutrition
    • Commercially available feed available for species and production type
      • Starters
      • Growers
      • Finishers
      • Layers
      • Turkeys 
      • Game Birds
    • Males should not receive high calcium diets
  • Health
    • House poultry species separately to minimize spread of disease
    • Vaccinations and influenza testing may be necessary
    • Maintain appropriate light and temperature based on birds age and stage of lay

See for more information:
    Housing and Space Guidelines
    Housing and Environmental Management of Poultry
    Guide to Raising Healthy Chickens
    Small Scale Poultry Management
    Poultry Diseases/Parasites

    SELECTING A PROJECT ANIMAL
    • Determine how much money you are willing to invest and how much youR project the materials and equipment needed will cost
    • Check and ensure there are no city or county ordinances where you will be keeping your bird
    • If you live in the country, you may be able to make a poultry project partnership with another 4-H member or family member
    • Keep in mind that day-old chicks are less of a disease risk than older chickens but have more initial investment
    • Buy from a reliable source- you may be able to get them from a hatchery 

    See for more information:
    Chicken Breeds

    KEEPING RECORDS
    • Registration with the breed association
      • Registration may need to be transferred to the exhibitor's name
      • Eligible animals may need initial registration
    • If you don't own the animal:
      • You may need to complete a lease application through 4-H or the breed association
    • It may be a good idea to join the respective breed's junior association
    • Accurate Health Records
      • Vaccination dates, date of dehorning, application of parasite control
    • Keep a record of growth
      • Ensure the animal meets benchmarks for growth
    • Make a budget and document expenses

     DAILY CARE
    • Feeding recommended and adjusted amount for animal
    • Keep access to clean water at all times

    PRE-SHOW PREPARATION
    • Tame or train the bird to being accustomed to being handled or examined by the judge
      • Familiarize the bird to being caught and examined
    • Get the bird accustomed to being in a show cage
    • Handle birds 2-3 times a day
    • Wash the bird about 48 hours before the show
      • A wet bird will take 18-24 hours to dry
      • Most breeds look best if left to dry naturally
      • Fluffy breeds can be dried with a hair dryer
    • Wash birds in a tub with water that is about 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
    • Place birds in a clean pen after washing

    See for more information and videos:
    Guide to Exhibiting 4-H Poultry

    BATHING THE BIRD
    • Use 3 tubs of water
      • Tub 1: should be the warmest and should contain mild soapy water. Use a toothbrush to scrub the chicken's feet during this step. 
      • Tub 2: Warm water that contains apple vinegar to help bring out the shine in the bird's feathers
      • Tub 3: Warm water for rinsing
    • Do not allow the bird's head to be put under water
    • Carefully dry the bird, making sure not to rub to hard to prevent pushing the feathers the wrong direction or ripping or tearing them
    • Carefully use a hairdryer to finish drying the bird (be careful not to burn your bird)
    • Baby oil can be rubbed onto the comb for extra shine
    • Be sure not to get harsh chemicals in your bird's eyes, nose, or mouth

    See for more information and videos:
    Guide to Exhibiting 4-H Poultry
    How to Groom Your Chicken
    Show Bird Preparation

    PRESENTING THE BIRD AT THE SHOW
    • Stand in front of the cage with your hands behind your back
    • Introduce yourself and your bird
      • State your name, age, 4-H club, sex of your bird, age of your bird, and the class, breed, and variety of your bird
      • Hens are female birds over 6 months old, a cock or rooster is a male bird over 6 months old, a pullet is a female bird under 6 months old, and a cockerel is a male bird under 6 months old
    • Remove the bird from the cage when instructed
    • Remove the bird from the cage head first to avoid injuring the wings
    • Holding the bird
      • The bird's head should be facing your dominant hand, as the dominant hand is used to hold the bird
      • The two middle fingers should be slid between the bird's legs 
      • The index finger and the pinky are used to clamp around each leg
      • The non-dominant hand can be placed gently on the bird's back or may be placed behind the exhibitor's back
      • Once the bird is in proper position, look at the judge to indicate you are ready to proceed
      • The judge will then ask the exhibitor to examine the bird
      • After examining each point on the bird and answering any questions the judge may have, look at the judge to signal you are ready to move on to the next step
      • Examining the Head
        • Hold the bird's head on your finger and look at its eyes, beak, and comb
        • The judge may ask questions about certain points on your bird
        • Answer the questions in a timely manner to avoid appearing unprepared but do not rush, there is still time
        • Examine both sides of the head
      • Examining the Wings
        • Grasp the shoulder joint and gently pull out the bird's wing to fan out its feathers
        • Count the feathers on the wing and fan them out so the judge can see
        • Lift the wing up and gently blow on the wing to show the judge the bird does not have mites or lice
        • Repeat the procedure for the other wing
      • Examining Under color
        • Lift the feathers on the bird's saddle or neck and gently blow on them to show there are no mites or lice and to check that the under color is correct
      • Examining Width of Body
        • Place your thumb and first finger around the widest part of the bird or directly behind the wing or shoulder joints
        • Show this measurement to the judge
      • Examining the Breast
        • Flip the bird so that its back is touching your chest
        • With your thumb and first finger measure the length of the breast bone (also called the keel bone)
        • Show the judge the measurement
        • This allows the judge to see that the keel bone is straight and doesn't have any bumps on it
      • Examining the Vent
        • Lower the bird so that its head is facing you
        • Part the fluff feathers so the judge can see the vent
      • Examining Depth of Abdomen
        • The pubic bones are the 2 small bones on either side of the vent that stick out
        • Measure the number of fingers that can fit between the breast bone and the 2 pubic bones
      • Examining Width Between Pubic Bones
        • This is a necessary step even if you are showing a rooster
        • Measure the number of fingers you can fit between the pubic bones and show the number to the judge
        • The purpose of this step is to determine how effective your hen will be when it comes to laying
      • Examining the Feet and Legs
        • Turn the chicken so that the head is facing toward the judge
        • Hold out the feet and legs of the bird so you can look over them
        • Check for dirt, scaly leg, bumble foot, and any diseases that could be present
        • Turn the bird in a full circle while keeping your eyes on the feet and legs
        • Wait patiently holding the bird and smiling as this is the last step
      • Caging the Bird
        • Walk over to the cage if the judge instructs to do so
        • Place the bird in the cage, pose them, and shut the door
        • Stand with your hands behind your back until the judge instructs you to remove the bird from the cage

    See for more information and videos:
    Guide to Exhibiting 4-H Poultry
    Chicken Showmanship Demonstration
    Poultry Showmanship Made Easy Guide
    4-H Poultry Showmanship
    Poultry Showmanship

    SHOWMANSHIP QUESTIONS
    • During a poultry showmanship competition, you will be asked general poultry knowledge questions by the judge 
    • The difficulty of the questions will be based on your age division
    • Junior showmen should know the answers to level 1 questions
    • Intermediate showmen should know the answers to levels 1 and 2 questions
    • Senior showmen should be prepared to answer questions from levels 1, 2, and 3 

    See for more information:
    Showmanship Questions
    4-H Poultry Showmanship Questions
    Poultry Showmanship
    Good luck studying!

    RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING TO THE SHOW
    • Mild detergent
    • Tooth brush or sponge
    • Washing tubs
    • Towels
    • Hair dryer (optional)
    • Cage or crate (if requested)
    • Feed
    • Feed and water container/bucket
    • Health and registration papers
    • Extension cords
    • Various tools that may come in handy:
      • Duct tape, scissors, zip ties
    • Making a checklist can be a good idea

    See for more information and videos:
    Guide to Exhibiting 4-H Poultry

    APPROPRIATE SHOWMAN ATTIRE
    • Long-sleeved button down shirt to be tucked into pants
    • Jeans or khakis
    • Closed toed shoes
    • Belt (Can match to shoes)
    • Hair neatly pulled back and out of the way
    • Keep jewelry and makeup to a minimum

    See for more information and videos:
    Guide to Exhibiting 4-H Poultry
    Showing 4-H Chickens

    TIPS FOR CREATING BUYER'S LETTERS WHEN SELLING PROJECT ANIMALS
    • A buyer's letter is prepared by a 4-H member to send out to potential buyers before a fair and livestock auction
    • A buyer's letter is written to introduce the 4-H member as well as the animal and to invite potential buyers
    • It is the responsibility of the 4-H members to get new and returning buyers to attend sales
    • In addition to previous buyers, letters can be sent to anyone who would potentially be willing to buy an animal
      • Potential buyer's could include: family friends, relatives, or local members of the community; places your family does business such as local feed stores, restaurants, etc. 
    • Elements to include in the letter:
      • Address the letter to the buyer's name
      • Name, age, and introductory information about the seller
      • Thank the buyer if they have made previous purchases
      • History/Story/Facts of the animal
      • A picture of the animal (the child may include themselves in the picture)
      • Sale date, time, and location
      • How the buyer can participate
      • Contact information for 4-Her, and fair
    • The buyer should be written personable and relative to the age of the 4-H member, with junior members telling the story of the animal and senior members continuing but adding more of a business edge

      See for more information and videos:

      AFTER THE SHOW
      • Thank the judge, superintendent, and show volunteers
      • Rinse your animal within 24 hours to remove products used for the show from the skin
      • Clean equipment and put it away to stay organized between shows
      • Record your showing placing for your own records

                                                  Good luck showing!

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