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4-H LIVESTOCK POULTRY

POULTRY

Below you will find resources for your poultry project:

The Geauga County 4-H page has some great resources for getting started understanding the basics of poultry anatomy

and how to keep them healthy. See the link for more information: httr://www.geauga4h.org/poultry/index.htm

BASIC SPACE NEEDS (CHICKEN)

. 3-4 sq. ft. of enclosed housing area

• 10 sq. ft. pasture area

• Enclosed barn set back 50 ft.

• Chicken Wire

BASIC SPACE NEEDS (TURKEY)

• 6 sq. ft. of enclosed housing area

• 100 sq. ft. pasture area

• Enclosed barn setback 50 ft.

• Chicken Wire

For more information, see the recommended Housing and Space Guidelines:

htts://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000471 Rep493.pdf

BASIC NUTRITION NEEDS:

• Commercially available feed available for species and production type

o Starters

o Growers

o Finishers

o Layers

o Turkeys

o Game Birds

• Protein Supplements

• Oyster Shells for laying hens

• Males should not receive high calcium diets

For more information about feeding your poultry see this guide to raising

poultry: http://www.colostate.ed u/Deits/CoopExt/Ada ms/ca bas/pdf/Poultry%2oprod uction. rdf

or the Guide to Raising Healthy Chickens: http://learningstore.uwex.edu/assets/pdfs/A3858-01pdf

BASIC HEALTH NEEDS

• House poultry species separately to minimize spread of disease

• Vaccinations and influenza testing may be necessary

For more information about poultry health, see the section regarding disease prevention in this poultry fact

sheet: https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2902/2902-1099/2902-1099 pdf. df

Additionally, learning about common poultry diseases and how to recognize them may be helpful, so see this

link: http://wwwgeauga4h.org/poultry/poultry-diseases.pdf

CHOOSING A PROJECT ANIMAL

• Determine how much money you are willing to invest and how much you 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

• Buy from a reliable source- you may be able to get them from a hatchery

For a complete list of chicken breeds, see: http://www.geauga4h.org/poultrv/chicken breeds.htm

PRE-SHOW PREPARATION

• Tame or train the bird to being accustomed to being handled or examined by the judge

o Familiarize the bird to being caught and examined

• Get the bird accustomed to being in a show cage

0 Handle birds 2-3 times a day

. Wash the bird about 48 hours before the show

o A wet bird will take 18-24 hours to dry

o Most breeds look best if left to dry naturally

o 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

BATHING THE BIRD

Use 3 tubs of water

o Tub 1: should be the warmest and should contain mild soapy water. Use a toothbrush to scrub the

chicken's feet during this step.

o Tub 2: Warm water that contains apple vinegar to help bring out the shine in the bird's feathers

o Tub 3: Warm water for rinsing

• Do not allow the bird's head to be put under water

• careful 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: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/bamberg/programs/4h/4h projects/poultry- for more information.

RECOMMENDED ITEMS TO BRING TO THE SHOW

• Mild detergent

• Tooth brush or sponge

• Washing tubs

• Towels

• Hair dryer (optional)

For more tips on showing poultry and preparing for show, see this Guide to Exhibiting 4-H

Poultry: http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/live/ec282/build/ec282.pdf

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

For more information on showmanship, see the link below:

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/bambergJprograms/4h/4h projects/poultry-proiect/sarahtips.pdf

PRESENTING THE BIRD AT THE SHOW

• Stand in front of the cage with your hands behind your back

• Introduce yourself and your bird

o State your name, age, 4-H club, sex of your bird, age of your bird, and the class, breed, and variety of

your bird

o Hens are female birds over 6 months old, a cock 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

o The bird's head should be facing your dominant hand, as the dominant hand is used to hold the bird

o The two middle fingers should be slid between the bird's legs

o The index finger and the pinky are used to clamp around each leg

o The non-dominant hand can be placed gently on the bird's back or may be placed behind the exhibitor's

back

o Once the bird is in proper position, look at the judge to indicate you are ready to proceed

o The judge will then ask the exhibitor to examine the bird

o 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

o 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

• Examine both sides of the head

o 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

o 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 live and to check that the under color is correct

o 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

o 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

o Examining the Vent

• Lower the bird so that its head is facing you

• Part the fluff feathers so the judge can see the vent

o 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

o 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

o 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

For a video on how to examine your bird, see http://www.fredsfinefowl.com/showmanship4h.html

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For extra practice learning the parts of your bird, check out the Poultry Skillathon

at http://www.geauga4h.org/poultry/index.htm. There are links to practice learning the parts of the wings, comb, and

head of chickens as well as major parts of the digestive and reproductive system.

See:htt://www.clemson.edu/extension/county/bamber/programs/4h/4h pro jects/poultrv-project/sarahtips.pdf for

more information on poultry showmanship

See the Poultry Showmanship Made Easy Guide for more information about examining your bird: http://valencia4-

hffapoultry.tripod.com/id8.htmt

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: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/ClS/ClS12O6.pdf for a complete list of 4-H showmanship questions

Good luck studying!

FOR CREATING BUYER'S LETTERS

• 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

o Family friends, relatives, or local members of the community may be potential buyers

o Send letters to places that your family does business such as the local feed store, etc.

• Elements to include in the letter:

o Name, age, and introductory information about the seller

o Sale date, time, and location

o How the buyer can participate

o Thank the buyer if they have made previous purchases

o History of the animal

o A picture of the animal (the child may include him/herself in the picture)

o Avoid form letters when possible

o Contact information may be helpful

o Address the letter to the buyer's name

For more information and examples about writing a buyer's letter, see the Guide to Writing Better Buyer's

Letters: htti://cemendocino.ucanr.edu/files/29441.pdf

AFTER THE SHOW

0 Thank the judge, superintendent, and show volunteers

• Rinse your animal within 24 hours to remove products used for the show from the animal's skin

• Clean equipment and put it away to stay organized between shows

• Record your showing placing for your own records

• Keep in mind that organization and tidiness are important

This information was made available for Carroll County 4-H from Albemarle/Charlottesville 4-H Livestock Club. If you

have any questions regarding any of the information above, please contact Jonette Mungo, Carroll County 4-H Agent, at

276-730-3112, or by email Ionetm4@vt.edu .

INDICIA STATEMENT

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender,

gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic

information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State

University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension,

Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University,

Petersburg.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in

this activity, please contact Jonette Mungo, Carroll County Extension office at (276) 7303110/TDD* during business

hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.

*TDD number is (800) 828-1120.