It’s time to sign up for the 2020 4-H Laying Flock Project. Spring will be here before you know it. With that in mind, consider the fun of raising and showing chickens, either for the first time or as a veteran chicken grower.
Although there are other ways for youth to obtain chicks, by working through 4-H youth have an opportunity to learn valuable lessons in the care of and maintaining a flock in a fun and engaging atmosphere with other youth.
Raising baby chicks from day one to egg laying age can be a rewarding experience for our 4-H youth across the Savannah Valley Region of South Carolina. The Savannah Valley Poultry Project is offered to youth between the ages of 5-19 who live in the following counties: Colleton, Hampton, Charleston, Dorchester, Beaufort, Jasper, Allendale, Barnwell, Bamberg, Berkeley, Orangeburg and Calhoun. With the success of past years, the program is again conducted project through the Hampton County Clemson Extension Office.
The Laying Flock project is designed for youth who already have chickens at home and are not interested in raising new birds. Participants have the same opportunities to show as those in the Pullet Chain. The cost to participate in the Laying Flock project is $10 for 4-H members. Laying Flock applications are due May 1.
Youth who are not already a member of 4-H for the 2019-2020 year will be required to pay an additional membership fee of $15. With the membership, youth will receive a t-shirt and have the opportunity to participate in other 4-H projects offered for the year including clubs, projects and summer camps.
The 4-H Poultry Project, like Extension’s other animal projects, is a rewarding experience for young people. They learn responsibility and caring, as well as a vast array of life skills that will help them grow into versatile, well-rounded adults. 4-H animal projects, such as the 4-H Poultry project, encourage the process of “discovery” of knowledge and solutions, and build competence and confidence.
For more information, contact Dawn Stuckey, County 4-H agent, at dstucke@clemson.edu or call the Hampton County Clemson Extension office at 803-943-3427, Ext 114.
