K-State Research and Extension

Poultry

This project is designed to help you learn about chickens and other poultry. You will acquire an understanding of scientific poultry management and marketing practices. You will gain business experience and insight into the values and principles of purchasing, marketing, record keeping and exhibiting poultry.

Project leader

Things to Learn/Do in the Project

Age 7-9

• Learn poultry breeds and body parts
• Learn how to care for and handle your birds
• Practice showmanship techniques

Age 10-13

• Learn how eggs are formed
• Select and judge broilers
• Make an egg candler
• Learn about pecking orders

Age 14 and Older

• Lead younger members in egg experiments
• Learn how to process chickens for food
• Learn about biotechnology and poultry careers

Project Materials

Reasonably priced materials are available for every project in Kansas 4-H. You can order the materials for your project online or contact your local Extension Office.

Poultry (PT100)

• Scratching the Surface (ages 7-10)
• Testing Your Wings (ages 11-13)
• Flocking Together (ages 14+)

General Poultry Resources

• Kansas 4-H Poultry Project Promotional Brochure
• Kansas 4-H Generic Record Form
• Poultry Judging
• Selecting and Preparing Poultry for Exhibition
• Beginners Guide to Raising and Showing Chickens, DVD
• Judging Poultry at the County Fair

Project Leader Resources

• Kansas 4-H Poultry Project Leader's Notebook
  - Level I (ages 7-8)
  - Level II (ages 9-11)
  - Level III (ages 12-14)
  - Level IV (ages 15+)
• Poultry Helper's Guide

Additional Resources - Veterinary Science

• From Airdales to Zebras (ages 7-10)
• All Systems Go (ages 11-13)
• On the Cutting Edge (ages 14+)
• Veterinary Science Helper's Guide
• Nebraska 4-H Veterinary Science

Events and Activities

State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest
When: 2nd Saturday, Kansas State Fair
Where: Hutchinson, KS
Award: Trip for winning team to National Poultry Conference

Awards and Recognition

County Level
Award: Medal presented at your 4-H Achievement Banquet
Donor: Barr's Poultry

State Level
Award: Medallion
Donor: Barr's Poultry

National Level
Award: $400 National 4-H Congress Scholarship
Donor: Barr's Poultry

Career Connections

• K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry Poultry Page