Jackson County 4-H Cloverbud Day Camp Held – Cloverbud Explorations: The World of Rabbits and Poultry

Five Jackson County youth participated in a half-day 4-H camp on August 6 at the UF/IFAS Jackson County Extension Office on Penn Avenue.

The camp was led by 4-H Agent Angel Granger with the assistance of program assistant Patti Peacock, APHIS VMO Dr. Mary Gessert, and Jackson County Youth Council members Emilee Foran and Hayden Warden.

Dr. Gessert shared with campers the importance of proper handwashing and conducted a handwashing activity, to demonstrate the importance of proper hygiene regarding one’s health especially when dealing with animals, to help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases.

4-H Youth Council member Emilee Foran, brought one of her show rabbits and shared with youth how to identify a rabbit, and the proper handling, grooming, feeding and facilities needed to care for a rabbit. Emilee was assisted by fellow council member Hayden Warden, during a “role-playing” activity used to help youth understand proper identification methods.

4-H Agent Angel Granger demonstrated how to identify a rooster, a hen, and a chick and also demonstrated what a live embryo looks like during a candling activity. The youth were also instructed in how to properly feed and care for poultry including proper housing and proper handwashing.

At the conclusion of the camp, youth demonstrated that they could explain what rabbits and chickens are and what they are used for. Youth also demonstrated that they knew what rabbits and poultry eat, where they come from, where they live and the importance of keeping themselves and the animals safe by proper handwashing, and keeping their animals safe from predators with proper housing.

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