As the Lake County Fair approaches, it’s time to start preparing your chickens for the event. By March, your chickens should be well-handled and ready for the fair.

Two Weeks Before the Fair

• Parasite Check: Ensure your birds are parasite-free. Birds with parasites will be turned away.
• Layer Pen Exhibitors: Check if your bird is laying. Perform a physical exam by feeling the space between the pubic bones, the vent, and the keel and the vent. You should feel two pointy bones about three finger breadths apart. If the gap is smaller, she is likely not laying. Select the three most similar birds in terms of laying capabilities and size.
• Record Book Turn-In and Skill-a-thon: Monday, March 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. This is for the Youth Poultry Show.

Weekend to Two Days Before the Fair

• Bath Time: Bathe your chickens in the late afternoon to allow them to dry in warm temperatures. Use two bins: one for washing and one for rinsing. Dawn dish soap is recommended. Be careful not to bend any feathers. Once their feet and faces are dry, cut their toenails. Keep their barn or coop clean to ensure they stay clean until the fair.

Lake County Fair Check-In

• Check-In: Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. During check-in, your chickens will be examined for signs of sickness and parasites. They will also be tested for Pullorum Disease (P) and Fowl Typhoid (T). This test involves a blood draw, so be prepared.

During Fair:

It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to feed, water, and clean under their pens daily. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of premiums. Refer to the premium book for more information: Lake County Fair Livestock Premium Book

Poultry Show

• Show Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 8:00 AM. This will be a CLOSED BARN SHOW.
• Showmanship: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. About 30 minutes before showmanship, use a baby wipe to clean their feathers and body parts as needed.

Fair Check-Out

• Check-Out: Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 9:00 PM. Birds are not released until 9:00 PM. After the fair, quarantine your chickens for four weeks to prevent exposing your other birds to potential illnesses.

For Parents

A solid understanding of your child’s 4-H experience and the program’s goals can guide your participation. At the heart of the project, whether it’s a poultry project or something else, is the 4-H pledge:

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

Support your children, but only when needed, as they work hard on their projects. Each child’s project experience is different, so let them enjoy their time in 4-H and have fun with leaders and peers. Be there to help the leaders, as being a 4-H and fair volunteer is a big job.

At the fair, remember that your child is being graded on their abilities and animal husbandry skills. This is a time to relax a little. It’s okay (and often required) that only the kids care for their birds.

As you prepare for the fair, remember all the life skills your child is developing. They are setting goals, keeping records, problem-solving, and being responsible. During the fair, your child will be inspired to use their hands, hearts, and health to live better for their club, community, country, and world.

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