Local 4-Hers competed among thirty-two youth that showed 50 hens from Taylor, Madison, Suwannee and Lafayette counties at the Chick Chain show. Hallie Tharpe received 2nd place in the Cloverbud division. Sophie Foster received 2nd place in the junior division. Macy Lundy received 1st place in the intermediate/senior division along with Reserve Grand Champion overall. Holden Harris received a red ribbon in the Cloverbud division. Emma Devane received a red ribbon in the junior division. Layne Freeman and Carlie Cayson both received blue ribbons in the junior division. Raylee Harris received a red ribbon in the Intermediate/senior division.

The Chick Chain project gives 4-H members the opportunity to develop an understanding and working knowledge for good poultry management and marketing practices. As with any 4-H livestock project, the Chick Chain project teaches personal responsibility by working with animals that depend on the 4-H member to provide proper feed, housing, care and management. The member also develops self-esteem and decision making skills that will be beneficial throughout their life.

The Chick Chain project involved a 4-H member purchasing baby chicks and raising them for laying hens. The day old chicks arrived the last week of April. The 4-H members provided housing, brooding equipment, feeders, waterers and feed.

After raising a set of birds, in the Chick Chain Project, 4-H’ers then participated in the 3rd Annual Multi- County Show held in Madison, Florida on September 15th. Upon successful completion of the project the 4-H member will have a flock of laying hens. This project often develops into a small business where the 4-H member may sell the excess eggs. Participants may also have available, for sale, fully developed laying hens.

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