Eighty-three Northwest Florida youths are participating in the 2016 Florida 4-H Chick Chain Show and Auction on Oct. 29 in Bonifay.
In May, these outstanding youths received day-old pullet (female) chicks, and are proudly raising them with care and attention until the day of the show and auction.
When the pullet chicks are about 20 weeks old — that’s generally the magic time when production birds enter the laying cycle — the 4-Hers will bring them to this special poultry show and auction.
After the show, a professional auctioneer will be on hand to auction off the birds.
All proceeds benefit the 4-H youth and the Florida 4-H Chick Chain program.
The Chick Chain Project encourages 4-H youths to produce healthy chickens. Along the way, they get an introduction to business management, develop record-keeping skills (income and expenses), contribute to their family’s home food supply and realize the pride of accomplishment!
4-Hers follow very structured guidelines for protein diet and housing.
Are these birds healthy? Yes! The chicks come from National Poultry Improvement Plan-certified stock (clean from Pullorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza) and are vaccinated against Marek’s disease on the day of hatch.
Breeds for auction are Dominique; Golden Laced Wyandotte; Light Brahma; Pearl White Leghorn; Polish Top Hat; and Rhode Island Reds.
The program benefits 4-H members in Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington counties.
Misty Smith is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
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WANT TO GO?
WHAT: 4-H Chicken Auction
WHEN: 3 p.m. Oct. 29
WHERE: Holmes County 4-H Barn, 1169 U.S. Highway 90 E., Bonifay
WHAT: 4-H Chicken Auction
WHEN: 3 p.m. Oct. 29
WHERE: Holmes County 4-H Barn, 1169 U.S. Highway 90 E., Bonifay
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SMITH: Get ready for the 4-H Chick Chain Show and Auction