Alabama 4-H

Chick Chain

2 min read
chicks on white background in Alabama 4-H Chick Chain; Alabama 4-H; Animals

What is Chick Chain?

The 4-H Chick Chain Project teaches young people recommended management practices for growing and raising chickens. Participation will help you do the following:

  • develop poultry management skills
  • learn to produce healthy chickens
  • develop awareness of business management
  • develop record-keeping skills (income and expenses)
  • contribute to your home food supply
  • realize the pride of accomplishment

Who Can Participate?

Any young person age 9 through 18 as of January 1 of the project year can participate. You do not have to be a current 4-H member; however, you will need to complete a 4-H enrollment form if you are not a member.

How Chick Chain Works

As a participant in the Chick Chain Project, you will receive either 10 or 18 chicks in the spring. The chicks will be pullets (females) that are 1 or 2 days old. All chicks will come from a reputable hatchery and be properly vaccinated. There will be different breeds available; you will choose your chicks from two or three breeds. You will receive 5 or 6 chicks of each breed you have chosen. You will feed and care for these pullets for approximately 20 weeks.

At the end of this time, you will bring 2 (if you received 10) or 3 (if you received 18) of your pullets to your county’s 4-H Chick Chain Show and Auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to the 4-H Chick Chain Project.

Participation in Chick Chain

Before receiving your chicks, you and a parent will attend a mandatory training session. At this meeting you will receive valuable information to assist you in preparing for and raising your pullets. You also will be given the designated Extension office site and date for acquiring your chicks.

Chick Chain Curriculum Materials

Production Manual

Record Book

This project record book has been created specifically for members enrolled in the 4-H Chick Chain Project. Keeping a record book is an important part of the project. It will help you set goals for the project year, record your accomplishments, and help guide your efforts to keep important records on your birds.

Download a PDF of Chick Chain Record Book, 4HYD-2240.

Minimum Requirements for Youth

Download a PDF of Chick Chain Minimum Requirements for Youth, 4HYD-2253.

Profit/Loss Scenarios

Download a PDF of Chick Chain Profit/Loss Scenarios, 4HYD-2251.

 

Brigid McCrea, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H Animal Programs

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or language access services, contact Brigid McCrea at mccreba@aces.edu.