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Poultry is designed to help you learn about chickens and other poultry. Through this project, you will acquire an understanding of scientific poultry management and marketing practices, and gain business experience and insight into the values and principles of purchasing, marketing, financial record keeping and obtaining credit. In addition, this project will help you understand the poultry industry and its role in agriculture and the economy.

It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project. 

 

Projects to learn

At level 1 of poultry, students will learn

  • poultry and egg parts
  • breeds
  • costs to raise poultry
  • how to prepare for chicks
  • how to care for and handle birds
  • how to select pullets
  • show poultry
  • speak to groups
  • work with other people
  • make decisions
  • take risks
  • plan
  • organize
  • be responsible.

At level 2 of poultry, students will learn

  • egg production
  • the skeletal structure of birds
  • pecking orders
  • select and judge broilers
  • recognize a healthy flock
  • prevent diseases of poultry flocks
  • select breeding pens
  • read a feed tag
  • make an egg candler
  • build a budget

At level 3 of poultry, students will learn

  • organize a judging clinic
  • how to manage a laying flock
  • how genetics influence poultry characteristics
  • how to handle poultry products safely
  • how to process chickens for food
  • about advances in biotechnology
  • careers in the poultry industry

Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should

  • develop a detailed learning plan for their work
  • identify an area of interest within the project area
  • set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
  • determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
  • set a realistic timeline for completion
  • carry out the project learning plan,
  • share experiences with others
  • evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.

 

Materials you'll need

 

Animal Record book

To complete a project, you'll need to have an animal record book sheet filled out and signed by a program leader. Record books focus on reflecting on what you did and learned, along with keeping track of finances spent taking care of and selling an animal. 

Download record book sheet

 

Careers in Poultry

If you are wanting to explore careers in poultry, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.