Chick Chain 4-H event open for registration

2015 4-H Chick Chain event is now open for registration for children ages 9-19.

The event involves the raising and showing of chickens as well as management of the animals during the course of their lives, according to County Extension Director Katernia Cole.

“We hope those involved will learn responsibility as they have to raise and take care of the chickens before the showing of the chickens at the event in September,” Cole said.

Those involved with the event will receive 10 baby chickens, all female, that are 1-2 days old. For the next 21 weeks the participants will care for the chickens and raise them to maturity.

The two best chickens will be selected by each participant and entered in the Northwest Alabama Chick Chain Show and Sale at the 2015 North Alabama State Fair in Muscle Shoals, Ala. on Sept. 24. Prizes are available to win at the event by participants. The remaining chickens not brought to the event will belong to the participant.

Cole said this event will teach the children hard work and responsibility.

“They have to do all the work, they have to raise the chickens and handle them and take care of them as they grow,” Cole said. “They have to handle the chickens at the showing and you can see which kids actually put in the work and the time.”

Cole also said some additional skills could be picked up along the way of raising the pullets.

“Management skills and some entrepreneurial skills might also be learned by the kids involved,” Cole said. “They have to keep up with the receipts and the costs of raising the chickens and if they can seek out some places to sell the eggs then they can learn some entrepreneurial skills as well.”

Registration is $25 and can be sent to or dropped off at the Franklin County Extension Office located at P.O. Box 820 Russellville, AL 35653.

Both the youth and a parent must attend a mandatory training on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

Registration for this event ends Feb. 23.