In the Poultry project, students learn about selection, evaluation, nutrition, healthcare, reproduction, marketing and more while developing important life skills like responsibility, hard work, decision making, communication, and critical thinking. 4-H animal projects are a unique way to teach vital life skills through the use of a project animal.
The poultry project also includes Chick Chain, Poultry Judging, and Skillathon, though all have separate meeting times. All eligibility requirements are made by the grade the student will be in on January 1, 2025. (or their current grade now)
Chick Chain
Chick Chain is a unique way for students to raise their own flock at home and learn about poultry in a hands-on experience. Chick Chain teaches responsibility, financial management, record keeping, communication, and marketing all while allowing participants to enjoy their hard work and reap the rewards.
Participants must attend a mandatory training seminar on how to raise blue ribbon pullets (a female chicken that hasn’t yet laid eggs).
When the Williamson County Fair arrives in August, participants return with five of their best hens for a competition with trophies, ribbons, and prize money. The hens are then auctioned to the public and funds collected from the auction pay for the chicks for next year’s participants – completing the chick chain!
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: January 29, 2025
- Project Begins: February 2025
- Mandatory Training Seminar: February 4, 2025 at 6:30PM
- Next Chick Pickup Date: March 2025
- 2025 Fair Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
There is a maximum limit of 60 participants for Chick Chain.
To Sign Up:
- Sign up to join the Poultry Project here: https://tiny.utk.edu/joinwilco4h
- Fill out the Chick Chain application: https://forms.gle/Mddo32rgriYEcHNZ9
Poultry Judging
Poultry Judging is an excellent way for students to develop their critical thinking, decision making, and communication skills while learning about poultry selection, eggs, egg production, and meat production. Participants learn how to grade eggs and meat in accordance with USDA standards and how to evaluate live hens for their past and potential egg production.
The poultry judging contest typically occurs in September and practices begin in August.
Eligibility: Students must be in 4th – 12th grade as of JANUARY 1 of the year in which they’re competing.
Judging Practice Schedule:
Thursday, August 14, 2025 –Â Introduction to Poultry Judging
Thursday, August 21, 2025 –Â (OPEN)
Thursday, August 28, 2025 –Â Eggs and Grading
Thursday, September 4, 2025 –Â Carcass and Meat Cut I.D.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Handling Live Birds
Monday, September 15, 2025 – Contest Practice (takes place on Monday evening)
September 25, 2025 – Central Region Poultry Judging Contest! – Rutherford County Extension Office
Meeting times will be communicated once registered.
Practices take place at the Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064.
To Sign Up:
- Sign up to join the poultry program: https://tiny.utk.edu/joinwilco4h
- Register for Poultry Judging: https://tiny.utk.edu/PoultryJudging
Poultry Skillathon
Skillathon is a fun, quiz-based competition for students to exercise their skills and knowledge in poultry science. Participants take part in practices where they learn about the poultry industry, judging and USDA grading standards, breed identification, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and flock management. Prizes and awards are distributed at the Williamson County Fair.
Eligibility: All 4th – 12th graders as of JANUARY 1 of the year in which they’re competing
Skillathon Contest:
- Tuesday, July 15, 2025
- 6:30PM – 8:00PM
- Williamson County Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Class Policies
Some meeting times may have to be moved due to weather or personal emergencies. It is our policy to communicate these as soon as possible and try to find a makeup day that works for everyone.
What is 4-H?
4-H is a youth development organization dedicated to hands-on educational programming and offers a unique blend of learning and fun! 4-H instills essential life skills like recordkeeping and responsibility, setting your student up for success in academics and beyond. With access to college scholarships and leadership roles, 4-H empowers youth to thrive as future leaders. 4-H’ers get many opportunities to exercise citizenship, which fosters a sense of community and global awareness and nurtures well-rounded individuals.
Through fun, educational experiences and the lifelong friendships forged within the 4-H community, your child will grow both academically and personally, laying a strong foundation for a bright and promising future!
Interested in more classes with Extension?
Doug Berny
A native of South Texas, Doug grew up on a family owned and operated Dairy Farm and is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Animal Science. Doug has extensive experience in poultry, beef cattle management, communications, and coordinates the Livestock project groups and associated judging teams.