Wakulla 4-H families participate in Poultry Science Workshop

Rachel Pienta

Special to the Chronicle

Youth learned and practiced showmanship skills at the Wakulla 4-H Poultry Science Workshop.

On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Wakulla 4-H hosted a poultry science workshop for youth from Gulf, Leon, and Gadsden counties at the Wakulla Extension facility in Crawfordville. UF/IFAS Extension faculty from Gulf, Wakulla, Gadsden, and Jefferson counties served as facilitators along with 4-H youth and volunteers from Wakulla County.

Youth learned and practiced showmanship skills. Each participant demonstrated bird handling skills during the workshop. Participants also completed a Skill-a-Thon activity which tested their knowledge of chicken breeds, bird anatomy, poultry meat cuts, exterior egg grading, proper feed components, and the basics of raising chicks.

4-H member Mattie Harrell served as an instructor for the showmanship portion of the workshop. Mattie, age 12, is in the sixth grade at Wakulla Middle School. She developed her poultry skills in the Chicken Champs Club, under the leadership of 4-H volunteer Becton Roddenberry. Mattie is also a skilled equestrian and an active member serving as president of the Wakulla 4-H Horse Club, Bits and Bridles.

Youth learned and practiced showmanship skills. Each participant demonstrated bird handling skills during the Wakulla 4-H Poultry Science Workshop held March 13, 2021.

The Wakulla 4-H Chicken Club, led by Angie Brooke and Christa Bingel, meets at 11:30 am on the third Saturday of the month at the UF/IFAS Wakulla County Extension office. Chicken ownership is not required. The club is open to ages 5 to 18.

The NW Extension District, which includes the counties from Jefferson to Escambia, offers an annual opportunity for youth to complete a poultry science project known as “Chick Chain.” Youth raise chicks from within one week of hatching, learning how to care for their birds as the birds grow to maturity.

Wakulla 4-H held a Poultry Science Workshop on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

The project concludes with a poultry show that provides an opportunity for youth to demonstrate poultry knowledge and bird handling skills.

Additional opportunities for youth to continue their poultry skills development include the Florida State Fair in Tampa, and the 4-H State Poultry competition in Gainesville. Youth aged 14 and older may qualify for the National Poultry and Egg Conference, hosted in Kentucky.

For more information about 4-H clubs and programs, please visit the Wakulla 4-H website sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/wakulla/4-h/ or call 850-926-3931.

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