Poultry
Species-Chair:
Lynn Henning * [email protected] * 231-357-5132
Assistant Species-Chair:
Gwyn Carter * [email protected] * 231-649-0880
Lynn Henning * [email protected] * 231-357-5132
Assistant Species-Chair:
Gwyn Carter * [email protected] * 231-649-0880
Registration Date |
March 2, 2026 |
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Show Bird Possession |
April 15, 2026 |
Species |
Possession |
Age at Fair |
Minimum Weight (per bird) |
Maximum Weight (per bird) |
Cornish Game Hens |
July 13 - July 18 |
4 weeks |
2 pounds each Multiplied by 6 |
3 pounds per bird |
Ducks |
June 1 - June 6 |
9 weeks |
4 pounds each Multiplied by 3 |
No Maximum Weight |
Geese |
April 20 - April 25 |
16 weeks |
8 pounds each Multiplied by 2 |
No Maximum Weight |
Production Pullets |
October 15 - January 31 |
6 - 10 months |
5 pullets |
N/A |
Meat Chickens |
June 8 - June 11 |
8 weeks |
5 pounds each Multiplied by 3 |
10 pounds per bird |
Turkeys |
April 20 - April 25 |
16 weeks |
15 pounds each Multiplied by 2 |
No Maximum Weight |
Record Book Due |
September 14, 2026 |
- |
Thank You Note Due |
October 5, 2026 |
2026 Poultry Registration
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Poultry Barn Decorations 2025
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Showmanship Study Guides
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All Market Poultry must be ordered from a pullorum free hatchery.
All Poultry must have a dated receipt showing date of hatch.
All Poultry must have a dated receipt showing date of hatch.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE SPECIES CHAIR
Here is a list of hatcheries to consider when placing poultry orders for the upcoming 4-H year.
There are many hatcheries to choose from, some offer free shipping, some offer special attention to 4-H participants, some are cheaper than others. It is best to browse through a few hatcheries to compare stock and prices. Try these websites to start:
cacklehatchery.com
hoovershatchery.com
idealhatchery.com
meyerhatchery.com
mcmurrayhatchery.com
townlinehatchery.com
Type in "poultry hatcheries" to explore others
ORDER EARLY!!!!
It will be important this year to place your order early. Covid has taken its toll on the industry and once again creating shortages.
Please follow your hatcheries guidelines for starting and caring for your new birds. Any loss of birds upon arrival should be reported to the hatchery for credit or replacement. Check hatchery for info on credits or replacement.
Registration for poultry projects will be due March 4, 2024.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact us by phone, text or email.
Thanks,
Lynn and Gwyn
There are many hatcheries to choose from, some offer free shipping, some offer special attention to 4-H participants, some are cheaper than others. It is best to browse through a few hatcheries to compare stock and prices. Try these websites to start:
cacklehatchery.com
hoovershatchery.com
idealhatchery.com
meyerhatchery.com
mcmurrayhatchery.com
townlinehatchery.com
Type in "poultry hatcheries" to explore others
ORDER EARLY!!!!
It will be important this year to place your order early. Covid has taken its toll on the industry and once again creating shortages.
Please follow your hatcheries guidelines for starting and caring for your new birds. Any loss of birds upon arrival should be reported to the hatchery for credit or replacement. Check hatchery for info on credits or replacement.
Registration for poultry projects will be due March 4, 2024.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact us by phone, text or email.
Thanks,
Lynn and Gwyn
Things to Know from the Poultry Barn
Updated: 10/8/2023
Updated: 10/8/2023
A special note and instructions to 4-H poultry youth and families from from species chair Lynn and Gwyn.
THINGS TO KNOW
Research your project. Know what you will need to have a successful project.
Attend clinics.
Consult your local feed store when selecting the correct feed for your project.
Do not FREE RANGE your market project.
Pullorum certificate and receipt with date of birth required for entry.
All market projects will come from Pullorum-Free hatcheries
Birds without certificates will be tested by the NWMF.
● All POULTRY will be checked at the back of the barn. Make sure you have
your receipt and proof of PULLORUM certificate. Any bird showing any
kind of illness will not be allowed to remain on the fairgrounds.
● Make sure your birds arrive in a clean state....meaning no mud/manure
caked breasts, shanks or feet. If they arrive this way you will have to clean
them before handing them to be checked over for admittance.
● SAWDUST MUST BE PUT IN/UNDER YOUR CAGE BEFORE YOUR
BIRDS CAN BE PUT IN.
● BARN DUTY/POND DUTY. There will be sheets for this purpose.
EVERYONE this year will need to sign in and out. At least 2 people per
shift. If you do not sign up, we will contact you..
● PENS/CAGES. Will be assigned. Do not change your pen/cage location.
● NO BOARDS over pens.
● NETTING will be used over pens to prevent escaping. It will be secured
and is not removable.
● Please transport your birds to the fair in a safe manner. Carpeting or straw
in the bottom of your container/cage. Make sure air is allowed to get into
your container/cage. KEEP your cage at your campsite, you will need it for
AUCTION.
● Please follow signs when entering the fairgrounds. DO NOT walk Poultry to
Barn from any gate.
● Decorations can be put up Thursday or Friday evening 5pm to 9pm.
● There will be new decorating rules for 2024, stay tuned.
WHAT TO BRING
Pullorum certificate and receipt with date of birth.
Feed, feeder containers and water containers.
Wheelbarrow and shovel.
Cleaning and care supplies for your birds. Dish pan, shampoo, soft toothbrush,
vaseline, towels.
Showmanship clothes. Black or Navy blue pants and long sleeve white shirt. Tie
optional.
All supplies label with your name and KEEP at your campsite.
Cage decorations.
3x5 index card with your name, club name and what your project is.
RECORD BOOK completed up to auction info. Please have it in a binder or
folder.
Picture day....consult with your leader. Market pictures are mandatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO POND PEOPLE:
You must supply feed....and YES! someone else's duck or goose will eat it.
AGGRESSIVE WATERFOWL, In the event your duck or geese become harmful
to other ducks or geese in the pond....you will be contacted and they will then be
given an indoor pen. Older waterfowl can become very aggressive with young
waterfowl. So, you must supply your own feed/water bowls, in the event that this
should happen.
● All pond kids will arrive at 8:30 am and 8:30 pm...each day to see if there
are any special chores for the day.
Thanks much,
Lynn and Gwyn
THINGS TO KNOW
Research your project. Know what you will need to have a successful project.
Attend clinics.
Consult your local feed store when selecting the correct feed for your project.
Do not FREE RANGE your market project.
Pullorum certificate and receipt with date of birth required for entry.
All market projects will come from Pullorum-Free hatcheries
Birds without certificates will be tested by the NWMF.
● All POULTRY will be checked at the back of the barn. Make sure you have
your receipt and proof of PULLORUM certificate. Any bird showing any
kind of illness will not be allowed to remain on the fairgrounds.
● Make sure your birds arrive in a clean state....meaning no mud/manure
caked breasts, shanks or feet. If they arrive this way you will have to clean
them before handing them to be checked over for admittance.
● SAWDUST MUST BE PUT IN/UNDER YOUR CAGE BEFORE YOUR
BIRDS CAN BE PUT IN.
● BARN DUTY/POND DUTY. There will be sheets for this purpose.
EVERYONE this year will need to sign in and out. At least 2 people per
shift. If you do not sign up, we will contact you..
● PENS/CAGES. Will be assigned. Do not change your pen/cage location.
● NO BOARDS over pens.
● NETTING will be used over pens to prevent escaping. It will be secured
and is not removable.
● Please transport your birds to the fair in a safe manner. Carpeting or straw
in the bottom of your container/cage. Make sure air is allowed to get into
your container/cage. KEEP your cage at your campsite, you will need it for
AUCTION.
● Please follow signs when entering the fairgrounds. DO NOT walk Poultry to
Barn from any gate.
● Decorations can be put up Thursday or Friday evening 5pm to 9pm.
● There will be new decorating rules for 2024, stay tuned.
WHAT TO BRING
Pullorum certificate and receipt with date of birth.
Feed, feeder containers and water containers.
Wheelbarrow and shovel.
Cleaning and care supplies for your birds. Dish pan, shampoo, soft toothbrush,
vaseline, towels.
Showmanship clothes. Black or Navy blue pants and long sleeve white shirt. Tie
optional.
All supplies label with your name and KEEP at your campsite.
Cage decorations.
3x5 index card with your name, club name and what your project is.
RECORD BOOK completed up to auction info. Please have it in a binder or
folder.
Picture day....consult with your leader. Market pictures are mandatory.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO POND PEOPLE:
You must supply feed....and YES! someone else's duck or goose will eat it.
AGGRESSIVE WATERFOWL, In the event your duck or geese become harmful
to other ducks or geese in the pond....you will be contacted and they will then be
given an indoor pen. Older waterfowl can become very aggressive with young
waterfowl. So, you must supply your own feed/water bowls, in the event that this
should happen.
● All pond kids will arrive at 8:30 am and 8:30 pm...each day to see if there
are any special chores for the day.
Thanks much,
Lynn and Gwyn
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IMPORTANT PLEASE READ....
Market Projects Any birds will be order if "good faith" by me. I am not responsible for illness, lameness, failure to thrive or death of your birds once in your possession. Please research your project before you begin. Tractor Supply has chicks in now, these birds cannot be used for any market projects but can be used for Showmanship Only |