Lawrence County
The Lawrence County Chick Chain is a hands-on 4-H poultry project open to youth in grades 4–12.
Participants receive baby pullets to raise on their own, gaining valuable experience in animal care while learning responsibility and good decision-making skills. Similar to other 4-H animal projects, the Chick Chain requires time, space, and commitment, but it is an affordable and truly “egg-citing” way for youth to get involved.
Each selected participant pays a deposit and receives day old female chicks in March. From that time until October, youth are responsible for feeding, caring for, and keeping records on their pullets. The project concludes with the Chick Chain Show and Sale held in October at the Lawrence County Extension Office. Youth who bring six pullets to the show will receive their deposit back along with show premiums. Participants who do not show their pullets will forfeit their deposit and any premium money.
4-H Chick Chain deposit cost is
- $50.00 for 12 pullets
- $60.00 for 16 pullets
- $90.00 for 25 pullets
This year, we will be ordering Red Sex Links & Black Sex Links chickens. There will be an additional surprise option this year! We are expecting the chickens to arrival in March 2026. The arrival date depends on which day they ship that week. Only 25 spots are available so get your order in quickly! Lawrence County 4th-12th graders may participate.
We will be sending out letters in the mail with more information regarding the chick chain project. I will be setting up a Remind group to keep you updated with information. Please makes sure you provide a phone number that receives text messages at the time of registration.
Lawrence County 4-H Poultry Show & Auction
After the Lawrence County 4-H Chick Chain project begins each spring, participants spend months raising and caring for their birds. By October, those day-old chicks have grown into productive egg-laying hens, and it is time for the next exciting phase of the project—the Lawrence County 4-H Poultry Show & Auction.
About the Project
Selected participants receive day-old female chicks in March after paying the required project deposit. From March through October, 4-H members are responsible for feeding, caring for, and managing their pullets while maintaining records of their project activities and expenses.
The project concludes each October at the Lawrence County Extension Office with the annual Poultry Show & Auction. This event celebrates the hard work, dedication, and animal husbandry skills developed by participating youth throughout the year.
Show Requirements & Premiums
- Participants must bring six pullets to the show.
- Youth who exhibit their birds will receive their deposit back.
- Eligible exhibitors will also receive show premiums.
- Participants who do not show their pullets will forfeit their deposit and any premium money.
Poultry Show Competition
During the show, a qualified judge will evaluate and score each entry based on overall quality, condition, and production traits. Birds will compete for top honors in several categories, including:
- Best Black Sex-Link
- Best Red Sex-Link
- Grand Champion
The Poultry Show & Auction provides an excellent opportunity for 4-H members to showcase the results of their hard work, learn valuable livestock management skills, and gain experience in agricultural competition and marketing.
Join us at the Lawrence County Extension Office this October as we recognize the accomplishments of our young poultry producers and celebrate another successful 4-H project year!