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The Rockbridge 4-H Poultry Chain is celebrating its 79th anniversary. The chain provides 4-Hers with baby chicks to raise, and then exhibit in the Poultry Chain Show and Auction. This takes place during the Rockbridge 4-H Livestock Show and Sale, which is held at the Rockbridge Regional Fair and Expo.
The funds from this sale go to the 4-H Poultry Chain, and will help to purchase the chicks for next year, and provide educational materials and experiences for the 4-H Poultry Chain members. The remaining hens belong to the participant. Some 4-H’ers may sell the remaining hens, or offer eggs to their neighbors to offset their feed cost.
This chain began in 1945 between Virginia Cooperative Extension and Sears Roebuck and Company. It was generally referred to as the “Sears Pullet Chain” as they provided funding for the purchase of baby chicks for the 4-H members. Sears also gave prize money to each county in the program. Although Sears and Roebuck is no longer involved, the Rockbridge County Poultry Chain remains. Rockbridge is the oldest known continuous poultry chain in the commonwealth of Virginia; perhaps in the United States.
Year-round, monthly meetings and training sessions are available to the 4-H’ers where adult volunteer leaders teach poultry care and production. Leaders are available throughout the summer, and may make “site/farm visits” to answer any questions the exhibitor may have, and they can also observe how the chicks are doing.
For a little background on this year’s birds, the 4-H participants received Golden Laced Wyandotte pullets; a bird with beautiful golden feathers with black edging, making this color one of the most coveted of the Wyandottes. Originating in the United States, Wyandottes have become a favorite for kids, homesteads, and shows. Backyard flock owners like them not only for their beauty, but also for their dependable egg laying, easygoing nature, and they are recommended as one of the best breeds for beginners.
Wyandottes typically begin laying when they are between 6 and 8 months old. This is later than many other breeds, but typical of a bird their size. Unlike most other birds, Wyandottes often continue to lay their eggs during the winter months. However, egg production may slow down compared to summer.
The Rockbridge Poultry Show and Sale will be Friday, Sept. 13, at the Virginia Horse Center.
“We appreciate your interest and contributions to these young exhibitors and their poultry projects,” said a spokesperson for 4-H. “Without the help of supporters and buyers, the Rockbridge 4-H Poultry Chain would not be as successful as it is!”
