News From The Hen House

Volume 2017 Issue 3 July, 2017 News From The Hen House Show Season is Coming The Ribbons Fade, the Buckles Tarnish, but in Showing Livestock, the Friendships Last Forever!! The show season for the Midlands Region 4-H Poultry Projects will kick off in just one month on September 1 at the York County Livestock Show, followed a week later by the Fort Lawn Show. This is an exciting time of year for all of our 4-H youth involved in animal projects, but especially for our poultry project participants. In this issue, we will provide the needed information for our youth to be successful this season. Steps to Examination pg. 2 A message from Dr. Hall pg 3 Calendar of Events pg. 4 Potential Showmanship Questions pg. 5 We encourage our youth to participate in as many shows as possible. While the requirements for the two poultry projects only require a minimum of one show, we have found that the more the youth attend, the easier it becomes and the bigger the rewards. In addition to ribbons and cash premiums for all 4-H youth showing, the senior level participants are competing for a $250 cash award to be presented at the conclusion of the project. Inside this newsletter you will find a calendar of events detailing the many opportunities coming up later this summer and fall. Be sure to check it out along with all of the other showmanship resources. See you in the Show Ring!!!

2 Steps to Examining Your Bird Examining your bird can seem like a lot to memorize and do. Do not let the full page of directions scare you as it is really not hard at all. The entire process only takes about a minute. The judge will also prompt Cloverbuds and first year participants on what to do. If you have not shown before, make the effort to attend one of our showmanship clinics. It will be very worthwhile. If you are unable to attend a clinic, and still need direction, contact your local 4- H Agent. Remember, with the exception of the State Fair, youth who are showing for the first year will only compete against other youth showing for the first year. Cloverbuds should be comfortable holding and handling their bird. If they know some of the following steps that is great but not required. The judge will assist and guide the cloverbuds. Junior and Senior Level participants are expected to demonstrate the following procedures used in examining a bird. All body measurements and examination should be completed while the bird is in the basic hand posed position. The order of examination is important. This may seem like a lot, but when put into action it is not difficult at all and only takes about a minute. All of this will be covered in our various showmanship clinics. 1. Head Raise bird to shoulder height. (note that this does not mean above your shoulder. Simply extend the hand holding the bird out from your body enough that you can examine the birds head at your eye level). Turn the bird so that the head and face can be examined. The hand supporting the bird should remain in place while the free hand moves the head. Complete the examination by turning the bird to examine the other side of the head and face. 2. Wings Spread wings to examine the condition and pattern of feathers. To extend the first wing grasp the wing tip with free hand and pull. To examine the second wing place the free hand across the body of the bird and apply pressure to the last wing joint with thumb and fingers of free hand to extend the wing. Only the top side of the wings need to be examined. 3. Undercolor The undercolor of both the back and body of the bird should be examined. Using finger tips gently pull tops of feathers against the grain. This action exposes portions of feathers normally hidden from view. 4. Width of Body Width of body is determined by placing the thumb and index finger of the free hand across the birds body directly behind the base of the wings. Gently push the measuring arch thus formed downward to the tail to determine the width and shape of the body. 5. Breast While maintaining a secure grip of the bird s legs, change the position of the bird so that the head is downward, its back is against the showman s body, and the breast is facing the judge. The free hand should be used to measure the keel and examine it for straightness, knots, indentations, or other defects. While the bird is in this position, the depth of body, or the distance between the keel and back, may also be determined. 6. Vent Hold the bird in the normal carrying position and tilt it forward so the vent can be seen. Using the thumb and fingers of the free hand, expose the vent and note its color and moistness. 7. Depth of Abdomen After examining the vent, measure the depth of the abdomen by placing as many fingers as possible between the tip of the keel and the pubic bones. 8. Width between Pubic Bones The width between the pubic bones is determined by placing as many fingers of the free hand as possible between the tips of these bones. 9. Feet and Legs To examine the feet and legs, the bird is held against the showman s body. The free hand should be used to examine all the parts of both legs and feet. Rotate the bird in your hand so that the front of the legs and feet can be examined. Note that after each step the bird should be returned to the home position. The home position is obtained by supporting the breast of the bird with the same hand that was used to get it out of the cage. The showman s other hand should always be kept on top of the birds back. This way, if the bird becomes excited and tries to flap its wings, you will be in position to properly control the bird.

3 A Word From Our Judge The following article is from Dr. Michelle Hall with Clemson University and first appeared in a 2015 newsletter. Dr. Hall is a tremendous asset to South Carolina 4-H and serves as the judge at most of our poultry showmanship shows. She is fun, energetic, and has an amazing ability to connect with the youth to ensure they have an enjoyable show experience. Below are her thoughts to help you prepare for the show ring. 4-H Poultry Showmanship Dr. Michelle Hall As with any kind of 4-H animal showmanship, 4-H Poultry showmanship is the 4-H member and bird working together. Remember you are a team. Practice 15 minutes each day and at various times of the day. And make sure there is always some form of distraction. You do not want to practice in absolute quiet and then the day of the show someone shouts in the area where you are showing only to startle you and your bird. Be prepared for loud noises and interruptions. It is all right to use treats when training but NOT in the show ring. Since you are a team, both of you should look your best. For the 4-H member that means a clean long sleeve, collared shirt. The color doesn t matter as long as it doesn t detract from your team member. The pants should be clean and your shirt tucked in and you should be wearing a belt. Please, no distracting jewelry. You never want to detract from your bird and the same goes for the bird. Closed toed shoes are also important in the show ring. For your teammate the bird, wash your bird 3 days before the show so bird is completely dry in the show ring and pick a bird that is appropriate to your size. Again, a big showman with a little tiny bird looks awkward. Always take your time and be patient when training that is why we only practice about 15 minutes each day. It doesn t help if you lose your patience. Nobody learns from that, especially the bird. Make sure when you handle your bird you take your time to get the bird settled. The first lesson you both should learn is to handle your bird in and out of its pen slowly and carefully. You want to build confidence and your bird needs to build confidence in you. If your bird starts to act up in the show ring, bring it to the first position (holding the bird as if you just got it out of the cage) and make it feel comfortable and then start again. Take your time in the show ring. When posing your bird, make sure it looks its best and its toes or legs are not crossed. Use only your show stick when walking the bird and don t switch hands. Also, your show stick should be an appropriate length for the bird you are showing. Remember to pay attention to the judge in the show ring. Do only what the judge asks. If the judge asks you to bring your bird to the center of the ring, then that is all they want you to do. Keep your attention directed at the judge at all times. Always be helpful in the show ring. If the person next to you is having difficulty opening the cage door, then help them. Remember to be a good sport. And never laugh at anyone s misfortune in the show ring. Also smile because you should be having fun. If you don t know the answer to one of the judge s questions, then say so and don t try and make something up. Make sure you have fun and Good Luck in the Show Ring!

4 The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Clemson University Cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture, South Carolina Counties, Extension Service, Clemson, S.C. Issued in Furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. If you need special accommodations due to disability, please contact your local Clemson Extension Service 10 days prior to the start of the event / program. August 8 August 10 August 22 August 24 August 31 September 1 September 9 September 16 October 7 October 18 October 21 October 25 November 4 November 4 Calendar of Events Deadline to postmark your registration for the York Livestock Show for free (registration form included in this newsletter). $10 fee after August 8. You may also scan the completed form and email Faith Isreal at fisreal@clemson.edu. Showmanship Clinic at the York County Extension Office starting at 6pm. RSVP by clicking HERE or calling Faith Israel at (803) 684-9919 Showmanship Clinic at the Fort Lawn Community Center starting at 6pm. RSVP by emailing either chucks@clemson.edu or rcrrnc@clemson.edu or calling Steve Hucks at (803) 804-8602. We must have a minimum of three confirmed by August 18 to keep the clinic on schedule. Showmanship Clinic in Florence, SC (as of press time, the start time has not been decided, but it will be late afternoon or early evening) Note that this is a Pee Dee Region clinic but thought some of our Midlands Region participants from the Columbia area, may be interested. It is open to anyone. Contact Steve Hucks for further details at chucks@clemson.edu or at (803) 804-8602. Showmanship Clinic at Gilbert Community Center at 6:30pm. (Lexington County) For more information or to RSVP email aewinte@clemson.edu. York Livestock Show Poultry Showmanship starts at 5:00pm Fort Lawn Poultry Showmanship starts at 9:00am. Register on-line for free at this link: Fort Lawn Pullet/Hen Show Registration Page. You may also register by contacting Steve Hucks at chucks@clemson.edu or (803) 804-8602. Union County Farm Show and 4-H Poultry Showmanship Lexington County Pullet/Hen Show starting at 10:00am at the South Congaree Arena (395 Oak Street, West Columbia, SC 29172) Register online here https://lexingtonpoultryshow.eventbrite.com Union County Fair Pullet Showmanship starting at 4:00pm At the Union County, SC Fairgrounds. Registration Documents coming soon State Championship Pullet Showmanship at the State Fair in Columbia. Registration forms coming soon. Record Books for both Pullet Project and Laying Flock Project Due Final Sale and Judging of Pens in Chester, SC Check in birds between 8:00am and 8:30am (Participants from Lexington, Edgefield and Aiken Counties may check in until 9:00am due to the drive) Judging will begin at 8:30am. Sale will follow at approximately 10:00am We will send more information on the final show and sale as the day nears. Interview for Senior Level Participants 8:30am 10:00am Announcement of Senior Scholarship Winner will take place at the beginning of the Sale. More information will come as the date gets closer.

5 Potential Interview Questions for Pullet Showmanship Shows Any of these questions (and others) could be asked of a Junior or Senior Level Participant. Q: In order for a female to lay eggs, does she need the presence of a male? A: No, only for fertile eggs to be produced. Q: In what part of the hens reproductive tract is the shell produced? A: Uterus or shell gland Q: What is a Pullet? A: a female chicken under one year of age. Q: What is a Hen? A: a female chicken over one year of age. Q: What is a Cockerel? A: a male chicken under one year of age. Q: What is a Cock or Rooster? A: a male chicken over one year of age. Q: What is the importance of calcium in the diets of laying hens? A: Needed for the calcium of the egg shell Q: Other than feathers, what other anatomical features are unique to the male chicken? A: Larger comb and wattles, coloring, spurs Q: What are the major external parasites of poultry? How do you perform a parasite check on chickens or poultry? A: Lice and Mites ; Examining the vent area is a good place to see parasites Q: What are the two other names for the breastbone of chickens? A: Sternum or Keel Q: What categories of nutrients do chickens and other poultry require each day? A: Protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals, vitamins, water Q: It has been said that eggs are an almost perfect food, however they are missing one vitamin, what is it? A: Vitamin C Q: Why do you measure flexibility of the pubic bones? A: To see if they will open enough for an egg to pass Q: What does "molt" mean relative to chickens? A: Lose feathers, reproduction stops, renews the bird for another reproduction cycle Other questions that could be asked are: What type of feed do you feed your birds? What is the protein content of the feed they receive? What is your birds name? What breed of bird are you showing? Do you know the origin of the breed of bird you are showing? And many more..

6

7 Midlands Poultry Project Contacts 4-H Agents for Each County 4-H Extension Agents are available to answer questions you may have about the poultry projects. Be sure to check with your local Agent to learn about other opportunities that 4-H has to offer the youth in your area!!! The 4-H Poultry Showmanship Shows are a very fun and exciting time for the youth. While many enjoy the competiveness of the shows, there are an equal amount of youth that are there to learn and have fun, which is great!! Be sure to encourage and support the youth no matter the experience they bring to the ring. Aiken and Edgefield County Julia Cox Miller (803) 649-6297 julia7@clemson.edu Lexington County Allie Winter (803) 359-8515 aewinter@clemson.edu Chester County Robin Currence (803 385-6181 rcrrnc@clemson.edu Newberry County Alana West (803) 276-1091 awillin@clemson.edu Fairfield County Jennifer Stevens (803) 635-4722 jstvns@clemson.edu Richland County Weatherly Thomas (803) 865-1216 marjort@clemson.edu Kershaw County Stacy Goff Volunteer (803) 622-2749 Union County Mark Cathcart (864) 427-6259 cmcathc@clemson.edu Lancaster County Steve Hucks (Project Coordinator) (803) 283-3302 chucks@clemson.edu York County Faith Isreal (803) 684-9919 fisreal@clemson.edu

8 Return Label Here Mailing Label Here If you have a topic that you would like discussed in an upcoming newsletter, be sure to let us know. We also encourage you to send photos of you and your birds together. In future newsletters, we will include a photo section, provided we have enough sent in. Helpful Links If you do not have access to a computer, or have trouble linking to these pages, contact your local 4-H Agent for assistance. Information on Avian Influenza Bio-Security Information Midlands Region Poultry Project Website Find My County Extension Page USDA Avian Influenza Web Page