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The Alabama Extensions 4-H Chick Chain program has returned to Butler County. On Friday, five local children picked up their babies to begin operating their own backyard poultry operation and practice growing and raising chickens.

The project teaches young people ages nine through 18 recommended management practices for growing and raising chickens. Each participants received either 10 or 18 pullets (females) from reputable hatcheries to feed and care for approximately 20 weeks. At the end of the period, participants will show and auction some of their chickens at the Butler County Fair in September.

Butler County Extension Coordinator Sharlean Briggs worked intentionally with community partners to bring the program back to the area.

“One of my goals this year was to bring the program back to Butler County,” Briggs said. “It helps to have Rachel Turner, my office administrator, who is familiar with raising chickens.” 

The Greenville Coop donated a bag of feed for each participant and Woodmen of the World Insurance in McKenzie provided a donation to support the effort.

For more information about the 4-H Chick-Chain project and requirements, visit https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/4h/chick-chain/.