JOHNSON — Vermont 4-H’ers participating in this year’s Poultry Activity Day proved that they know their chickens and eggs.
University of Vermont Extension 4-H organized the event, which took place March 4 at Johnson State College. It included a poultry skill-a-thon, Jeopardy, presentations by 4-H’ers and a Crafty Chicken Show.
Divisions for the skill-a-thon and quiz bowl were arranged according to the individual’s level of poultry expertise. For the skill-a-thon, the 4-H’ers visited several stations where they completed tasks or answered questions on poultry predators, feather patterns, egg development, chicken anatomy, poultry breeds, comb types, parts of the wing and chicken showmanship. Jeopardy tested their general knowledge of poultry.
The top four finishers in each division for each competition received a rosette ribbon. Other competitors received Danish participation ribbons.
Addison County participants included
HENS AND ROOSTERS (advanced knowledge of poultry):
Skillathon stations: Raymond Bushey, Middlebury (fourth).’
Jeopardy rounds: Raymond Bushey also participated.
PULLETS (intermediate knowledge):
Skillathon stations: Katherine Moran, Bristol (first); William Moran, Bristol (third).
Jeopardy rounds: Katherine Moran, Bristol (second); William Moran, Bristol (fourth).
PEEPS (beginning knowledge):
Skillathon stations: Caleb Moran, Bristol (first).
Jeopardy rounds: Caleb Moran, Bristol (fourth).
Seven of the youths who competed at the intermediate or advanced level also gave talks on a poultry topic of their choosing. They included Middlebury’s Raymond Bushey, who spoke about “Muscovy Ducks.”
In addition to the contests, the 4-H’ers, along with their club leaders, parents and other adult volunteers, were invited to enter the Crafty Chicken Show. Although no prizes were awarded, the contestants had fun viewing the chicken-themed entries, which included chicken mobiles, photographs, fine art, colored eggs, papier-mache items, egg-box chickens and a metal sculpture shaped like a chicken.