The Currituck County 4-H Program is excited to announce the launch of its annual Poultry Project, offering local youth a hands-on opportunity to raise poultry, learn animal husbandry, and compete for top honors.

This year’s program provides participants with a "starter flock" of two chicks. To encourage diversity in the show, youth can choose from three distinct and popular breeds:

• Black Laced Silver Wyandotte
• New Hampshire
• Light Brahma:

Key Program Dates

The journey begins this summer and culminates in a competitive exhibition this fall. Participants should mark their calendars for the following milestones:

• July 9th – Kickoff & Pickup: Chicks will be ready for pickup during the Basic Care of Chicks Program. This mandatory session ensures all participants are equipped with the knowledge to keep their birds healthy and thriving. This program will start at 6:00pm.
• September 15th at 6:00pm – Showmanship Clinic: A specialized workshop will be held to teach youth how to handle and present their birds for judges.
• November 13th – The Grand Finale: The official 4-H Poultry Show will take place starting at 6:00pm, where youth will demonstrate their hard work and compete for ribbons and awards.

How to Register

Registration is open to all eligible youth that are 5 years old as of January 1, 2026 and not older than 18 years old. "This program is about more than just raising birds, It’s about responsibility, patience, and the pride that comes from seeing a project through from a day-old chick to a prize-winning hen."

The deadline to register is July 1, 2026. Spaces are limited and breeds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please visit the link below to register. Each child will pick the breed they want to show by the ticket you purchase in the eventbrite registration. Youth are limited to 1 breed/ ticket.

All participants must also be enrolled in 4-H Online for the 2026 program year; the link to that portion of the registration process is below.

For more information on this program or any other 4-H program please contact Stephanie Minton at 252-232-2262 or via email at stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu.

If you need accommodations for persons with disabilities please contact Stephanie Minton at (252) 232-2262 or by email at stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu no later than 10 business days prior to class.