How to Show 4-H Broilers

Raise your broilers from chick to table. Feed your broilers a good, 20 percent protein feed for birds that grow quickly and have lots of meat. Read "How to Purchase Chicks," "How to Raise Baby Chicks" and "How to Care for Chickens" in the Related eHows for more information.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Chicken Coops
• Chicken Feed
• Chicken Feeders
• Chicken Waterers
• Grit And Oyster Shell Feeder
• Baby Chicks
• Chicken Dusting Powder
• Notebooks

Maintaining Birds

1. Keep a record of the birds from day one. Records should include money spent, feed used and prize money received.
2. Keep a record of birds that died, culled birds and birds you slaughtered or sold.
3. Check birds regularly for lice and mites.

Selecting Show Broilers

4. Choose broilers of about the same weight and size.
5. Choose all males or all females for a more uniform shape and size.
6. Pick broilers free from cuts, odd-shaped bones, bruises, humped backs and any deformities.
7. Select broilers that do not lack fat.
8. Check breasts for a nice U shape - thick and meaty. Breastbones should be long and straight and carry well back between the legs.

Tips & Warnings

• Poultry meat should be dressed and handled properly. The broiler should be cooled as quickly as possible and chilled to 40 degrees F.