Perhaps you might be thinking it’s way too early to be planning spring activities. However, exceptions should be made for 4-H Projects, especially the Coastal Plains Chicken Project and Show. This is one of my favorite 4-H Projects. You might be asking what a chicken show is and what this Project is all about.

What is the Coastal Plains Chicken Project?

The Coastal Plains Chicken Show is an annual youth program that gives youth the opportunity to learn all about poultry and poultry care. It is a great introduction to livestock agriculture. Chickens are easy to raise, and can be kept in most places. This year youth will be raising laying chickens.

Skills Youth Learn While Raising Chickens

During this Project our youth will develop skills in the proper care of chickens through the various stages of development. They will learn how to safely water their chicks when they are very young to prevent them from drowning. They will also learn the best methods to provide proper nutrition for birds to grow. Along with all of these practical skills, youth will be developing skills in personal responsibility, prioritization, and time management.

Learning to Show Chickens

As exciting as raising chickens is, and developing life skills like responsibility and time management is learning how to show chickens! After all it is a chicken show. Youth will raise their chicken to the best of their ability but the show is where they show it off to their best advantage.

Preparing Chickens for the Show Ring

First and foremost is ensuring that all birds are healthy and meet state and federal regulations for safe transport. Another important step to showing chickens is proper grooming. Grooming? Yes! Show chickens get baths.

Bathing and Grooming Steps

Bathing chickens is a three-step process, which should take place two days before the show. The first step is a bath in warm sudsy water, then rinse in apple cider vinegar which helps the chickens dry and adds a shine to their feathers, and finally a rinse in warm water. Chickens should also have their feet carefully brushed with a soft toothbrush.

Training chickens for Handling and Posing

The most important aspect of showing chickens starts from the moment 4-H’ers get their chickens. Youth work with their chicks so that on the day of the show, their chicken is calm and easily handled. A chicken should be carried with the arm beneath the chicken so that the chicken’s head is tucked into the crook of the arm. The chicken will also be put through several different poses during the show to exhibit the chicken’s wingspan, keel, feet and tail. The tail will also have to be flexed up and down in order to show off its carriage. It is very important for the bird to remain calm throughout these various poses.

Life Skills Gained Through the Project

While they spend several months learning how to properly care for their chickens, training them, learning about chicken anatomy and common diseases, they are also developing several other skill sets. 4-H’ers participating in this Project will keep a 4-H Project Record book. This gives them the opportunity to develop record keeping and written communication skills. They also are developing their oral communications skills as they prepare to speak with judges and answer questions. Perhaps the most important skill that they develop is a sense of personal responsibility. They are responsible for the care and training of their chicken from when it is a few days old.

Learn what the Coastal Plains Chicken Project is all about — from caring for young chicks to preparing for show day. This program gives youth hands-on experience in poultry care, responsibility, and confidence-building as they work toward the annual Coastal Plains Chicken Show.

Registration Information for 2026

Registration for the 2026 Coastal Plains Chicken Show has opened. Registrations must be turned in to the Pamlico County Extension Office December 8^th. If you would like more information about the 2026 4-H Coastal Plains Chicken Project or our upcoming programs please give us a call at (252) 745-4121.

To complete your registration, you’ll also need to enroll in 4-H Online. It’s required for all NC 4-H programs. Don’t worry if you’re new to the process, follow this link to begin, and if you have any trouble at all, just give us a call. We’re happy to walk you through it step-by-step!

Want to stay in the loop about future programs and events? Be sure to sign up for our Pamlico 4-H email list so you never miss an update. If you have questions or just want to learn more about what 4-H has to offer here in Pamlico County, reach out to Kait Neeland at (252) 745-4121 or kait_neeland@ncsu.edu.