Beyer used money earned from his livestock projects to help fund his education. He combined his interest in biochemistry with his interest in animals and a desire to live in the country he chose poultry as the focus of his career. There are more than 300 different breeds of chickens in the world. Poultry projects can be good animal projects for 4-Hers. They are less expensive than many pets, easy to care for, and usually teachable.
Broilers are inexpensive, short-term projects.
Allie and Theresia McCollum, who are both members of the Moline Shining Stars 4-H Club in Elk County, say they have enjoyed their poultry projects. Allie has chosen the Sultan breed, which has a fluffy white crest, and Polish breed, which is black with a white crown. Both are easy to work with and fun to have as pets, she said. Her twin sister, Theresia, said she learned to like chickens when visiting her grandfather s farm. She said each of her chickens has its own personality.