Project Registration is closed for 2026

Information on the Basic Project

The 2026 Coastal Plains Chicken Project is an opportunity for 4-H’ers to learn how to raise chickens while learning showmanship and record-keeping skills. Participants have the opportunity to choose between layers (Red Star Hens) or broilers (meat birds). Those who raise broilers must return all birds to Extension staff at the end of the show. All layers may be kept. The project is open to active 4-H’ers (ages 5-18 as of January 1, 2026) and middle and high school FFA/agricultural education classes. Please note that this year there will be separate shows for FFA and 4-H youth.

Each bird cost $5 and there is a minimum order of 2 birds of the same breed. Checks can be made out to NCCE  – Onslow County Center. Please note “2026 Chicken Project” on the memo line of checks. Registration forms are attached below.

Registration forms and payment should be delivered or mailed to Craven County 4-H, 300 Industrial Drive, New Bern, NC 28562. 

All first-time participants must attend an orientation and a showmanship/project record book training. School groups should schedule a time for training with Extension staff.

This is a multi-county project so dates may vary from county to county.

2026 Coastal Plains Chicken Project Registration

Important Project Dates:

Registration and Payment Due: December 11, 2025, to the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Craven County Center. We will turn all of Craven County’s registrations in at one time.  Please note that it may be several weeks before checks are cashed.  If this is a problem, please use cash or money orders.

Orientation: January 21, 2026  – Virtual meeting for first-time Craven County participants This event has been postponed due to instructor illness, will reschedule and let participants know updated dates.

Anticipated Layer Chick pick-up: February 4-6, 2026 – Families will be notified when chicks will be available for pick up.

Anticipated Broiler chick pick-up: mid-March  – Families will be notified when chicks will be available for pick up.

Poultry Project Record Books: Submit completed books by 5 p.m. on April 25, 2026, to your County Extension agent. Youth who do not turn-in books by the deadline will not be eligible for premiums/prizes.

Coastal Plains Chicken Show:  May 5, 2026  – Lenoir County Livestock Arena, 1791 NC-55, Kinston, NC 28504.

CHICKEN PROJECT DATES

January 21, 2026 - Orientation February 4-6, 2026 - ETA for Layer Hen pick-up February 25, 2026 - Chick Check-in March 18, 2026 - Chick Check-in April 1, 2026 - Chicken Show Practice April 15, 2026 - Chicken Show Practice April 29, 2026 - Chicken Show Practice May 5, 2026 - Chicken SHOW DAY

Main Text of article by Coleman Killenger, Carteret County 4-H