4-H RABBIT & BROILER PROJECTS GIVE OPPORTUNITY WHERE LARGE LIVESTOCK MAY NOT BE AN OPTION

4-H RABBIT & BROILER PROJECTS GIVE OPPORTUNITY WHERE LARGE LIVESTOCK MAY NOT BE AN OPTION

BY: C.L. Eaton, County Extension Agent – Ag/NR

2015 has been a troubling year for many families in Ward County. The continually dropping price of crude has families re-evaluating their budgets and being thriftier with the uncertain future of oil prices.

For many families, their 4-H livestock projects have been put on the cutting block. Livestock projects such as steers, lambs, goats and pigs do require a rather large investment in both time and money. However, there are still opportunities for youth who may fall into the before mentioned scenario to still participate in 4-H and the Ward County Livestock Show: Broilers and Rabbits.

 

Meat rabbits are judged as a pen of three for their meat qualities and uniformity. Rabbits must be ordered in October, but are usually delivered to the exhibitor in December and on feed for 30 – 45 days. Rabbits require minimal housing, with a garage, weatherproof barn or well house being sufficient. While three rabbits are the required number needed for a pen entry, it is recommended that exhibitors purchase four to have an alternate handy. Not including the cost of pens (which can be homemade fairly easily), the average cost of a county rabbit project is around $230.

 Broilers (meat-type chickens) are a great project for the feeder on a budget. As with rabbits, broilers are ordered in October and delivered in December. Also like rabbits, the broiler project is about 30 – 45 days on feed. When ordering chicks, a minimum order of 15 is required per exhibitor. From these, exhibitors can enter up to two pens of two broilers. Broiler projects must be ordered through the County Extension Office. Extra broilers remaining after the show can be put in the freezer or shared with family and friends. Broilers also need minimal housing requirements with a garage or other weather/predator proof small building being sufficient. Not including the cost of equipment such as waterers, feeders and heat lamps (which are minimal) the cost of a broiler project is around $100.

The Rabbit and Broiler Projects are not only an affordable option to enter into the county livestock show, they also teach the same skills that other livestock projects teach, such as responsibility and sportsmanship.

Time is running out to get your broiler and rabbit projects ordered! Be sure to contact the County Extension Office if you’re interested in participating!