Letting Them Get Your Goat

April showers may bring flowers, but in the world of Robeson County 4-H we are growing animals instead.  Today marked the annual animal science workshop where our youth get their animals and learn how to raise them (not quite in that order).  We started with our rabbit training that included information on rabbits and how to care for them.  Unfortunately our rabbits will not appear until Monday, but our youth learned a lot and had the opportunity to make more plans for their new animals when they come home.
Up next were our poultry competitors.  This year our laying hens are domincs, and very pretty bird that should produce large eggs by next year.  Our youth learned about feed, how to make sure to work at making their coops predator proof, and what to look for in the birds they bring back to the fair.  Each person received 8 biddies to take home, and they will bring their best two back to show at the fair in October.  For those raising broilers they will get their chickens at the end of July, beginning of August.
Speaking of showing.  We had some adorable goats showing off for us.  We have two youth that will be raising and showing goats at the fair.  These two goats have a homes with more love than any goat could imagine.  Both of them however will need a lot of love, work, and patience before they are ready to lead into the show ring in October.  If you would like more information on this program please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.