Cocke County 4-H Chick Chain

2026 4-H Chick Chain

Cocke County Extension Office

Deadline to register is Feb. 2nd by 5pm, there are 35 spots available.

About the Project
The Chick Chain Project provides 4-H youth with a hands-on opportunity to experience the full life cycle of a chicken—from day-old chicks to mature hens—while learning the daily responsibilities of caring for livestock. Participants will track their chicks’ growth and may share progress updates during monthly Chick Chain meetings with fellow members and leaders.

Throughout the project, youth will learn about proper nutrition, animal health, food safety, and develop valuable life skills such as responsibility and record keeping. Participants also have the opportunity to earn awards and recognition by exhibiting their birds at the Cocke County Fair 4-H Poultry Show.

Enrollment is limited. If the program reaches capacity or the deadline is missed, applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
A $60 deposit is required to participate in the 2026 Chick Chain Program. This deposit covers the cost of the chicks and will be fully refunded if the youth brings four (4) chickens to the annual 4-H Chick Chain Auction in August. Applications will not be processed until the deposit is received. This requirement helps ensure the sustainability of the program for future years.

Each participant will receive 10 chicks and may choose to:
•    Keep all 10 birds, or
•    Return 4 birds to be sold at the Chick Chain Auction.

The 4-H Poultry Show will be held at the Poultry Barn on Saturday of the Cocke County A&I Fair.
By signing the application, participants and families agree to:
•    Participate in Chick Chain activities (within reason)
•    Provide proper food, water, care, and predator protection
•    Raise chicks responsibly for the duration of the project

Failure to meet project requirements may result in ineligibility for future Chick Chain participation.


For more information, please contact Lane Brooks jacklbroo@utk.edu or call 423-623-7531 option 2

You'll receive an email confirmation once you checkout. If you do not receive the email, the sale/registration did not complete.