I Believe in Chickens by Jared Pearson

I believe in chickens.  For the last four years, I have been in Mr. Jack Broderick's agriculture classes at Seward High School. I have also been involved with the 4-H program for the last ten years.  Because of those Ag classes and 4-H, I have become interested in chickens.  At the county fair I've noticed that if 4-H has an animal exhibit and show, so does FFA.  However, until recently, the poultry division had no FFA class.  Anyone could look and look for an FFA member with a chicken, but would not be able to find one. Having noticed that fact, I suggested to Mr. Broderick that we needed a class for FFA chickens. He agreed and the FFA poultry class was born.  Now, we've created a monster!  There are so many FFA poultry exhibits they fill up every cage in the barn.

I believe in raising chickens for economical reasons.  Their fresh eggs are so much better than the ones sold in stores.  Fresh chickens also provide wonderful meals for families and many people prefer fresh chicken to the store bought variety.  Chickens eat insects, ticks, and just about anything else smaller than them.  They also help control the mosquito population.  Finally, chickens produce a very useful fertilizer when they are out in the open range.

I believe in chickens for education.  They teach lessons such as responsibility, business management, and showmanship.  They demand certain needs and require careful attention.  When they are not out on the open range during the summer, feasting for themselves, food and water must be provided for them.  During the fair the cages must be kept clean and the barn swept up.

I believe in chickens for entertainment.  They provide great excitement for anyone.  There's nothing more interesting than watching chickens frolic around in the green grass.  Once they get outside it's like they have a mind of their own.  They act like young students out on a recess break, running around, playing games with each other. I believe in chickens as 4-H and FFA projects, for economics, for the life lessons and skills they teach, and for the fun they create.  I believe in chickens.