The Tioga County 4-H Program is offering three different 4-H bird projects for youth nine to 19 years old. An introductory meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the CCE conference room of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building (formerly the Tioga County Office Building). Youth must be enrolled members of the 4-H Program in order to participate. Enrollment information will be available at the meeting.
The 4-H Program has once again partnered with Bruce’s Processing, Athens, Pa. for the 4-H Meat Bird Project. 4-H project members will receive up to 15 birds each; the birds must be taken in five bird lots. There are a limited number of birds available so registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. All birds must go through the 4-H Livestock Auction at the Tioga County Fair.
The 4-H Program has partnered with the Owego Kiwanis, to offer the 4-H Fall Turkey Project. A Kiwanis sponsor will purchase six birds for the participating 4-H member. The 4-H member is responsible for all feed and butchering costs. At the end of the project, the sponsor will get a bird free of charge. The 4-H member will then be responsible for finding buyers for the remaining five birds.
The program will begin in June and 4-H youth will raise the birds until late October at which time the birds will go to the butcher.
The 4-H Ring-Necked Pheasant Raise and Release project is being made available to 4-H through the DEC. Following the introductory meeting, 4-H families will have until Feb. 29 to decide whether to commit to the project or not. The 4-H Office will order all pheasant chicks which are delivered in early May. In order to ensure proper rearing and release conditions for the birds, project leaders will assist members in preparing rearing facilities and evaluate the release site before approving them for the project. Youth will monitor their project and report on their experiences and release numbers to the DEC. The rearing of pheasants requires a great deal of responsibility and commitment but it is an enjoyable and rewarding project. People enjoy seeing and hearing pheasants, and many look forward to the fall hunting opportunities.
To find out more about the Tioga County 4-H Program contact the 4-H Office, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and that provides equal program and employment opportunities.
