The 4-​H Chick Chain project allows 4th-12th grade 4-H’ers to gain skills in responsibility and management by raising baby chicks into layer hens.

The Chick Chain project is for 4-H members who have a place to raise and care for chickens at their home. Participating 4-H’ers must purchase either 12 or 24 baby chicks to raise. By purchasing chicks through Chick Chain, the 4-H’er is also agreeing to exhibit and sell at least 3 hens at the 4-H Chick Chain Show and Sale in the fall, which will be held in late September. The money from the sale of the birds will be given directly to the 4-H’er from the buyer.

Black Star and Red Star are the breeds available to purchase this year. 4-H’ers may purchase 12 chicks of one breed for $40 or 24 chicks for $80. If ordering 24 chicks, 4-H’ers may order 24 of one breed or 12 of each breed.

Click here to download this year’s informational brochure and registration form.

For more information about the 4-H Chick Chain project, contact Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or email rpetty@utk.edu.    ​

Chick Chain orders are due to the Smith County UT-TSU Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Please bring or mail your and payment to:

UT-TSU Extension Smith County

67 Cookeville Highway, Suite 102

Carthage, TN 37030

You can find more information about Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets in this UT Extension publication.