4-H Feather Classic Chicken Show Is Back for 2026!

(Updated: Jan. 13, 2026, 6:20 a.m.)

The Feather Classic 2026 Chicken Show is back!


 
Registration will close on February 28 at 5:00 P.M. The 4-H Feather Classic is a regional 4-H poultry project and show for youth residing in the North Carolina counties of Caswell, Durham, Orange, and Person. Participating youth in grades K-12 will raise six chicks at home and then exhibit three of their pullets (young laying hens) at the show on September 26th. Along the way, youth will learn animal care and handling skills, participate in webinars to learn more about poultry science, and complete a 4-H project record book. Awards will be presented at the show. Click here to access additional information about the Feather Classic: go.ncsu.edu/2026featherclassic Show Timeline February 1:  Registration opens on Eventbrite at featherclassic.eventbrite.com. February 28 at 5:00 P.M.: Deadline to register. March-September: Participate in activities and webinars associated with the project (ex. Biosecurity best practices, caring for your birds, showmanship clinic, record book tips and tricks) Week of April 27th (TBD): Pick up your chicks from your county Extension Office. September 26th: Official 4-H Feather Classic Show Date.  The show will be held in Roxboro, NC. REGISTRATION VIA EVENTBRITE IS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE YOUR CHICKS AND SHIRT THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN APRIL. ADDITIONAL SHOW REGISTRATION STEPS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 4-H ONLINE. You will pick up your kit including your six chicks and a show t-shirt from your county Extension office in mid-APRIL (estimated week of April 27th). Participants MUST be registered and enrollment approved in their designated county at v2.4honline.com BEFORE registering for the 4-H Feather Classic. Participating youth must be aged 5-18 as of January 1, 2026 (per North Carolina 4-H rules). **Youth who are not registered in Eventbrite & 4-H Online by February 28th will NOT have birds ordred for them. Ticket Purchases are as follows: 4-H Member ($45)- 6 chicks & a t-shirt Additional 4-H Member ($25)- 2 extra chicks and a TShirt Additional 4-H Member ($15)- TShirt ONLY Participants are required to provide a brooder box, heat source, coop, feed, and water for their chicks. Some counties may have some brooding supplies that 4-Hers can borrow. So contact your county agent if interested. Youth exhibitors will receive six (6) female chicks in mid-April (date to be determined) and raise those chicks until the date of the show on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The show will be held in Roxboro, NC.

Registration will close on February 28 at 5:00 P.M.

The 4-H Feather Classic is a regional 4-H poultry project and show for youth residing in the North Carolina counties of Caswell, Durham, Orange, and Person.

Participating youth in grades K-12 will raise six chicks at home and then exhibit three of their pullets (young laying hens) at the show on September 26th. Along the way, youth will learn animal care and handling skills, participate in webinars to learn more about poultry science, and complete a 4-H project record book. Awards will be presented at the show.

Click here to access additional information about the Feather Classic: go.ncsu.edu/2026featherclassic

Show Timeline


February 1:  Registration opens on Eventbrite at featherclassic.eventbrite.com. February 28 at 5:00 P.M.: Deadline to register. March-September: Participate in activities and webinars associated with the project (ex. Biosecurity best practices, caring for your birds, showmanship clinic, record book tips and tricks) Week of April 27th (TBD): Pick up your chicks from your county Extension Office. September 26th: Official 4-H Feather Classic Show Date.  The show will be held in Roxboro, NC.

REGISTRATION VIA EVENTBRITE IS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE YOUR CHICKS AND SHIRT THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN APRIL. ADDITIONAL SHOW REGISTRATION STEPS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 4-H ONLINE. You will pick up your kit including your six chicks and a show t-shirt from your county Extension office in mid-APRIL (estimated week of April 27th).

Participants MUST be registered and enrollment approved in their designated county at v2.4honline.com BEFORE registering for the 4-H Feather Classic. Participating youth must be aged 5-18 as of January 1, 2026 (per North Carolina 4-H rules).

**Youth who are not registered in Eventbrite & 4-H Online by February 28th will NOT have birds ordred for them.

Ticket Purchases are as follows:
  • 4-H Member ($45)- 6 chicks & a t-shirt
  • Additional 4-H Member ($25)- 2 extra chicks and a TShirt
  • Additional 4-H Member ($15)- TShirt ONLY
Participants are required to provide a brooder box, heat source, coop, feed, and water for their chicks. Some counties may have some brooding supplies that 4-Hers can borrow. So contact your county agent if interested.

Youth exhibitors will receive six (6) female chicks in mid-April (date to be determined) and raise those chicks until the date of the show on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The show will be held in Roxboro, NC.

More about this years Chicken Breeds:

Buff Orpingtons are calm and friendly, generally laying 250+ large brown eggs per year. Black Sex Links are calm and friendly and generally lay around 300+ brown eggs per year. Contact your county extension office for more information!

Please contact your local Extension office for more information:
Caswell: 336-694-4158

Durham: 919-560-0525

Person: 336-599-1195

Orange: 919-245-2057

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