What do you think of when you think of 4-H? Cattle and sheep? Maybe horses? Or maybe sewing projects and growing produce. For many families in Thurston County, 4-H is going to the birds! Poultry projects have seen huge growth in recent years. You can meet the kids and the birds at the 2026 Thurston County Fair, July 30 through August 2, 2026.
“I believe there is a combination of factors that have led to the rapid growth of our project,” shares Kristin Nelson, 4-H poultry superintendent for Thurston County. “Both the COVID shutdown and avian influenza outbreak drove up the prices of eggs and meat, which led to an explosion of backyard chicken raising across the country. We’ve seen so many new families who got their first couple of chickens in the last six years and fell in love with them. Now their kids love them too.”
At a recent clinic, they had 30 kids show up, Kristin adds. Last year, there were over 160 4-H birds at the Thurston County Fair, and they expect about the same number this year. And, for the first time, there will be pheasant and quail along with chickens, ducks, pigeons and geese.
Poultry a Great Introduction to Livestock 4-H
One of the great things about poultry 4-H is you don’t need as much space as you do for a lot of the other animal projects. And, many city ordinances allow you to have them, so you don’t have to live on a farm. Kristin says it’s also low investment in terms of cost, which makes it accessible for more families. And, it’s something any age 4-Her can do.
“It is the best introduction to the animal projects that 4-H offers,” Kristin adds. “Kids of all ages, even our youngest clover buds (who can start 4-H at age 5) can participate and be successful. Plus, you get the bonus of eating delicious farm-fresh eggs!”
Thurston County 4-H Groups Allow Kids to Try Something New
“I love poultry 4-H because it has made room for so many different kids,” says Jessy Platter, assistant 4-H poultry superintendent for Thurston County. “It’s a great starting point, but also has room for kids to grow.”
Since local 4-H groups that have poultry projects also offer other projects, your kids can try more than one project if they wish. Kristin’s own kids, Owen Spruiell, 8, and Everett Spruiell, 11, are involved in poultry, pocket pet, photographer and crafts with the 24 Carrots Club and dog and cat with the All In 4-H Club. Everett does archery and hunting skills with the Thurston County Shooting Sports Club. Owen is a part of the Robotics club.
Jessy has two kids in the T90 Herdsmen 4-H Club, which she leads. Ilyza is 10 and goes by Izzy. Her projects this year are chickens, pigeons and ducks. Tyrinn, who is 12 and goes by Ty, will have chickens, quail and pheasants.
4-H kids can explore interests while learning important life skills. “I like when you raise chicks and teach them,” shares Izzy, who also shows sheep. “It can be annoying but fun.” She says it’s taught her patience. “They can be annoying and in a bad mood and you just kind of have to deal with it.” She is most looking forward to bringing her duck to the fair, and doing showmanship with her pigeon, Sebastian.
Everett says he has learned about presenting to the public, among other things. “I learned how to give a public presentation, how to care for many different types of animals and how to handle disappointment,” he says. “Showing animals doesn’t always go the way you want, they don’t always cooperate and sometimes things happen and you don’t even get to take that animal to the fair, but just keep going and hopefully learn something.”
His brother Owen loves how easy it is to make friends through poultry 4-H. “I also like hatching eggs and holding baby chicks,” he adds. He is looking forward to showing his silkie chicken, Splat, and eating cotton candy.
Ty is looking forward to being with his friends and says people should check out the poultry barn at the fair. “You can learn about poultry and it’s fun to look at,” he says. “And chickens. They’re really funny.”
See 4-H Projects at the 2026 Thurston County Fair
“Seeing the kids come together during the fair, regardless of what club they are in, is really special,” shares Kristin. “They cheer for each other, rally behind each other when one of them is struggling and all pitch in to keep the barn and cages clean. We have such a special group of families and kids and, maybe I’m biased, but our barn truly is the best.”
During the Thurston County Fair this year, the public will get the chance to hear from the 4-H kids during “4-H in Action” presentations in the poultry barn. The presentation will be on things the kids have learned about poultry or projects they are working on.
4-Hers will also be interacting with the public, showing you their birds and answering questions. Because of the growth, you will find the chicken and turkey showmanship on the food court stage. And, one of the biggest hits of the fair is the bird costume contest – no seriously! – you will not want to miss that. Last year, Sheriff Sanders was the local celebrity judge.
Also new this year is a turkey calling contest where the kids will be testing their homemade turkey calls!
Support these hardworking kids by heading to the Thurston County Fair, checking out their projects and maybe even bidding on a market animal or two! You can also talk to them about enrolling your child in 4-H, which starts back up again in October.
