California 4H Students Compete with Stuffed Chickens Amid Bird Flu Concerns
Santa Cruz, CA – California 4H students are navigating a new reality at this year’s county fairs: showmanship contests featuring stuffed toy chickens instead of live birds. A statewide ban on live poultry shows, enacted in January, aims to curb the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu).
The change impacts a long-standing tradition for young 4H members, for whom chickens often serve as a first animal project. Kids under nine are typically introduced to animal husbandry through poultry before moving on to larger livestock like pigs or goats.
“They’re like, what? No birds?” said pamela Flanders, who runs the poultry barn at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Flanders emphasized the educational value of interacting with the public,noting that fielding questions from fairgoers helps students mature and deepen their understanding of poultry. “And the people just go from kid to kid to kid, you know, and I think it matures them ’cause they’re having to field questions from all different types of people on all different types of subjects related to birds.”
The shift to stuffed animals presents challenges. Hayley, a participant in the chicken showmanship contest, noted that holding the plush toys is surprisingly difficult. “You would think it would be easier, but no, it’s actually harder ’cause their legs are so far apart.”
Seven-year-old Clayton bettencourt, whose hen Spark hatched from its shell, recently won first place despite the absence of live birds. “I’ve shown her all my life.Her name is Spark,” he said, adding with a touch of sadness, “I still feel bad, like, ’cause there’s no chickens.” Clayton fondly recalled spark’s habit of perching on his shoulder and sharing his corn dog and beans, eventually falling asleep in his lap. ”She’s actually pretty fun. If you had her, you’d have a good time with her ’cause she’s so sweet.”
Veterinarians maintain the ban is necessary to prevent the spread of bird flu, which has been widespread. While some, like Flanders, hope the ban will be lifted next year, officials indicate it is unlikely.This means stuffed chickens may become the standard for 4H poultry competitions in California.
