June 9, 2016
Agricultural & Natural Resources
Safe handling of chicks
Family and Consumer Sciences
Building “grand” fathers
4-H Youth Development
Experiences outweigh ribbons in 4-H livestock shows
Safe handling of chicks
Source: Jacqueline Jacob, UK extension poultry project manager
The intestinal tracts of all mammals have various types of bacteria as part of their natural intestinal microflora. There are many opportunities for young children to be exposed to these bacteria, such as pets, friends, etc. Our state’s most recent salmonella outbreak is a harsh reminder of this as many of the victims are children.
Some types of bacteria may cause diseases like salmonella in susceptible humans. When dealing with animals in any situation personal hygiene is important. This is especially true when handling chicks in your backyard and small poultry flocks. Here are some reminders of proper hygiene practices.
Hand-washing is necessary to reduce any risk of bacterial infections. Wash your hands after coming in contact with any animals, birds or eggs. Proper hand-washing techniques include using soap and warm running water and rubbing your hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you wash the back of your hands and wrists, in between fingers and under your fingernails. Rinse well and thoroughly dry your hands with a paper towel. Turn off faucets with your elbow or a paper towel.
If there is no access to running water, you should use antibacterial hand sanitizers or wipes with at least a 99 percent bacterial kill rate and then wash your hands as described above as soon as possible.
Supervise children when handling birds or animals. Don’t allow them to nuzzle or kiss animals, chicks and ducklings. Don’t allow children to touch their mouths or eyes with their hands during orafter handling animals and birds prior to hand washing. Make sure children don’t eat and drink before thoroughly washing their hands.
You can do a few other things to reduce your risk of exposure of bacteria. Always clean and sanitize an incubator prior to incubating eggs and only set clean eggs from a reliable source. To prevent the potential transmission of bacteria from adults and childrento your chicks or eggs, make sure to wash your hands prior to handling the eggs or birds. You should always thoroughly clean any surfaces that have been contaminated with animal feces. Clean and sanitize the incubator immediately after use and properly dispose ofthe shells and eggs that do not hatch.
For more information, contact your (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Building “grand” fathers
Source: Angelica Reina, child development and parenting education extension specialist
Many of us have fond memories of our grandfathers… the stories, the candy, the fishing lessons and life lessons we learn while visiting them are things we treasure and carry with us throughout our lives. But as family dynamics have changed, more and more grandfathers are finding the old adage of “spoil them rotten and send them home” no longer a reality. In fact, around 2.4 million grandparents across the United States are now raising their grandchildren.
Men are as caring and nurturing with the children as women and the same holds true for grandfathers who care for their grandchildren full time. Grandfathers play a vital role in the lives of these children because they provide them with support, security and encouragement. These things help support positive development and build self confidence in children.
Grandfathers who are retired may have more available time to spend with children. They can use this time to talk with and listen to their grandchildren and reassure them they are loved and are important family members.
They can help provide a link to the past by sharing stories and reminiscing with their grandchildren. This helps children make connections between the past and the present.
At a time when many younger families are dissolved by divorce, it’s not necessarily true with older generations. Grandfathers in this situation have a unique opportunity to show their grandchildren mature, adult love exists and is attainable by holding hands, hugging and kissing their spouse in front of their grandchildren.
Many grandfathers feel ill prepared, scared and worried about parenting a second time. At the same time, they are eager to provide the loving, caring and supporting environment their grandchild needs. Here are some are some helpful tips:
- Seek out support groups. These groups provide a place for people to give and receive emotional and practical support and the opportunity to exchange information.
- Take care of yourself physically and seek help from friends and family when necessary.
- Be an example of healthy aging.
For more information on parenting grandchildren, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Extension Office.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Experiences outweigh ribbons in 4-H livestock shows
Sources: Richard Coffey, chair, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, George Heersche, dairy extension professor and Steve Austin, extension associate for youth livestock programs
4-H livestock and dairy shows are some of the most widely recognized and anticipated events of county fairs and the Kentucky State Fair. While these competitions are meant to be a fun, learning experience for 4-H’ers, some get caught up in the competitive spirit of the event, which can cause hurt feelings if a youth or animal doesn’t place as high as expected.
It is important to remember that judging is not an exact science. Judges for each livestock species have a very rich background in their specific species. They are breeders, producers and industry professionals. However, there is no “perfect” way to judge a livestock show. Judges have a set of criteria to follow for judging each show, but some judges may emphasize certain criteria over others. The important thing is for the judge to remain consistent as he/she judges each animal. Youth and parents must be good sports and gracefully accept the judge’s decision.
Judges look for different things in the two livestock classes, which are showmanship and non-showmanship. In showmanship classes, judges focus on the appearance of the animal and of the young person, the animal’s behavior and the young person’s ability to control the animal. In the non-showmanship classes, emphasis is placed solely on the animal and how close it comes to its species’ standard.
Youth can gain a better understanding of the judging process by becoming involved with 4-H livestock or dairy judging. In judging, young people have to place four animals in a 10 to 15 minute time frame. A show judge must make those same decisions on a larger number of animals at a quicker pace while sticking to the principals of animal evaluation.
Always remember, it is one person’s opinion on a given day. Enjoy working with and preparing your project in the best way possible, set goals and look back at the end of the show season to see all the positives you have accomplished.
As youth across the state gear up for local and state livestock and dairy shows, they and their parents should remember the life skills 4-H’ers learn while raising and preparing an animal for the shows are far more important than where an animal places in a class.
For more information on 4-H livestock and dairy judging and shows, contact the (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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